Struggling to Choose Between Dentistry and Chemical Engineering (Need Honest Advice)
Hey everyone,
I’m stuck choosing between Dentistry and Chemical Engineering and need some honest advice.
My GCSEs are: 9 Arabic, 8 Chem, 7 Maths, and 6s in Bio, Physics, and English. I’m a contextual applicant predicted 3 A* (Bio, Chem, Maths). I haven’t done my UCAT yet.
I know Dentistry is super competitive, and I’m worried I’ll be competing with people who have all 9s and high UCAT scores. But I also don’t want to give up on it if I still have a real chance.
Chemical Engineering looks solid and uses my strengths, but I don’t have Physics A-level — not sure how much that matters. I do bio chem and maths.
So honestly, should I go all in for Dentistry or play it safe with Chem Eng?
I’m stuck choosing between Dentistry and Chemical Engineering and need some honest advice.
My GCSEs are: 9 Arabic, 8 Chem, 7 Maths, and 6s in Bio, Physics, and English. I’m a contextual applicant predicted 3 A* (Bio, Chem, Maths). I haven’t done my UCAT yet.
I know Dentistry is super competitive, and I’m worried I’ll be competing with people who have all 9s and high UCAT scores. But I also don’t want to give up on it if I still have a real chance.
Chemical Engineering looks solid and uses my strengths, but I don’t have Physics A-level — not sure how much that matters. I do bio chem and maths.
So honestly, should I go all in for Dentistry or play it safe with Chem Eng?
Reply 1
10
Original post
by dah42023Hey everyone,
I’m stuck choosing between Dentistry and Chemical Engineering and need some honest advice.
My GCSEs are: 9 Arabic, 8 Chem, 7 Maths, and 6s in Bio, Physics, and English. I’m a contextual applicant predicted 3 A* (Bio, Chem, Maths). I haven’t done my UCAT yet.
I know Dentistry is super competitive, and I’m worried I’ll be competing with people who have all 9s and high UCAT scores. But I also don’t want to give up on it if I still have a real chance.
Chemical Engineering looks solid and uses my strengths, but I don’t have Physics A-level — not sure how much that matters. I do bio chem and maths.
So honestly, should I go all in for Dentistry or play it safe with Chem Eng?
I’m stuck choosing between Dentistry and Chemical Engineering and need some honest advice.
My GCSEs are: 9 Arabic, 8 Chem, 7 Maths, and 6s in Bio, Physics, and English. I’m a contextual applicant predicted 3 A* (Bio, Chem, Maths). I haven’t done my UCAT yet.
I know Dentistry is super competitive, and I’m worried I’ll be competing with people who have all 9s and high UCAT scores. But I also don’t want to give up on it if I still have a real chance.
Chemical Engineering looks solid and uses my strengths, but I don’t have Physics A-level — not sure how much that matters. I do bio chem and maths.
So honestly, should I go all in for Dentistry or play it safe with Chem Eng?
Most dental schools don't really use the GCSEs other than basic requirements. So, just focus on getting a good UCAT and you'll be in a chance to get an interview at most unis. You can always put Chem Eng as your 5th choice. That way you've got both options covered 😉
Reply 2
UCAT's have finished this year for 2026 entry to dentisrty I think.
Even with your GCSE's I think there would still be some Universities you could apply to for dentistry if you score well enough on the UCAT - especially if you get your predicted grades. There are several Uni's that prioritise a good UCAT score over GCSE's as long as you have English Language 6. Also the contextual will really help. So i wouldn't rule out dentistry yet! Good luck x
Even with your GCSE's I think there would still be some Universities you could apply to for dentistry if you score well enough on the UCAT - especially if you get your predicted grades. There are several Uni's that prioritise a good UCAT score over GCSE's as long as you have English Language 6. Also the contextual will really help. So i wouldn't rule out dentistry yet! Good luck x
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- physics or geography a level? please help
- Economics or Chemical engineering?
- Chemical Engineering or Medicine?
- Civil engineering vs dentistry
- Chem degree jobs?
- Chem engineering without maths and physics
- Chemistry or Physics at degree level.
- Career from chemistry bsc or mechanical engineering BEng
- Possible majors?
- Medicine?dentistry or Computer Engineering/Development
- Engineering Durham vs Edinburgh
- Parent trying to force me to go to a different uni
- Medicine vs Dentistry vs Pharmacy
- Engineering vs. Medicine: Stuck Between Dreams and Expectations
- Which subject should I drop?
- Struggling to decide between Nottingham or UCL for chemical engineering
- chemical engineering
- Personal Statement Questions
- UCL Biochemical Engineering AMA
- A-level Chemistry or Politics?
Latest
Trending
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
