Is it worth applying to durham?

1

I'm thinking of applying to Durham for economics, and their grade requirements are A*AA, however I have been predicted AAA. What are the chances of receiving an offer and is it worth applying to? Would having a good personal statement and doing EPQ also boost your chances?

Reply 1

Scotland Yard

Universities Forum Helper

20

Original post

by James Humphreys

I'm thinking of applying to Durham for economics, and their grade requirements are A*AA, however I have been predicted AAA. What are the chances of receiving an offer and is it worth applying to? Would having a good personal statement and doing EPQ also boost your chances?

It's standard to apply to an "aspirational" choice on UCAS. Sometimes the bet pays off, just don't count on it. If you apply to Durham do make sure your other options are more in line with your predicted grades.

Reply 2

Wired_1800

20

Original post

by James Humphreys

I'm thinking of applying to Durham for economics, and their grade requirements are A*AA, however I have been predicted AAA. What are the chances of receiving an offer and is it worth applying to? Would having a good personal statement and doing EPQ also boost your chances?

Yes, apply

Reply 3

handy-lily

7

i don’t think it’s a good idea to apply if you don’t meet the minimum req ☹️

oxfords entry grades are AAA so if you want to apply to a crazy uni then maybe try there

Reply 4

MerrineGexko27

4

Original post

by James Humphreys

I'm thinking of applying to Durham for economics, and their grade requirements are A*AA, however I have been predicted AAA. What are the chances of receiving an offer and is it worth applying to? Would having a good personal statement and doing EPQ also boost your chances?

There’s technically still a chance, although not a very high one. You might want to try to increase your predicted grades if possible, for example you can talk to your school and present a “game plan” for how you’re going to improve your grade. You’re going to need evidence to show that you can improve however. Your school might agree with you and raise your grade!

Having a great personal statement would defo boost your chances, and so would an EPQ if you did it on economics. If your predicted grades are slightly lower than the grade requirements, the next thing they look at is your potential and how much you enjoy and are ready to learn about your subject. A highly motivated student with slightly lower grades is more sought after than an unmotivated student with higher grades.

But do be prepared that this will be (as someone else said) “aspirational” and you should have realistic back-up options.

Good luck with your applications!

Reply 5

McGinger

20

Yes - one risky choice is worth it, just be prepared for No.
Durham isnt as competitive as it likes to think so you may get an offer.

Reply 6

DurhamRep Mia

Official Rep

6

Original post

by James Humphreys

I'm thinking of applying to Durham for economics, and their grade requirements are A*AA, however I have been predicted AAA. What are the chances of receiving an offer and is it worth applying to? Would having a good personal statement and doing EPQ also boost your chances?

Hey! 😊 Definitely still worth applying to Durham plenty of people get offers from their aspirational choice of university, especially if the rest of their application is strong. If you’re predicted AAA for a course asking A*AA, you’re only one grade off, which isn’t a huge gap, and Durham often looks holistically at the whole application. A strong personal statement that shows real interest in economics, plus doing an EPQ, can really help demonstrate academic engagement and independent research skills which are both things Durham values a lot.

Also, if you qualify for contextual consideration (depending on your school or postcode), that can make an even bigger difference. So it is absolutely worth applying!

Best of luck. 🤩

Mia (DU rep)

Is it worth applying to durham?

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