Uni applications
I am predicted AAB (including A in maths), I have achieved these grades in my most recent mocks (and previously) and so I think they’re achievable. Would it be too much of a stretch to apply to Birmingham economics, with maths alevel they suggest that the offer would be AAA, however I have also done an EPQ (predicted A*) which would hopefully lower it to AAB+A in EPQ. I understand that if I had applied to 4 places this would be okay as a 5th but I am already applying to two other competitive courses so I want one where I have a slightly stronger chance of getting an offer! I really like Birmingham and their economics course when I went to the open day and that’s what is really making me want to apply there
Reply 1
Hello,
I submitted my UCAS application 2 weeks ago, so am in a similar mindset to you. Looking at you applying to Birmingham independently it doesn't seem like a stretch at all, and I would look at it as a good 'reach' (most careers counselors advise at least 1 reach course that is above your predicteds, with 2 safeties that are slightly below and 2 courses where your predicteds meet the requirements). Obviously that is only a guideline, and it depends on your mix of unis, but applying to many 'reaches' has its risk attached.
Since you are asking about this now I'm assuming your application is ready? I would recommend (keeping in mind that I am a student and don't have professional experience in these matters) that you apply to the 4 you are sure about and see what kind of replies you get. After you submit you can add uni choices up until Jan 15, so if you get any safe offers before that (for example an ABB offer) you have that as your safety and there's no risk in applying to Birmingham.
This is what I've done, I only applied to 3 unis and have already gotten a reply, so that will influence what other two unis I decide to add to my application.
Hope this all makes sense and helps you with your decision. All the best!
I submitted my UCAS application 2 weeks ago, so am in a similar mindset to you. Looking at you applying to Birmingham independently it doesn't seem like a stretch at all, and I would look at it as a good 'reach' (most careers counselors advise at least 1 reach course that is above your predicteds, with 2 safeties that are slightly below and 2 courses where your predicteds meet the requirements). Obviously that is only a guideline, and it depends on your mix of unis, but applying to many 'reaches' has its risk attached.
Since you are asking about this now I'm assuming your application is ready? I would recommend (keeping in mind that I am a student and don't have professional experience in these matters) that you apply to the 4 you are sure about and see what kind of replies you get. After you submit you can add uni choices up until Jan 15, so if you get any safe offers before that (for example an ABB offer) you have that as your safety and there's no risk in applying to Birmingham.
This is what I've done, I only applied to 3 unis and have already gotten a reply, so that will influence what other two unis I decide to add to my application.
Hope this all makes sense and helps you with your decision. All the best!
Reply 2
Hi there,
Thankyou @daniya08 that is very good advice 🙂 and Rabbit, being predicted AAB is great so huge congrats for those solid grades.
Applying to Birmingham does not sound unrealistic for you at all. In fact it sounds like a very good and sensible aspirational choice. I would say from an admissions perspective that applying for two aspirationals is okay but applying to three is risky. Its more advisable to apply for:
As above, you do not need to submit all of your choices at once, and so if you wanted to reply outright to Birmingham, plus your insurance, plus one realistic choice to see if you receive offers, you can easily add another two later depending on the situation.
Wishing you all the best of luck 🙂
Thankyou @daniya08 that is very good advice 🙂 and Rabbit, being predicted AAB is great so huge congrats for those solid grades.
Applying to Birmingham does not sound unrealistic for you at all. In fact it sounds like a very good and sensible aspirational choice. I would say from an admissions perspective that applying for two aspirationals is okay but applying to three is risky. Its more advisable to apply for:
•
1-2 aspirationals
•
2-3 realistic choices (predicteds ~= entry requirements)
•
1 insurance/safety net (entry requirements 1-3 grades lower than predicteds) - this has got to be a place you really like too
As above, you do not need to submit all of your choices at once, and so if you wanted to reply outright to Birmingham, plus your insurance, plus one realistic choice to see if you receive offers, you can easily add another two later depending on the situation.
Wishing you all the best of luck 🙂
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Application deadline help
- Clearing before officially dropping out?
- Is it normal for admissions to not get back by the deadline date?
- Can uni see my past UCAS application materials even if I didn't apply to this uni
- is it too late to apply for uni?
- Can you reapply on UCAS for the next cycle whilst holding a confirmed offer ?
- how long for ucas to process an application?
- Advice on university applications
- Early offers
- Scottish Uni’s
- UCAS application query
- Student Finance Question
- when do unis send out offers?
- dumb question: new application on UCAS
- UCL update
- If I'm applying to Oxford, does the Oct 15th deadline also apply to my other choices?
- Scottish Uni’s
- University of Aberdeen Applicant Thread 2026
- I applied in November and have still not received any UCAS updates
- Getting settled status after UCAS application but before uni start date
Latest
Trending
Last reply 1 week ago
LSE BSc Economics and Economic History (VL31) 2025 ApplicantsLast reply 3 months ago
PPE/ Politics and Economics - Oxford, KCL, Bath, Warwick, ExeterLast reply 3 months ago
URGENT - Econ unis - should i drop fm - URGENTLast reply 4 months ago
is applying aspirationally to UCL/LSE/KCL realisticLast reply 4 months ago
LSE and Oxford admissions - GCSE gradesLast reply 4 months ago
Do I have a chance in Bristol and Bath for economics?Last reply 5 months ago
What is better for career prospects? Management at Warwick or Economics at NottinghamLast reply 5 months ago
Should I go for a better uni without accreditations or a worse uni with accreditationLast reply 5 months ago
Is Economics (( or Finance )) degree worth it??
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
