I need help

2

HII im new here, im in year 13 rn and I do bio chem maths plus an EPQ. I really want to apply to computer science courses at UCL, Bristol, Edinburgh, (havent decided my other options yet). But im worried about my grades being competetive enough...

My GCSE's are:99988877774, the 4 was in DT idk if it matters but my core subjects i got 7s and 8s and my 9s were RS history and arabic.

I'm currently predicted A*AA with an A in my EPQ. If i can write a banger personal statement would it be worth applying to these unis or are my chances cooked because i dont do CS a level or further maths or smth like that?

Id thank anyone for some advice : )

Reply 1

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by ireallylikepizza

HII im new here, im in year 13 rn and I do bio chem maths plus an EPQ. I really want to apply to computer science courses at UCL, Bristol, Edinburgh, (havent decided my other options yet). But im worried about my grades being competetive enough...

My GCSE's are:99988877774, the 4 was in DT idk if it matters but my core subjects i got 7s and 8s and my 9s were RS history and arabic.

I'm currently predicted A*AA with an A in my EPQ. If i can write a banger personal statement would it be worth applying to these unis or are my chances cooked because i dont do CS a level or further maths or smth like that?

Id thank anyone for some advice : )

Do any of them state FM or COMPSCI is essential or preferred? If not, apply. Unis don't have hidden requirements or preferences. It wouldn't help them to have unsuitable people apply.

Reply 2

ireallylikepizza

OP

2

Original post

by Admit-One

Do any of them state FM or COMPSCI is essential or preferred? If not, apply. Unis don't have hidden requirements or preferences. It wouldn't help them to have unsuitable people apply.

Not the ones i'm thinking of applying for currently, its just an A* Predicted in Maths which ive managed to secure. But If i manage to convince my Chemistry teachers to bump me up to an A* too, ill have 2 A*s and will probably apply to Manchester CS. I was mainly worried thinking why would these Unis pick me over someone who does FM or compsci a level when im a bio chem maths kid ?

Reply 3

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by ireallylikepizza

I was mainly worried thinking why would these Unis pick me over someone who does FM or compsci a level when im a bio chem maths kid ?

Working in admissions I can't think of a single uni that requires COMPSCI as a prerequisite for taking the subject at undergrad. They all just ask for Maths as standard. It's a box to tick, not something that is going to make you a more credible candidate.

Reply 4

Wendycandy

2

Hi I am in 7th grade

Reply 5

ireallylikepizza

OP

2

HII im new here, im in year 13 rn and I do bio chem maths plus an EPQ. I really want to apply to computer science courses at UCL, Bristol, Edinburgh, (havent decided my other options yet). But im worried about my grades being competetive enough...

My GCSE's are:99988877774, the 4 was in DT idk if it matters but my core subjects i got 7s and 8s and my 9s were RS history and arabic.

I'm currently predicted A*AA with an A in my EPQ. If i can write a banger personal statement would it be worth applying to these unis or are my chances cooked because i dont do CS a level or further maths or smth like that? Ive also just sat the TARA for UCL admission although ill need to wait like a month for my score. Would these unis even consider me because surely everyone with FM and compsi a level will be applying and more likely to get in?

Id thank anyone for some advice : )

Reply 6

BU Official Rep

Official Rep

7

Original post

by ireallylikepizza

HII im new here, im in year 13 rn and I do bio chem maths plus an EPQ. I really want to apply to computer science courses at UCL, Bristol, Edinburgh, (havent decided my other options yet). But im worried about my grades being competetive enough...
My GCSE's are:99988877774, the 4 was in DT idk if it matters but my core subjects i got 7s and 8s and my 9s were RS history and arabic.
I'm currently predicted A*AA with an A in my EPQ. If i can write a banger personal statement would it be worth applying to these unis or are my chances cooked because i dont do CS a level or further maths or smth like that? Ive also just sat the TARA for UCL admission although ill need to wait like a month for my score. Would these unis even consider me because surely everyone with FM and compsi a level will be applying and more likely to get in?
Id thank anyone for some advice : )

Hi @ireallylikepizza - Typically, entry requirements are based on how many UCAS points you have from your Level 3 qualifications (like A-Levels or equivalent).

For example, our Computer Science course requires 104 UCAS points (which is about BCC grades at A-Level) and GCSE Maths & English grade 4 or above. There are no subject requirements.

You can actually see how many points your qualifications/grades would hold by using the UCAS Tariff Point Calculator. Hopefully this helps in your course search :smile:

Isla
BU Official Rep

Reply 7

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

Universities have to be completely transparent about their entry requirements. Look on the course pages for these degrees and see exactly what is required, preferred or recommended subject wise. If a subject is required and you dont have it then you will be automatically rejected, unless occasionally if theres a caveat such as your school not offering it, in which case you’d need to contact the uni to ask if they will accept your application. If a subject is preferred then not having it will disadvantage your application but you will still have a chance, especially if you use your ps to explain how you found a passion for comp sci despite it not being reflected in your subject choices. If a subject is mentioned as helpful then it doesn’t make a difference to the strength of your application but you may struggle with course content during the first year of your degree compared to students who took that subject at a level. If your predicted grades are below asking then thats fine, provided that you have some solid and safe choices (below your predicted grades).

Reply 8

McGinger

20

The assessment weightings for CS at Bristol are GCSE 20% and A-Level 80%. They do not read PS. There are no specific GCSE subject/grade requirements. The entry requirements are A*AA including A* in Mathematics, there is no mention of FM being preferred. Unis have to be totally upfront and honest about this - if they do prefer FM, they have to tell you.

So, all of this means that at Bristol the emphasis on GCSEs is relatively small, and with otherwise good GCSE grades, one grade 4 is not going to have a major impact on your application - and there is no immediate advantage if you are taking FM.

Other Universities will use different weightings, and may state that they prefer FM, so you need to read the course page carefully - and contact them if you want more specific information.

Reply 9

McGinger

20

Please don't multi-post on different forums.

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