Predicted AAAA (+ A* EPQ) is it worth me trying to apply

I realise the title sounds arsey - but I had initially not applied as my grades were A*AAB (+A*) and thought the B especially looked bad. I have obviously now missed the Oxbridge deadline (where I would like to apply), and thus made a contingency plan to apply for an Art Foundation, before applying for Uni in September once I have achieved grades (for '27 entry), or just by going through clearing for '26 entry.

I'm very passionate about my degree choice (politics/politics IR/HSPS), but do doubt that
a) I would achieve such good grades in the real thing,
b) that I would get into Cambridge regardless.

Should I be trying to scrape together a personal statement? I reckon in my real exams the maximum I would get would be AAB and then an A* in Art, but LSE for example don't really take that into account. I would like to apply to LSE, Edinburgh, Glasgow for sure, and then maybe Manchester and Bristol? I know I could just do it and see where it gets me, and if I'm not happy, try again in September, but my mum thinks getting rejected would dispirit me before ALevels!!

Reply 1

McGinger

Which degree subject?
And unless its an essential subject, drop the B grade A level now - no Uni requires 4 A levels.

Reply 2

AllThingsCCCU

Official Rep

Original post

by Selvifrost

I realise the title sounds arsey - but I had initially not applied as my grades were A*AAB (+A*) and thought the B especially looked bad. I have obviously now missed the Oxbridge deadline (where I would like to apply), and thus made a contingency plan to apply for an Art Foundation, before applying for Uni in September once I have achieved grades (for '27 entry), or just by going through clearing for '26 entry.
I'm very passionate about my degree choice (politics/politics IR/HSPS), but do doubt that
a) I would achieve such good grades in the real thing,
b) that I would get into Cambridge regardless.
Should I be trying to scrape together a personal statement? I reckon in my real exams the maximum I would get would be AAB and then an A* in Art, but LSE for example don't really take that into account. I would like to apply to LSE, Edinburgh, Glasgow for sure, and then maybe Manchester and Bristol? I know I could just do it and see where it gets me, and if I'm not happy, try again in September, but my mum thinks getting rejected would dispirit me before ALevels!!

It’s important to remember that predicted grades do not guarantee final results, and many students apply with a range of predictions and still receive strong offers. If you feel confident that your personal statement, academic interest, and wider reading can reflect your passion for the subject, applying now could still be worthwhile. Even if outcomes aren’t what you hoped for, it won’t prevent you from applying again with achieved grades next year.
Alternatively, taking time to complete an Art Foundation and applying with your final grades can be a sensible route if you’d prefer to strengthen your application and reduce pressure during A-levels.
Ultimately, there is no “wrong” option. Consider what will support your confidence and wellbeing during exam preparation. If you decide to apply now, see it as an opportunity rather than an outcome, and if you’d rather wait until results day, that is also a valid plan.
Whatever you choose, make sure the decision helps you stay motivated rather than discouraged.

Reply 3

University of Bath

Official Rep

Original post

by Selvifrost

I realise the title sounds arsey - but I had initially not applied as my grades were A*AAB (+A*) and thought the B especially looked bad. I have obviously now missed the Oxbridge deadline (where I would like to apply), and thus made a contingency plan to apply for an Art Foundation, before applying for Uni in September once I have achieved grades (for '27 entry), or just by going through clearing for '26 entry.
I'm very passionate about my degree choice (politics/politics IR/HSPS), but do doubt that
a) I would achieve such good grades in the real thing,
b) that I would get into Cambridge regardless.
Should I be trying to scrape together a personal statement? I reckon in my real exams the maximum I would get would be AAB and then an A* in Art, but LSE for example don't really take that into account. I would like to apply to LSE, Edinburgh, Glasgow for sure, and then maybe Manchester and Bristol? I know I could just do it and see where it gets me, and if I'm not happy, try again in September, but my mum thinks getting rejected would dispirit me before ALevels!!

Hi there,

A*A*AB + A* is a fantastic set of predicted grades so huge congrats on securing those, this will open a lot of really great doors for you.

There is a lot to consider when you are thinking of applying to Oxford and Cambridge:

•

These places are extremely competitive - how would you feel about doing an interview?

•

The level of academic pressure VS emphasis on the fun side of student life is quite a bit higher at Oxbridge - is this something you would thrive on, or something that you would find overwhelming?

If this was something you really wanted to do and you ended up with achieved grades that meet their criteria, then applying for 2027 is a good option. You could always add a few of your other choices (e.g. Glasgow) just in case you did not receive offers from them, then when the time comes you can decide where you'd like to go then. It might remove the stress of applying with a rushed personal statement this year - it would be much better to have time to think about it and get some support with it.

As for your doubts, I don't think anyone fully knows what to expect when starting a uni course or whether they'll do well - if you are passionate and enjoy the subject however, this will be a huge motivation and will help you do well.

I hope this helps a bit and best of luck 🙂

Reply 4

LancashireRep4

Official Rep

Original post

by Selvifrost

I realise the title sounds arsey - but I had initially not applied as my grades were A*AAB (+A*) and thought the B especially looked bad. I have obviously now missed the Oxbridge deadline (where I would like to apply), and thus made a contingency plan to apply for an Art Foundation, before applying for Uni in September once I have achieved grades (for '27 entry), or just by going through clearing for '26 entry.
I'm very passionate about my degree choice (politics/politics IR/HSPS), but do doubt that
a) I would achieve such good grades in the real thing,
b) that I would get into Cambridge regardless.
Should I be trying to scrape together a personal statement? I reckon in my real exams the maximum I would get would be AAB and then an A* in Art, but LSE for example don't really take that into account. I would like to apply to LSE, Edinburgh, Glasgow for sure, and then maybe Manchester and Bristol? I know I could just do it and see where it gets me, and if I'm not happy, try again in September, but my mum thinks getting rejected would dispirit me before ALevels!!

Hi @Selvifrost

I see you have already received some excellent advice.

Firstly, there is no harm in applying for university this year. It at least gives you some options if you change your mind in the next 6 months or so. Oxbridge is highly competitive, so it's best to still apply now for your other options, then see your results and decide what's the next step. You have no obligation to attend the university you got into on results day, just make sure to notify them.

Just incase you do reapply for Oxbridge universities, you may want to spend some time after exams to gaining experiences that will benefit your personal statement.

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Lancashire)