University minimum requirements

Is it safe to apply to unis with predicts just barely reaching the minimum requirement. For example I’m think on applying a course with minimum requirements A*AA, so is it a lot safer to be predicted at least 2 A* since being predicted right at the minimum feel uncertain.

Reply 1

solitary-dispute

Original post

by Cyiuuuuu_phx

Depends on the Uni. Unis like oxford won't be safe but some other Unis would be perfectly fine with the predictions. Also the competitiveness of the course matters as well

Reply 2

McGinger

Which degree subject and what are your predicted grades?

Reply 3

Cyiuuuuu_phx

Original post

by solitary-dispute

Depends on the Uni. Unis like oxford won't be safe but some other Unis would be perfectly fine with the predictions. Also the competitiveness of the course matters as well

I’m thinking to apply for psychology courses in ucl lse which are really hard to get in

Reply 4

McGinger

Original post

by Cyiuuuuu_phx

I’m thinking to apply for psychology courses in ucl lse which are really hard to get in

Then apply to somewhere more realistic. These Unis are not actually inherently 'better' than any other Uni - they just get more applications. What are your predicted grades?

Reply 5

University of Bath

Official Rep

Original post

by Cyiuuuuu_phx

I’m thinking to apply for psychology courses in ucl lse which are really hard to get in

Hi there!

It sounds like you've been predicted A*AA - is that correct?

I would say absolutely apply to UCL and LSE and have them as your aspirational choices, but as above make sure that your other choices are more in line with your predicted grades - i.e. have a couple of AAA/A*AA choices and have a choice with a couple of grades lower than what you're predicted as a safety net option.

Its always good to have something positive to aim for and it is not a bad thing to apply for a uni or two with grade requirements a little higher than you're predicted - just be realistic with yourself and remember how popular and competitive these places are. However as McGinger has said, if you do a BPS accredited course a lot of the content will be the same everywhere - so even if you do not manage to get into UCL or LSE with a great set of grades like that there will be loads of other very good unis you could apply to and have a very good academic experience.

Hoping this helps - best of luck with everything!

Reply 6

Cyiuuuuu_phx

Original post

by University of Bath

Hi there!
It sounds like you've been predicted A*AA - is that correct?
I would say absolutely apply to UCL and LSE and have them as your aspirational choices, but as above make sure that your other choices are more in line with your predicted grades - i.e. have a couple of AAA/A*AA choices and have a choice with a couple of grades lower than what you're predicted as a safety net option.
Its always good to have something positive to aim for and it is not a bad thing to apply for a uni or two with grade requirements a little higher than you're predicted - just be realistic with yourself and remember how popular and competitive these places are. However as McGinger has said, if you do a BPS accredited course a lot of the content will be the same everywhere - so even if you do not manage to get into UCL or LSE with a great set of grades like that there will be loads of other very good unis you could apply to and have a very good academic experience.
Hoping this helps - best of luck with everything!

It truly helps! Thanks a lot :biggrin:

Reply 7

Cyiuuuuu_phx

Original post

by McGinger

Then apply to somewhere more realistic. These Unis are not actually inherently 'better' than any other Uni - they just get more applications. What are your predicted grades?

Well we won’t get them until late November. But I think I can at least get 1 A* and 2 As

Reply 8

McGinger

Original post

by Cyiuuuuu_phx

Well we won’t get them until late November. But I think I can at least get 1 A* and 2 As

Why such late predictions - presumably your school had students applying for October deadline courses, and they had predicted grades?

Reply 9

solitary-dispute

Original post

by McGinger

Why such late predictions - presumably your school had students applying for October deadline courses, and they had predicted grades?

Exactly Oxbridge had their deadline in October

Reply 10

LSBU

Official Rep

Original post

by Cyiuuuuu_phx

Hi there,

That’s a great question, and honestly, being predicted just at the minimum entry requirements is not something to worry too much about. Most universities, including London South Bank University (LSBU), don’t look at grades in isolation. They assess your overall potential, including your personal statement, enthusiasm for the subject, and any relevant projects or work experience. So, even if you’re right on the boundary or slightly below, you still have a solid chance if you show genuine passion and commitment.

At London South Bank University (LSBU), for example, we use the UCAS Tariff points system, so if a course asks for around 112–120 UCAS points, that’s typically equivalent to BBB–BBC at A-level. LSBU’s admissions team takes a holistic approach, meaning they also consider your personal statement, academic potential, relevant experience, and motivation for the subject. So even if you’re predicted right at the minimum requirement, or slightly below in one subject, a strong application can still secure you an offer. LSBU’s teaching style is practical and supportive, and you’re surrounded by lecturers who genuinely want you to succeed. Once you’re here, you’ll have access to academic mentors, workshops, and one-to-one support to help you reach your full potential.

If you’re still unsure, I’d definitely recommend joining our Open Day on Saturday 15th November. You’ll be able to chat directly with admissions tutors about your predicted grades, learn how offers are made, and get tips on how to strengthen your application.

👉 You can sign up here: LSBU Open Day.
👉 You can also chat with our students through our Unibuddy platform: Chat with our students.

Remember, it’s better to aim high than to hold yourself back. Sometimes all it takes is showing how passionate you are for a university to see the potential you already have.