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UCAS Application

Hi everyone,

I’m applying for Law this year and really want York as one of my choices. The standard offer is AAA, but I’m currently predicted A*, A, C. I know the C is the weak point, but I’ve heard mixed things about how strict universities actually are with predicted grades.
Does anyone know how flexible York can be?
Is it possible for a strong overall application (good personal statement, strong reference, international student, good extracurriculars, etc.) to outweigh one lower predicted grade?
There isn’t much clear info about how York handles this behind the scenes, so I’m trying to figure out whether it’s still worth applying.
Additionally, despite undergoing a plethora of research I am unsure where else to apply to, I am particularly interested in PBL which York offers etc...

I am thinking...

•

Uni of York

•

Uni of Liverpool

•

Uni of Sheffield

Any insights from students who got in without perfect predictions, or anyone who’s been through the Law admissions process, would be really appreciated!

Reply 1

UniofLawstudent2

Official Rep

Original post

by pinklemonpiggy

Hi everyone,
I’m applying for Law this year and really want York as one of my choices. The standard offer is AAA, but I’m currently predicted A*, A, C. I know the C is the weak point, but I’ve heard mixed things about how strict universities actually are with predicted grades.
Does anyone know how flexible York can be?
Is it possible for a strong overall application (good personal statement, strong reference, international student, good extracurriculars, etc.) to outweigh one lower predicted grade?
There isn’t much clear info about how York handles this behind the scenes, so I’m trying to figure out whether it’s still worth applying.
Additionally, despite undergoing a plethora of research I am unsure where else to apply to, I am particularly interested in PBL which York offers etc...
I am thinking...

•

Uni of York

•

Uni of Liverpool

•

Uni of Sheffield

Any insights from students who got in without perfect predictions, or anyone who’s been through the Law admissions process, would be really appreciated!

I can’t speak for York’s internal decisions, but here’s a general picture:

Predicted grades matter, but they’re not everything
Universities usually set standard offers (AAA for York Law) as guidance.
A lower predicted grade doesn’t automatically rule you out, especially if the rest of your application is strong, personal statement, reference, extracurriculars, and context can all help.

It’s worth applying if you meet most requirements
York sees the whole application, so having strong A* and A grades in key subjects is a positive.
Admissions tutors may be more flexible if they see genuine academic potential and interest in Law.

Other options
Liverpool and Sheffield are solid alternatives, especially if you like the Law courses they offer.
Applying to a mix of “reach” and “safe” choices is a sensible strategy.

PBL focus
If Problem-Based Learning is important to you, highlight this in your personal statement, it shows genuine interest and research, which always strengthens your application.

Bottom line: Definitely still worth applying to York, but make sure you have a couple of backup choices where your predicted grades are comfortably within their requirements.

Hope this helps,
Ulaw,
Alfred.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 2

Sam6643

i think you still have a strong chance as long as you have safety options it doesn't hurt applying there, are you eligible for contexual offers?

Reply 3

pinklemonpiggy

Original post

by Sam6643

i think you still have a strong chance as long as you have safety options it doesn't hurt applying there, are you eligible for contexual offers?

I am not eligible for contextual offers. I am determined to work really hard to imrpove by c to an A, and hopefully have A*, A, A and potentially go through clearing (I am aware I should NOT rely on this though)

Reply 4

University of York

Official Rep

Hi

We're delighted you're considering the University of York!

We receive a very high volume of applications each year and, due to the competitive nature of our Law programme, being predicted to meet our typical entry requirements does not automatically guarantee an offer of admission. Strong applications may be unsuccessful.

Please note that we consider all applications and any additional information that you send us but we are unable to give an indication of whether you will be made an offer. It is also likely that we will hold applications until the UCAS deadline for equal consideration (14th January 2026) before making any decisions. Please continue to refer to your UCAS Hub account for our decision.

We would be happy to consider your academic achievements fully at the time of application. In addition we will assess ability and suitability for the course applied to, skills, interests, motivation and potential as indicated in the Personal Statement and Reference. We consider all applications on an individual basis, however we are unable to advise if you would be guaranteed an offer pre-application.

Wishing you all the best!