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Ucas help choices urgent

So basically i have an achieved A in Arabic, And predicted grades A (Geo), C (Bio), and D (Chem). I already submitted my application, but I have 14 days to change one of my options. I've put Exeter for geography but the Penryn Campus, and I really want to apply to the streatham campus. For the Penryn campus, requirement is BBB and in Streatham its AAA-AAB. On UCAS is does say the most common grade is AAB, and lowest grades ABB. But ive heard that the UCAS stats are extremely unreliable. So do i hate the risk?

My other options ive put are KCL, QMUL, Lancaster and Royal Holloway. KCL is an aspirational choice aswell.

Reply 1

Yes, those stats are unreliable - they are the grades that were accepted in August, not the grades that people applied with - and as they will include applicants accepted with lower grades because of mitigating circumstances, WP access schemes etc, they are not a reliable indicator of 'will I get an offer'.

However, its worth applying to the Streatham course - Exeter is not as competitive as it likes to think, and Geog isnt a mega-competitive subject at any Uni. With AAC with an A in Geography you will probably be considered for an offer - if that your top choice, go for it. Which is your potential Insurance choice from the Unis you have listed?

Reply 2

Original post
by yaz_marz
So basically i have an achieved A in Arabic, And predicted grades A (Geo), C (Bio), and D (Chem). I already submitted my application, but I have 14 days to change one of my options. I've put Exeter for geography but the Penryn Campus, and I really want to apply to the streatham campus. For the Penryn campus, requirement is BBB and in Streatham its AAA-AAB. On UCAS is does say the most common grade is AAB, and lowest grades ABB. But ive heard that the UCAS stats are extremely unreliable. So do i hate the risk?
My other options ive put are KCL, QMUL, Lancaster and Royal Holloway. KCL is an aspirational choice aswell.

Hi @yaz_marz,

Some great predictions there, so well done. I agree with @McGinger that it's worth you applying to the Streatham campus. I would recommend reaching out to the enquirers or admissions team if you have any doubts or questions as they are there to support with applications.

I think it's important to study the right course and at the right university so make sure you are happy with your decisions whilst you have some time. A really simple trick that helped me decide between courses and universities was making a pros and cons list for each course or uni. Seeing the positives and negatives to each on paper, made it a lot easier for me to decide. Trust your instincts, as you know best what would be suitable for you and right for you. Applying for Streatham as an example if that's where you'd rather study instead of the Penryn campus. Best of luck! You've got this 🙂

Best wishes, ^Zac
(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 3

Original post
by yaz_marz
So basically i have an achieved A in Arabic, And predicted grades A (Geo), C (Bio), and D (Chem). I already submitted my application, but I have 14 days to change one of my options. I've put Exeter for geography but the Penryn Campus, and I really want to apply to the streatham campus. For the Penryn campus, requirement is BBB and in Streatham its AAA-AAB. On UCAS is does say the most common grade is AAB, and lowest grades ABB. But ive heard that the UCAS stats are extremely unreliable. So do i hate the risk?
My other options ive put are KCL, QMUL, Lancaster and Royal Holloway. KCL is an aspirational choice aswell.

Hi @yaz_marz,

Honestly, if you love the idea of Exeter, Penryn is such a good choice for Geography, and people underestimate how strong it is. Streatham is definitely the more traditional, big campus and tends to attract slightly higher grades, but it’s hard to predict admissions exactly - some years are more flexible than others. So I wouldn’t say your chances are impossible, just that Penryn might be the more secure option.

Penryn is genuinely one of the nicest places you can study Geography in the UK. The location is incredible. You’re right by the coastline, surrounded by real field sites, nature reserves, marine environments, and so many opportunities for hands-on learning. Geography students love how practical and immersive the teaching is down there. The campus vibe is also lovely - smaller, friendlier, really laid-back, and you get the bonus of being next to Falmouth, which is such a fun student town. Loads of beach days, cafés, live music, and a creative atmosphere.

It’s a different experience from Streatham, but in a really positive way, especially for nature-based subjects. And you still graduate with a University of Exeter degree, no matter which campus you’re at. So honestly, it comes down to what you’re more comfortable with - a bit of a risk with Streatham, or a very solid chance and an amazing Geography experience at Penryn.

Hope this helps a little 🙂

Klaudia
University of Exeter Student Ambassador

Reply 4

Original post
by McGinger
Yes, those stats are unreliable - they are the grades that were accepted in August, not the grades that people applied with - and as they will include applicants accepted with lower grades because of mitigating circumstances, WP access schemes etc, they are not a reliable indicator of 'will I get an offer'.
However, its worth applying to the Streatham course - Exeter is not as competitive as it likes to think, and Geog isnt a mega-competitive subject at any Uni. With AAC with an A in Geography you will probably be considered for an offer - if that your top choice, go for it. Which is your potential Insurance choice from the Unis you have listed?

I applied for it and got the offer for Streatham! My backup is Royal Holloway. At the moment I have offers from Lancaseter, Exeter and Royal Holloway. QMUL rejected my but I switched them out for the penryn course (Before i got my exeter offer) just in case as an second insurance.

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