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Where should I apply to for economics?

Currently working on my UCAS for Econ Degree:
Predicted: A*,A*,A on Maths History and Economics
Looking to apply for Economics course in following universities:
Warwick,UCL,Imperial,Durham and Bath
The thing is my GCSES are really mixed with grades like: 4,4,5,5,6,6,6,7/7,7
6 in Maths
6/6 in both Eng
7 in History and science
Are my aims too high or is it okay?
Also have really strong work experiences if they care, at an accountancy and law firm

Reply 1

Confused-moose

Give it a go anyway, a lot of universities are interested in progression so going from a 6 at GCSE to an A* in A-Level maths is really impressive. Don't let people with loads of 9s psych you out, go for it!

Reply 2

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by SQU4RE

You're applying for a competitive course at five competitive unis. I'd advise swapping at least one of your choices for a safer insurance choice.

Also, economics is an academic degree and work experience is irrelevant. In your PS you need to focus on what interests you about economics and what you have learnt from the additional reading, moocs, etc. that you have completed outside of the curriculum.

Reply 3

McGinger

Apart from Durham you have listed probably the most competitive Unis for Economics - all of these will deluged with good applications, and every year they will reject hundreds of people who meet, or even exceed, the entry requirements. Your GCSEs are not the best, you will be up against people with solid 8s and 9s, and as an example, Bath uses the 40% weighting for GCSEs when assessing Econ applications - so its possible that with these choices you could end up with no offers. And remember, the more competitive Unis will also be far less forgiving in August if you miss your offer grades.

Two of those four choices might be worth the risk, but your other choices need to be more realistic - Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, Loughborough etc, and with at least one lower grade choice as a sensible Insurance choice - Reading, RHUL etc, to maximise your chances of offers.