GCSEs for russell group unis

3

I was extremely anxious when applying to all Russell Groups because my GCSEs are not good, I mean I failed French horribly and got 4-3 in Science the rest were mid 4s then 3 6s which were my A-Levels, I made sure i met all the entry requirements for my predicted etc, and I managed to get offers from Manchester, Leeds and Exeter I am still waiting to hear back from St Andrews then Cardiff. (I will give an update) I just thought I would post this as a stress relief to those who are worrying because if I can get offers you certainty can!! I just focused on my personal statement (showing extra reading, work experience etc) and my extra activities (more work experience) along with making sure I had the perfect reference. So do not be worried about poor GCSEs or having failed because as long as u meet the entry requirements good grades in what you want to do and the related topics to what you are applying for then it should be all okay!!

Reply 1

henrycomeon

11

Original post

by fontaineslover

I was extremely anxious when applying to all Russell Groups because my GCSEs are not good, I mean I failed French horribly and got 4-3 in Science the rest were mid 4s then 3 6s which were my A-Levels, I made sure i met all the entry requirements for my predicted etc, and I managed to get offers from Manchester, Leeds and Exeter I am still waiting to hear back from St Andrews then Cardiff. (I will give an update) I just thought I would post this as a stress relief to those who are worrying because if I can get offers you certainty can!! I just focused on my personal statement (showing extra reading, work experience etc) and my extra activities (more work experience) along with making sure I had the perfect reference. So do not be worried about poor GCSEs or having failed because as long as u meet the entry requirements good grades in what you want to do and the related topics to what you are applying for then it should be all okay!!

aw this is so kind of you 🙂 congratulations!!

Reply 2

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

16

Original post

by fontaineslover

I was extremely anxious when applying to all Russell Groups because my GCSEs are not good, I mean I failed French horribly and got 4-3 in Science the rest were mid 4s then 3 6s which were my A-Levels, I made sure i met all the entry requirements for my predicted etc, and I managed to get offers from Manchester, Leeds and Exeter I am still waiting to hear back from St Andrews then Cardiff. (I will give an update) I just thought I would post this as a stress relief to those who are worrying because if I can get offers you certainty can!! I just focused on my personal statement (showing extra reading, work experience etc) and my extra activities (more work experience) along with making sure I had the perfect reference. So do not be worried about poor GCSEs or having failed because as long as u meet the entry requirements good grades in what you want to do and the related topics to what you are applying for then it should be all okay!!

That is such a massive achievement and honestly a breath of fresh air to read. Working as a student ambassador here at the University of Southampton, I see so many applicants panic over one or two bad GCSE grades from years ago. You are living proof that universities really do look at the bigger picture.
Admissions teams are much more interested in who you are now and your potential in your chosen subject than a French grade from when you were sixteen. By focusing on your personal statement and gaining real work experience, you showed them that you have the drive and focus needed for degree-level study. It is brilliant that Manchester, Leeds, and Exeter recognized that talent in you already.
Southampton and other Russell Group universities value that upward trajectory where a student finds their passion and starts to excel. Thank you for sharing your story because it will definitely help calm some nerves.
Anusha
BSc Marketing Student
University of Southampton

Reply 3

fontaineslover

OP

3

Hii I just thought I would update I have received my Cardiff offer and just waiting on hearing from St Andrews now!! But truly do not view your GCSE outcomes as haunting because you still have year 12 and 13 to impress unis!! Thank you to the uni of southampton students for agreeing!! It really is incredible and the stress on GCSEs are daunting yet have the resilience!! And always aim big with what unis you want because there will always be a plan B!!!!

Reply 4

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

21

Working in RG admissions for years, I honestly don't think our GCSE requirements are any more stringent than non-RG unis. It's usually determined on a course by course basis in any case.

And congrats on those offers :smile:

(edited 1 week ago)

Reply 5

PinkMobilePhone

Chat Forum Helper, Life & Style Forum Helper

22

Back in the day I got offers from Leeds and Liverpool (ended up attending Leeds for a while) with arguably relatively average GCSE grades (A*AAAABBBCCC) so this doesn't surprise me at all. Aside from Oxford, or very specific courses such as medicine, generally unis, even RG ones, don't care about your GCSE grades as long as you have passed English and Maths.

Congrats on your offers!

GCSEs for russell group unis

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