Do GCSE Grades Actually Matter?
This week we answer the age-old question: do your GCSE grades actually matter when applying to universities in the United Kingdom and should you worry if you aren’t happy with them?
What you came for: a short take on GCSE grades
The short answer to “do GCSE grades matter?” is yes. Most universities will consider your GCSE grades at the time of application to degree-level programmes. Why you might ask? There are some ways in which GCSEs can serve as indicators for universities in making their admissions decisions. However, how these are considered will vary between universities. Some have more stringent grade thresholds, whereas others will only consider GCSEs holistically.
To start, GCSE grades can help demonstrate your academic ability at degree level as proof of you being a highly capable student. Students with strong grades throughout their time in school show a pattern of academic consistency that is promising to admissions officers. This might suggest that you will be more well-equipped to deal with the pressure that comes with studying independently. At university-level, the sheer amount of work can be very demanding and requires successful students to be highly capable not just of learning but of independent study and motivation.
However, this is not the full story. In no way are we saying that GCSEs are used as the only proof of academic ability. We will look into how GCSEs are contextualised by universities in the section to follow.
The better answer: GCSEs are just one piece in the bigger admissions puzzle
So are you really done for if you have less than excellent GCSE grades? Far from true. We will debunk some of the worries applicants have in relation to GCSE requirements before looking at what universities have actually accepted from their prospective applicants in recent years.
On the University of Oxford’s website they state: “GCSE results will be considered alongside your personal statement, academic reference, predicted grades and performance in any written work or written test required for your course.” This means that GCSE grades become one area of admissions in which applicants can demonstrate their ability, rather than an absolute cut-off. In other words, the extent your GCSEs will affect your chances at applying for Oxford is incredibly tailored to the particular quality of your overall application.
Moreover “higher grades at GCSE can help to make your application more competitive, and successful applicants typically have a high proportion of 7,8 and 9 grades. However, we do look at GCSE grades in context.” Your personal statement and teacher reference provide a chance to inform you of any extenuating circumstances which may have impacted your ability to perform at your best. This includes things such as discontinuity of teachers or bereavement. It is important to note that admissions officers will be on the lookout for improvement from your GCSEs to your A-levels or equivalent qualifications; it is more important that you perform well in your A-level subjects where you have more flexibility to choose subjects that genuinely interest you.
Of course GCSE grades can be considered to your advantage where these are particularly strong. UCL’s admissions website states: “GCSE results do also help the admissions team whittle down applications to really competitive courses. If, for example, they need to choose between two applications, where predicted grades, personal statement and references are equally good, then the application with the slightly better GCSEs is more likely to receive an offer.”
What GCSE scores do specific universities look for?
It is difficult to find data that summarises average GCSE achievement, since each applicant will have obtained a very different score. To help you out, here is a summary of some key information from a range of universities and their website publications:
“Successful applicants typically have a high proportion of 7,8 and 9 grades”
“Applicants have generally achieved high grades in subjects relevant to their chosen course, and most students who apply have at least four or five 7/8/9s at GCSE. However, there are always exceptions and we don’t require a minimum number of 7/8/9s at GCSE. One of the strengths of the Cambridge admissions system is its ability to assess all applicants individually.”
“Your GCSEs are an important part of the university application process, but they aren’t quite as important as your more recent study e.g. your A levels or BTECs.”
“There isn’t an overall minimum number of GCSE passes you need, however the more you have at good grades the better!”
“Some programmes require students to have achieved a certain standard(s) at GCSE (or equivalent below) in addition to higher qualifications (such as A-levels). For example, students applying for a degree leading to registration as a nurse or midwife must have achieved five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language, Mathematics and Science.”
“As competition for places at LSE is intense, we look for applicants who have achieved highly at GCSE (multiple A or A*/8-9 grades), particularly within the context of their school.”
“All applicants must possess a minimum level of competence in the English Language and in Mathematics/Science. A pass at Grade C or above, or Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language and in Mathematics or a Science, or an equivalent qualification, satisfies this University requirement.”
“If your course requires particular GCSE subjects/grades, this will be specified in the course details. You can find out what weighting we give to GCSE grades in the admissions statement.”
“Some of our subject areas are particularly competitive and attract many highly qualified applicants. In these circumstances we may consider the number of A*s or grade 8/9s you have achieved at GCSE, alongside your A Level grades.”
Conclusion: where you can find out more
Another fantastic resource is https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/ where you can make a freedom of information request to individual universities or read publications that relate to prior requests under the Freedom of Information Act.
The bottom line is that GCSEs are just one factor that shouldn’t prevent you from applying. To find out more, our mentors can help. Get a free Project Access mentor to guide you through the application process below!
Written by Hanna Tong Strömberg, 2nd year LLB Law at LSE.
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