UCAS Worries: Can I get in there?
One of the most common questions I've been getting lately is a variation on the following: 'I've got xxx grades, and I want to apply to a uni that asks for yyy grades, do I stand a chance of getting in?'
Now believe me, I really do understand the worry and the uncertainty. For a lot of applicants, a UCAS application will be the first time you'll be genuinely assessed on your abilities and given a definite yes or no answer that could change your future. The good thing is, universities understand this completely and they want you to do well, they really do.
Lets say you're being predicted BBB in your A-Levels, and your dream university is stating that their standard offer is BBB-BBC. Obviously, you're well in with a chance there, so applying would be a no brainer. But what if their standard offer says something like ABB-BBB? Would that mean that, as you're predicted at the lower end of the range, you shouldn't bother applying? No way! You're definitely able to apply to a university that states, in their literature, that their offer covers a range of grades including yours. In both of these cases, applying somewhere you really want to should not even be thought of twice, just go ahead and see what happens.
Now, what if your dream university is asking for AAB-ABB and you're being predicted BBB? Does that mean that you'd be wasting a choice if you even tried? Not necessarily. Every university is different, and I'd say if you're not predicted the grades for a place at a university like Oxford or Cambridge then please don't put yourself through that, but a number of universities will consider an applicant with slightly lower grades than the asking offer. In their eyes, you never know if you could get better than your predicted, and they may just take a punt on you. They'll only think about giving you that offer, however, if you have more to offer them. So your grades may be a little lower than ideal, but if you've done loads of extracurricular activities and written a brilliant personal statement, and your teachers have given you a great reference, then you're probably in with a good shot.
My personal rule of thumb here is don't shoot for a place whose lowest offer in their offer range is more than one grade above your predicted grades. If your predicted grades are BBB, then an AAB-ABB university seems fairly in your sights, but an AAA-AAB university is a push.
If you're really worried about not getting in anywhere, then follow the 2-2-1 principle; apply for 2 awesome universities a little above your predicted, 2 universities with offers that comfortably include your predicted grades, and 1 university with an offer below your predicted grades for that little bit of back up and reassurance. Make sure you'd be happy attending any of the universities you apply to, so do plenty of research.
Now, if you've already achieved your grades, or you have extenuating circumstances as to why you won't be achieving/didn't achieve the offer but that you feel you are able to do the degree, universities are a bit more lenient. Feel free to shoot maybe another grade higher if you feel comfortable doing so, but make sure you have evidence and preferably send an accompanying letter explaining the situation along with your application.
This advice doesn't just apply to A-Level students, but if you need any help with converting your qualifications and relating them to offers send me an ask. If the university you want to apply to makes UCAS points offers, then there is still some leniency but a little less as UCAS points can be made up of lots of different qualifications and grade combinations. Again, anyone who needs assistance, feel free to send me an ask.
I'm sorry I've been a bit lax lately, but my 2nd year of university is turning out to be incredibly time consuming and most of the time I'm just too exhausted. I'm trying to manage my time a bit better and get back on track, so please bear with me! It's been a while since any new content has been added to the site, and I think that maybe continuing with this sort of topic and doing a full 'UCAS Worries' series could be good? If you have any ideas, please leave them as an answer below.
Thanks for always being awesome and patient and lovely
Your friendly neighbourhood UCAS ghost
