How Will My GCSEs Impact My University Applications?

How Will my GCSEs Impact my University Application?

For those receiving their GCSE results next week, university might seem like a distant prospect. In some ways, this is correct: there is a whole year until you will be applying to university, and two years before you will sit A-level (or equivalent) exams and gain your final offer to begin your degree.

However, the foundations you set now are important for the applications you will make in a year’s time. Certain top UK universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge, take GCSEs into account when assessing your application. Additionally, even in the event that the university doesn’t look at them, your GCSE grades are fundamental in informing your A-level (or equivalent) subject choices and attainment.

In this blog, we outline precisely how the GCSE grades you receive this week will set you up for success in the coming years. Our experts also give their advice on strategic changes to your plans going forward in case you do not get the grades you were hoping for.

GCSE Retakes and Top Universities

In the event that you have seriously underperformed in a GCSE subject crucial to your future plans, there is the possibility of retaking the qualification. However, this is a big step and a decision which should not be taken lightly.

Firstly, consider whether this subject is really for you. Whilst GCSEs are a challenging first step towards higher education, they are only the first rung on the academic ladder. Think about why you underperformed: if it is because you simply found it difficult or struggled with motivation, you should consider seriously whether you will feel the same at A-level and above (when exams are much harder than GCSEs). Pivoting your plans away from this subject does not mean you are giving up, but rather that you have learned something about yourself and are taking it on board.

If you decide this is the subject you want to do and can get a much better grade if you retake, then think about how universities may view them. When applying to university, all grades and timelines are declared, meaning universities will know which GCSEs you have retaken. Therefore, you should only retake grades which will impact you adversely (i.e. grades at level 7 and above should be fine).

Lastly, you must think about the timeline of your retakes. If you want to continue on to A-levels in September, you likely won’t be able to retake a GCSE subject that is conditional for your chosen A-level subjects. Discuss this with your school in detail and make a plan which will allow you to study along your preferred timeline.