Shocked at university entry requirements

Science courses assume a level of knowledge from the start. They may re cover topics covered at A level but that may be at pace.

My DD's view was that if she hadn't done well enough to get into either her firm or insurance choices then she would rethink the whole thing as it could indicate that she wasn't as able in her chosen subject as she thought. What she didn't want to find herself doing was edging into a course through a side door then struggling to keep up from the start. She's a bit of a pragmatist

For any course, you can check the average attainment of students starting the course and compare this to the published "typical offer". It is a rough tool (UCAS points can include extra qualifications such as music or drama exams) but it can give you an idea of whether they will drop their grade requirements on results day.

Which course is asking for A A A* A A ?

The entry requirements depend on the course as well as the uni - competitive courses will have higher requirements than less popular ones.AAA and above is common for the universities in the top 15. Oxbridge often request higher than this, such as AAA*AA

If she is looking at engineering, make sure that the degree is affiliated to the relevant professional body, eg: the Institution of Civil Engineers etc.

It's the same for Physics. If she wants to become a chartered physicist (she would need a Master's or equivalent for this) the degree would need to be accredited with the Institute of Physics.

It is not currently possible to take an apprenticeship route to become a physicist.

BeardedMum if teaching has been an issue is your DD accessing the various online resources available to help your DD to fill in gaps or underpin study.

Now is the time for your DD to improve her independent study skills. They will put her in good stead for once she starts a degree.

DD's school had problems with science teaching (though not maths). In her school there was an awful lot of teaching to the C grade as this was seen as good enough.

1% of all students get into Oxford or Cambridge, 8% into Russell group universities. Almost 13% get AAA or better. So yes, very rough rule of thumb AAA or better for a sought-after degree at a Russell group university is needed.

it's a very well known fact that on results day they drop their requirements, often significantly (2-3 grades so aaa to abb*

Yes, but then you're into clearing. And it's dependent on course,availability of remaining places, and thr competition ie what other students are trying to get a place, who called first, and what grades they have. Some courses have no places at clearing at all for some unis.

Clearing is a painful process,let's face it, and has no guarantees.

Much better to get the predicted grades and then a conditional offer, and if you don't achieve hope you still get accepted.

I second the idea of high level apprenticeship.

For one thing you them know there are jobs available.

I would also be asking departments how they see the net zero carbon bill that has just been passed affecting the potential graduate recruiters in a few years!

For sciences they publish very high requirements BUT it's a very well known fact that on results day they drop their requirements, often significantly (2-3 grades so a*aa to abb!) Some will not, oxbridge, ucl,imperial are tough, and certain flagship courses at less prestigious universities are equally tough but dd1 got into a course listed as abb on bbd not even through clearing.

Slightly off topic maybe but I have worked in engineering HR for my whole career, partner also an engineer. If considering this career I would highly recommend an apprenticeship, many with big firms now put students through open university. Real experience, qualifications and no debt!

Apprenticeships have really changed now and are not just for those who can’t get into uni and give so much more with a job at the end.

I would receive applications every week from grads with no real experience unable to get a position.

Partner however completed apprenticeship, had paid his HNC and HND and was managing by age 22.

Just something to consider as another option

We're not at this stage yet but I have joined this FB group. Very knowledgeable folk regarding all things university...
www.facebook.com/groups/488235648182391/?ref=share

Assuming lower sixth now, keep an eye out for which courses have clearing vacancies this August. Can be a useful guide to where is likely to take someone even if they miss their offer.

They don’t want to lose their ‘prestigious’ status by advertising more realistic grade requirements

That's not quite true. Basically if they make the grade boundary lower, everyone they make an offer to has to legally get a place if they achieve the grades, and as such, they couldn't cope with the level of students. So the grade boundary is higher and then they pick and chose from those who don't achieve to fill the course to the required level.

make sure that the degree is affiliated to the relevant professional body,

This is so important whatever degree you do to check that it will facilitate any onward study/career.

Students are competing against each other to get Uni places, so if there is high demand, the Uni will want higher grades. If they take the "best" applicants they can get, they'll get hopefully better end results so they climb the league tables.

If they have 300 applicants with A*/A grades for 200 places, then they're not going to offer a place to someone with Bs.

Currently, we're in the low birth rate years, so Unis will be more open to lower grades just to fill their places. But over the next few years, the higher birth rate years start coming through again, so there'll be fewer lower grade and unconditional offers.

What?? They want high grades for kids to get into university. Perish the thought!

It often has to do with how popular a course is. She’ll just have to put in the work.

Be careful, the downside of clear down or adjustment up is having to choose an institution at very short notice. Within a very short period the student has to find both a course and then sort accommodation. This can make what should be an exciting time into a very stressful one.

DD decided that even if her final grades were significantly higher then she would go to her firm choice. If her grades were significantly lower then she would rethink the whole project.

If she is looking at engineering, make sure that the degree is affiliated to the relevant professional body, eg: the Institution of Civil Engineers etc. Check the body’s academic requirements for charters hip, they generally require a master’s degree too, simebacceired an undergraduate MEng, some require postgraduate stufy. I know this sounds very onerous and far off, but it will be very difficult with an unaffiliated degree.

If you do better than expected then there is something called 'adjustment' which is, I understand, like clearing but upwards.

Another option would of course be to withdraw and reapply for the following year using the actual obtained grades.

My step daughter studied bio medical science with CCC. Most universities will take some grade flexibility.

Encourage your DD to go to plenty of open days. Really try to get a feel for the different places. Our trips always covered three things: course talk, library, accommodation. From that and a look at the local area DD was able to get a feel for which place she could see herself spending 4 years at.

DD is coming to the end of 1st year Physics at Sheffield. She was offered AAB and got in with ABB.

It isnt simply about A level grades but also 'fit'. DD was holding similar offers from Bristol and Sheffield but in the end firmed Sheffield as it was the better place for her.

Fluffybread that still happens. For most people, UCAS track updates in the morning with the confirmed place before the schools/colleges open for collecting results.