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Original poster

UCAS points and predicted grades

26 replies

Benshen · 16/10/2024 20:56

DC is off to uni to study Law next year. He has taken a year out and so has his A Level results of ABC (the A was in Law.) He is also doing an extra A level this year, as well as working, and has a predicted A* grade in that. His CV is pretty impressive.

Is it pointless applying for AAA courses? Would A*AB be the same in UCAS points and therefore be treated the same by unis, or do they mean those exact grades, and not the UCAS point equivalent?

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
LIZS · 16/10/2024 21:01

The top unis rely on grades rather than points. Where has he in mind?

Original poster
Benshen · 16/10/2024 21:06

He's thinking places like Exeter, Cardiff, Bristol, maybe Sheffield or Lancaster. Durham is the dream but he gets that it's very competitive.

OP posts:
marcopront · 16/10/2024 22:03

Unis prefer subjects taken in one sitting

Original poster
Benshen · 16/10/2024 22:23

marcopront · 16/10/2024 22:03

Unis prefer subjects taken in one sitting

Thanks for replying. We've seen some unis stipulate that fact, but most don't. Unsure where to pitch the majority of his applications, as there are so many differing opinions on this!

OP posts:
clary · 16/10/2024 22:26

I would contact the admissions staff at his top unis and see what they say. IME AAA means that, but there can be wiggle room. He should contact tho, not you. They should be able to advise wrt the separate sittings as well. I would also check wrt law A level as it's not supposed to be favoured for a law degree by some unis - but that's not from my experience, more MN lore haha.

Original poster
Benshen · 16/10/2024 23:20

clary · 16/10/2024 22:26

I would contact the admissions staff at his top unis and see what they say. IME AAA means that, but there can be wiggle room. He should contact tho, not you. They should be able to advise wrt the separate sittings as well. I would also check wrt law A level as it's not supposed to be favoured for a law degree by some unis - but that's not from my experience, more MN lore haha.

Thank you! Sorry to be dense- Do you mean that some law faculties prefer to have students that haven't done Law as an A level?

OP posts:
clary · 16/10/2024 23:23

Law A level is never a requirement as lots of post-16 settings don’t offer it.

But I believe (as I say, this is only something I have read on MN, as none of mine nor any DC I know well took law A level or even did law at uni) that law is not as well received by the very top unis as (say) history or English. Not really sure why tho and more than happy to hear that this is incorrect.

What are his other subjects?

sheep73 · 17/10/2024 08:28

Yes my understanding is they expect history and English rather than law.

Original poster
Benshen · 17/10/2024 08:43

Oof. He did Law, Business and Geography. I'm wondering whether this will affect his chances... Seems so.

OP posts:
clary · 17/10/2024 08:44

What's his extra A level in? As I say, he should chase up admissions.

sheep73 · 17/10/2024 08:46

I would look at the admissions pages for the unis he is interested in and then phone them. What is the new A level in?

theeyeofdoe · 17/10/2024 08:47

What are the other A levels in?

Ohthatsabitshit · 17/10/2024 08:48

If he doesn’t apply for what he wants he won’t get it. Just go for it and see what happens.

sheep73 · 17/10/2024 08:52

I just looked at Durham it says typical offer is A*AA and popular A level choice is history, English and maths.
I would look at all the courses he is interested in and see what they require.

clary · 17/10/2024 09:14

Hmm so A in law, B in business and C in geography? hate to be harsh but that doesn't sound like a candidate for Durham or Bristol where the typical offer is A star AA. Exeter may be worth an optimistic punt with his extra PG.

Original poster
Benshen · 17/10/2024 09:18

Thanks all for your input. I think he wants to be ambitious with his choices but not unrealistic, and your replies have really helped with that. He's going to get in touch with admissions and have a chat.

OP posts:
sheep73 · 17/10/2024 09:29

Op I think you're doing the right thing. Whilst always good to be ambitious and optimistic it would be a kick in the teeth to get loads of rejections and a waste of his time and enthusiasm. Go for one ambitious, a few reasonable ones and then a low insurance uni..
Hope this helps and best of luck to him!

jennylamb1 · 17/10/2024 09:48

Would he qualify for a contextual offer?

clary · 17/10/2024 10:17

Yeh good point re contextual. At Bristol I think I saw that would take it to AAB which is much closer to what he has - esp with the possible A-star. Bristol's list for contextual is pretty long too – as I understand it, many comprehensive schools are on the list and that is the sole requirement. Other unis have other requirements such as first in family to access higher ed.

Original poster
Benshen · 17/10/2024 11:45

Thanks all. I'm not sure about the contextual offer... The area we live in just about misses out on the qualification, and his school isn't on Bristol's list (although so many local ones are! I wonder how they choose?)
One thing that I wondered about was whether his caring responsibilities would count as being a "young carer" (this is listed in Cardiff and Exeter as being contextual.) He did some caring for his DF (who has a disability) in the last year and a half, though has no proof of this- he wasn't doing it full time and worked at the same time. I'm guessing they will need some proof as otherwise everyone would claim they'd done it!

OP posts:
FireMyLogs · 17/10/2024 11:55

Honestly, get him to contact the unis he wants, he has grades in hand, plus he is studying for another and yes I would absolutely mention his caring responsibilities. Do not downplay this. It isn't just about the physical responsibility but also the mental load of it too. I am not sure what he needs to show he did this, could he contact his old sixth form to ask for their help?

He should also mention working too alongside this A level. All that and contacting them shows he is proactive. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Just found this

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/what-can-i-do-next/students-individual-needs/students-caring-responsibilities#who-is-a-carer

Students with caring responsibilities

If you're responsible for providing unpaid care to a family member, partner or friend, you may be able to get extra support during your studies.

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/what-can-i-do-next/students-individual-needs/students-caring-responsibilities#who-is-a-carer

Original poster
Benshen · 17/10/2024 12:00

FireMyLogs · 17/10/2024 11:55

Honestly, get him to contact the unis he wants, he has grades in hand, plus he is studying for another and yes I would absolutely mention his caring responsibilities. Do not downplay this. It isn't just about the physical responsibility but also the mental load of it too. I am not sure what he needs to show he did this, could he contact his old sixth form to ask for their help?

He should also mention working too alongside this A level. All that and contacting them shows he is proactive. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Just found this

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/what-can-i-do-next/students-individual-needs/students-caring-responsibilities#who-is-a-carer

Thanks so much for this FireMyLogs , it's very helpful indeed.

OP posts:
user8754387 · 17/10/2024 12:07

He will get an offer from Lancaster with A*AB. Definitely. He may even get one with ABC if he's very lucky with grades in hand although they generally don't like anything below a B (he could find he has to wait to see if Law goes into clearing).

A*AB doesn't equate to AAA unfortunately.

Ignore the point about law A Level. Yes it might be a slight factor with Durham (but he's vey unlikely to get a Durham offer anyway with A*AB), but an A Level is an A Level. Law isn't required at A Level but you won't get marked down for having it.

user8754387 · 17/10/2024 12:09

Do bear in mind that wherever he goes he will find the C in particular works against him in terms of qualifying as a solicitor or barrister if thats what he is hoping to do. The B may also be an obstacle..

MayaPinion · 17/10/2024 19:36

If he's a young carer then yes, he should absolutely make that clear.

Law isn't a prerequisite for law in the way that a top grade in maths is a prerequisite for maths. Three good A levels are more important. Going by your choices I'm guessing that you're based in the south. Also consider places like Southampton and look further afield to places like Liverpool and York.