Applying to Uni after A levels

[EqualFranknessWithYourLadyship]

My son (lower 6th)is likely to do better than predicted grades (he switched A Level midstream and has only just “woken up’ academically)) and wants to take a year out. Geography at Bristol is the dream. He is predicted A* for Geography but only B for the other two.
he wants to take a year out.

is there any problem if he:
1 applies in November as usual and accepts he may not get the offers he wants or rejects insurance offer?
2 simply doesn’t apply in November and waits till he has his actual results?

thanks!

Hi, OP -

I am a former Admissions Tutor (Russell Group, STEM subject). Both of these options are fine. Good luck to your DS

Either. Dd applied with results for the following year. Only downside is no support writing the personal statement but as she was attending the local university she simply stated she was autistic and wished to stay living at home as her statement! (We knew the admissions tutor, her ex teacher's husband)

He could apply next autumn for a place deferred to 2025 or he could apply for 2024 see how he does and accept/withdraw then reapply for 2025. Neither is an issue although some maths/stem degrees prefer continuity. If he wants to take a year out he needs to make relevant plans.

Liz S makes an excellent point. I should have mentioned this

Thank you all this is much appreciated!

I wonder what a relevant year out is for geography? (Travel-related I guess!)

An opportunity to explore his area of interest - Sustainability, overseas work or volunteering , environment based perhaps?

He just wants to take epic train journeys! Mapping opportunities would appeal…

You do realise that Geography at Bristol is an AAA offer though (with ABB for contextual offers only).

If he applies this autumn then he is done & dusted and can go off adventuring. If he applies autumn 2024 then he will need to check in, eating into his away-from-it-all-ness, for various bits of admin.

The third option is to get results and see what’s available in clearing

He still has plenty of time to demonstrate his higher than predicted grades including end of year 12 exams. If he were my son I would be advising him to talk to the teachers of the other 2 subjects to find out specifically what he needs to do to bring his grade up from the B.

Ds is also year 12, they reports with minimum expected grade and then current projected grade. They had a report in November and one in February then exams in early June for a better idea of where they are working at grade. As your son is not early entry with Geography he has until January of next year to apply via UCAS and can improve on his end of year 12 grades too if they aren't quite up there. He would have the summer to improve.

Thank you!