Does GCSE really matter to people that choose students for their universities?

Question

I've only got 4 GCSE, I want to do Business Management. I know they will want passes in English and Maths, but am I really at a disadvantage if I didn't do good at GCSE but did good at A Level?

Answer 1

The only universities that look at your GCSE grades are Cambridge and Oxford so they can differentiate between strong candidates, most other universities don't bother and just go on A-Level grades.

If you have good A-Level grades then it won't matter about your GCSE grades or how many you have. Put it this way I only have 4 good GCSE grades (the rest were rubbish and I still don't have a maths GCSE) I did really well at A-Level and still got into a good university and I'm about to start my 3rd year.

If you sell yourself properly with the good grades you do have and your personal statement then you should have no trouble getting into the university of your choice. Good luck!

Answer 2

Well, if you didn't do terribly well at GCSEs, the likelihood is that you won't get into college/sixth form. Most places want you to have so many A*-C grades.

But when you have your A-levels, it won't matter, they're not going to be looking much at your GCSEs.