Can you get into Cambridge with bad GCSEs?

Yes, it is certainly possible to get into the University of Cambridge with bad GCSEs. It may hinder your application to have poor GCSE results since they are taken as a performance indicator, but since Cambridge does not have any GCSE grade requirements, it is not a barrier to entry in itself.

Does Cambridge look at GCSEs?

There are no GCSE (or equivalent) requirements for entry to Cambridge. We will look at your GCSE results as an indicator of your academic performance. But this will be within the context of the performance of the school/college where you achieved your GCSEs.

Can you apply to Cambridge with bad grades?

You need to have top grades to study at the University of Cambridge. You'll need to check the entry requirements for your course before you apply. You may need to have qualifications in a particular subject and achieve certain grades. The entry requirements for your course may differ between Cambridge Colleges.

Can I get into Oxford with bad GCSEs?

If you feel that you did less well in your GCSEs than you might otherwise have done because of extenuating circumstances, you may still be able to make a competitive application.

Can you get into uni with bad GCSEs but good A levels?

GCSEs could be used to assess eligibility for a uni course

But don't let your GCSEs put you off applying to the university course you really want – strong A-levels can outweigh weaker GCSE results, particularly if you expand on this in your personal statement.

GCSE grades you need for Oxford and Cambridge

What is considered a bad GCSE grade?

| High Grade 6 is equivalent to a high Grade B. Grade 4 is the Standard Pass grade. Grade 5 is a Strong Pass grade. Although Grade 4 is a Standard Pass, many colleges and sixth forms want students to achieve a minimum number of Grades 5 and 6 in their GCSE results.

Is failing 1 GCSE bad?

In some cases, failing your GCSE exams may mean that you need to retake the exams in order to progress to further education or training. It may also impact your future education and career prospects, as certain schools or employers may require certain GCSE grades for admission or employment.

Do Oxbridge look at GCSEs?

Oxford, Cambridge and other UK universities tend to use GCSEs in their admissions processes, because they are usually the only complete qualifications that you have to submit.

How hard is it to get into Cambridge?

It can be quite hard to get into Cambridge, due in part to the high level of competition and stringent acceptance policies. The university's renowned reputation for academic excellence attracts a global pool of highly accomplished applicants each year, intensifying the competition for limited spots.

Is it harder to get into Oxford or Cambridge?

This statistic is derived from a pool of roughly 46,000 applicants vying for 8,000 available spots at the two universities. For 2021 entry, Cambridge extended offers to 4,245 out of 22,788 applicants, while Oxford offered places to 3,932 out of 23,414 applicants.

Do Cambridge accept lower grades?

If your grades are substantially lower than those required by your offer. Unless there are special circumstances to consider, your application to Cambridge will have been unsuccessful.

What is the average GCSE score for Cambridge?

Get good grades

GCSEs are seen as evidence of work ethic – and you need a really strong one of those to cope with studying at Oxford or Cambridge. Our guesstimate is that the average successful applicant has around eight 8/9 grade GCSEs under their belt. Don't have top GCSE grades?

What is the minimum grade for Cambridge?

Entry requirements

Certain grades may be required at Higher Level. Cambridge usually requires A*A*A for most sciences courses and A*AA for arts courses or 40–42 in the IB, including core points, with 776 at Higher Level.

What is the hardest subject to get into at Cambridge?

Does Cambridge accept resits?

The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge will accept A Level retakes, however, the individual college you apply to may have its own admissions criteria. For example, some colleges may be more lenient towards retakes while others may be more strict.

How clever do you have to be to get into Cambridge?

You do not, however, need to be some kind of genius. There probably are a few geniuses at Cambridge, but most of the people who study (and teach) here are not that; they are simply clever and hard-working. Which is the next thing successful applicants will usually be able to show: evidence that they work hard.

What does Cambridge Uni look for?

In your UCAS personal statement and at interview you'll need to show that you: have your own thoughts and opinions, critical thinking and analytical skills. can consider different points of view and arguments. are curious about the world and open to new ideas.

Is it harder to get into Harvard or Cambridge?

On the other hand, according to THE World University Rankings 2020, Harvard ranks at #7 while Cambridge at #3. The acceptance rate for students at Harvard University (5%) is less as compared to the University of Cambridge (15%).

Is 7 GCSEs enough for Oxford?

I'd say that your 7 A-stars (grade 8s and 9s) plus 3 A-grades at GCSE are a superb foundation for A—levels and then an Oxbridge place, particularly if your grade 9s match your chosen A-level subjects and your intended degree subject.

Do you need good GCSEs to get into Cambridge?

Yes, it is certainly possible to get into the University of Cambridge with bad GCSEs. It may hinder your application to have poor GCSE results since they are taken as a performance indicator, but since Cambridge does not have any GCSE grade requirements, it is not a barrier to entry in itself.

Can you get into Oxford with bad grades?

Remember, Oxford makes its offers on the basis of specific grades rather than UCAS Tariff points. Meaning, three A*/A grades meet most conditional offers, whereas two A*s and two Bs do not. Please note: Oxford claims that they accept equivalent grades to GCSE, A level, and/or IB. See here to find your grades.

What if I feel like I failed my GCSE?

You may be feeling crestfallen, but there is always a way forward. The first thing that you should do is speak to your school. There should be someone available in the school office for you to speak with. They will be able to advise you on the options available to you at your current school or college.

Is a 3 at GCSE a fail?

If students get a grade of 5-6, this means that they have a strong pass and if their grade is 4, then they have a standard pass. Unfortunately, if they receive a grade below 4, this means they have not passed the GCSE exam. Remember, a lower score on the GCSE exam doesn't have to mean that they've failed.

Is 5 a bad GCSE grade?

Equivalent GCSE grades

Grade 5 is a 'strong pass' and equivalent to a high C and low B on the old grading system. Grade 4 remains the level that students must achieve without needing to resit English and Maths post-16.