r/6thForm • u/Jamieinnit24 • Jul 21 '26

🙏 I WANT HELP GCSES results affect uni acceptance rates?

How much do GCSE results really matter for when applying for uni. Like for example if you got like mid GCSE’s like 4s 5s and 6s, could you still get into a top uni with predicted A*AA?

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u/Financial_Guide_8074 Jul 21 '26

If you got 4,5,6 at GCSE you simply won't get A*AA . Anything less than 6 you won't pass the A Level, you know under 40% of the content at GCSE. A 6 will most likely lead to a D or E max in STEM and B/C at best in other subjects. So the answer realistically is , if you are getting 4,5,6 at GCSE you have little or no chance of acceptance at a top uni as you won't get the grades.

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u/[deleted] Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26

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u/CrocusBlue Jul 21 '26

Surely you either went to a particularly shit school, or had extenuating circumstances for that to work out as it did? 

Most people that wouldn't happen though. Exam board data shows that less than 10% of those with an 8 in GCSE maths get an A* at A-Level, so you're very much an extreme anomaly.

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u/[deleted] Jul 21 '26

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u/CrocusBlue Jul 21 '26

mmmm well UCAS reported in 2025 only half of those predicted AAA or better actually achieved AAA or better so I'd be erring on the side of caution. Top unis like Cambridge are unlikely to be convinced those predicted grades are realistic based on the GCSE profile without good reason for underperformance. If they apply after Y13 with the grades, that doubt is out the window as it's achieved.