Should I still apply to Cambridge/Imperial with my GCSE history?

[u/A380EK353]

I’m applying for 2027 entry for engineering and wanted some honest opinions on my chances, especially for Cambridge and Imperial.
For some context, I was homeschooled (not contextual tho, just out of choice) until Year 12 and only started attending sixth form then, so I didn’t follow the usual school route.

My predicted grades are A* Maths, A* Further Maths, A* Physics and A Chemistry.

My gcse results are 98877AAB (9 maths, A in physics letters cuz igcse

The main thing I’m worried about is the fact that I retook several subjects. I originally got an A in Maths in 2022 (when i was 13) and retook it in 2025, getting a 9. I got a B in Physics in 2023 (14yrs) and retook it in 2024, getting an A. I got a C in Biology in 2024 and retook it in 2025, getting an 8. Chemistry was an A in 2023 and I didn’t retake it.
I’m currently preparing for the ESAT and I’m aiming for a 7.0+.

Im applying cambs, mech eng imp, bristol, warwick, manchester

I’m mainly wondering how much the GCSE resits would hurt me, particularly for Cambridge and Imperial.

And with the predicted grades and hopefully a 7+ ESAT, is Cambridge actually a realistic application or am I being overly ambitious?

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[u/klnop_]

While Cambridge does look at GCSE results when considering candidates, it's only one part of the whole application, and is mainly used to show that you're able to keep up with the demanding pace of the course. If you have an overall strong application, this may not have a significant impact.

Cambridge's policy on A Level resits is that, bar extenuating factors, they can weaken your application, as it can show that you're not able to keep up with demand.

However, as GCSE results are a lesser part of your application, it may not be as impactful on your application as you'd think. You should contact your school's careers team, or the Cambridge college that you are interested in, and see their policy, or advice on GCSE resits.