Some courses ask for higher entry qualifications than others. Courses that ask for high grades are not always better than others, it may simply be a matter of supply and demand. High entry requirements may be linked to the popularity of the course – or the university – or both. Admissions tutors who receive many more applications than they have places to offer have to limit their intake somehow and making high offers is an easy way to do it.

Some universities now have their own assessment tests for popular courses. Oxford, Cambridge and University College London have a test (BMAT) for students applying for Biomedical and some Veterinary courses. Nottingham has an assessment test for Law courses and other universities are thinking about whether to follow suit. Applicants sit the tests at their own school or college. Make sure you check prospectuses and websites to find out more about these tests.

You can find specimen papers and answers on www.bmat.org.uk

Knowing your own ability

In order to make wise choices you need to have a good idea of the exam results you are likely to get. Your results at the end of your first year of study should give you some idea of what you will achieve. Ask your teachers for your predicted grades. Be honest with yourself about how well you’re going to do and try to match this with the course requirements.

Subjects and grades

Some courses may ask for specific subjects, this is often true of science based courses. Some courses may ask for very high grades. You can find out more by checking out university prospectuses or websites.

GCSEs

As well as your advanced level course(s), you may also need a certain number of GCSEs at grade C or above and/or specific subjects at GCSE. The most likely subjects asked for are English, mathematics, science subjects and languages. Higher Education institutions in Wales will often accept a pass in Welsh language at grade C or above instead of English language.

Other Skills

Exam passes may not be all admissions tutors are looking for. This is always the case if you want to apply for a course like Medicine, Physiotherapy, Nursing or Teaching, where the sort of person you are is just as important as your exam results. Relevant work placement and/or voluntary work is often needed in order to show you have an insight into the work and that you have a commitment to it. For other courses like Drama, Music, Dance and Art and Design, proving that you have a high level of practical skill may also be crucial. For all courses, proving your motivation and dsire to succeed is also important.