Question: How much do one's GCSEs matter when applying to a University whether in the field of science or other courses?

Yalda Javadi answered on 18 Mar 2013:

Hello @canderson 🙂

They short answer is they matter but only in terms of determining which A-levels you can do, which is very important in applying for university.

Science and maths GSCE’s are core subjects, and therefore everyone will have to do them and when applying to university you will have needed to pass these subjects.

Like I said, your GSCE choices are important because they will determine which A-levels you can choose to do. For example, if you choose to do a PE GCSE, you can choose the PE A-level. Likewise, if you haven’t done a business studies GSCE you may not be allowed to do the business studies A-level. This was the case when I was at school, so you will have to check with your teachers that it is still the case.

As the sciences and maths are compulsary, you will be in a situation to choose them at A-level. For a University degree in science you will need science A-levels, and sometimes even maths A-levels too.

For other university courses, the same sort of rule applies. For example, English degree’s will want you to have English A-levels. But one thing that I have learned is that a science degree will open doors for all sorts of careers…. even if you decided not to be a scientist. I have friends that have done science degrees and work in publishing, biotechnology companies, and even TV presenters.

Hope that answers your question!