lack of GCSEs?

[you've got red on you]

Right, I'll try to keep this short.

I'm currently doing my A-levels (AS results: AAB in bio, chem & psych).

However, due to Illness my GCSES are basically non existent; I missed all the final exams and achieved just two results over C (Art and Maths) which was due to the amount of coursework/modular exams, the rest are pretty much all Us.

I’m pretty sure I can get good enough grades at A-level but my GCSES obviously don't look great on paper.

I know that it’ pretty unlikely but would any universities consider me for entry to medicine without resitting GCSEs? I could very easily get doctors notes as proof of illness and my circumstances were far from "normal".

The only other option I can see is resitting GCSES during my gap year (already planning one) but it seems like a big step back after a-levels. I'm still willing to do it, but only if it's totally necessary.

So what options do people see being open to me realistically?

thanks, (and so much for keeping it short!)

[natamac]

Hi,
I was in basically the same position as you when applying for uni. I had M.E. throughout my GCSE's but managed the minimum basic requirements for most unis after 3 years. I researched this sent e-mails to the unis to ask about this and even sent them a doctor's note, which they said they would take into account and be fine. I later got 3 rejections from English universities and when I got feedback from them they had all rejected me on the basis of GCSE's. But I got an interview and an offer the day after from Aberdeen, which was my first choice anyway. So I would advise applying to mainly Scottish universities as they do not seem to look at GCSE's.
Also bear in mind that if you did retakes you may need to get 9-11 A-A* at GCSE in your gap year. Even though I got the minimum stated on their websites I would have been put at the bottom of the pile. And be wary of what admission staff say as all of the English unis I contacted said my GCSE's were fine.
Another route you could try is applying to Cambridge or Oxford as they have a special form your headteacher can fill in if you have not met their requirements for qualifications because of illness or other circumstances.
Hope this is helpful and also welcome to NMM.

[you've got red on you]

phew!

It's quite a relief to see somone without a whole set of A*s getting into uni. Thanks for the advice and I'll check out the scottish Unis.

Yea, I was aware of the special access form for Oxford/Cambridge, to be honest, I don't think I'm up to their standards! I was hoping another uni would show up with a similar process, ohwell.

[TMG]

Just a thought - if you apply with your great A level grades in hand (apply in your gap year) then these may supercede your lack of GCSEs (depends on the subjects obv. - would suggest you do GCSE or AS levels in English and Maths in your gap year if you are not doing them at A level).

[you've got red on you]

thanks.

Which unis only have GCSEs playing a small part during application?

[TMG]

They all vary,no alternative but to trawl their websites I'm afraid.However,I would email/phone the unis that you are interested in and ask the question re applying with your A level grades in hand (if they supercede GSCEs).Don't know if you are eligible but have you looked at 'Medicine with Foundation' courses or 'Access to Medicine' courses?

[natamac]

BSMS, liverpool and leeds certainly put a fair amount of emphasis on GCSE's as that was their reason for rejecting me. Steer clear from the ones that allocate points to grades as well. At least if you do have a gap year you can have a second chance at applying. I would play it safe and have 1 or 2 scottish unis. If I was to reapply now it would be to 3 scottish unis and I would try for Cambridge with the special access scheme.
Good luck with your application.