GCSEs... Are they good enough?

**Fawaz** · 26-08-2006, 01:02 PM

Hi, i'm a reapplicant. I have pretty poor GCSEs for a medical student. I have meet all the minimum requirements for Maths, Science and English, but i have a C in English Literature (which didn't cause me problems first time applying). I was hoping they wouldn't really look at my GCSEs now that i have my full A Levels, which i must say i'm pretty pleased with. I wanted to apply to a medical school in London but they all seem to have high GCSE requirements. Should i resit any of my GCSEs?

**Emma18** · 26-08-2006, 05:21 PM

heya

looking at your GCSEs i would say that they are really good you have 6As most only ask for 4 at the maximum. I wouldnt resist because i have ur main english maths and science above C. Well done on your A level results and good luck for reapplying!

Emma xx

**The Madness** · 26-08-2006, 05:27 PM

I wouldn't bother resitting. Like you say, GCSEs become much less important after you've finsihed your A-levels (well done by the way!). Your GCSEs are good, you exceed the minimum requirements, so unless anywhere you applied last year specifically stated your GCSEs were a problem (I assume you asked for feedback?), don't worry.

Work on whatever let you down last year and reapply with your AAA. Good luck!

**Fried_Rice** · 27-08-2006, 02:51 PM

Don't resit your GCSEs! They're fine!

Plus, some universities don't place that mych weight on them eg Newcastle who only ask for 5 passes above a C, and once they have determined that you have those passes they forget all about your acdemics and look at your PS for who to call to interview, so you would be at an equal playing field as everyody else who got above 5Cs, regardless of if they got 12 A*s or 5As or 5 Bs.

Focus on your personal statement instead!
Best of luck with it all!