Resit English GCSE for PhD Application?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relevance of GCSE results, particularly English language and literature grades, in the context of applying for a PhD program at prestigious universities like Oxbridge. Participants explore whether resitting these exams would be beneficial or necessary for a successful application.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the significance of GCSE results in PhD applications, particularly emphasizing that universities focus more on relevant subject abilities rather than GCSE performance.
  • Another participant shares their experience of not needing to submit GCSE results for their PhD application, suggesting that the emphasis is on higher-level qualifications.
  • A participant with a PhD mentions their own poor GCSE results, implying that such grades are unlikely to be scrutinized by admissions committees.
  • One contributor asserts that having A-C grades in key subjects like maths, science, and English is sufficient, and emphasizes the importance of A-level results for Oxbridge applications.
  • A participant recounts their successful admission to a Cambridge program despite having C/C in English GCSE, reinforcing the idea that these grades may not be critical for admission.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that GCSE results, particularly in English, are not a significant factor in PhD applications, especially when higher qualifications are strong. However, there is some variation in personal experiences and perspectives on the necessity of resitting exams.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the importance of GCSE results may vary by institution and program, and there is no consensus on whether resitting is advisable.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering PhD applications, particularly those concerned about their GCSE results and their impact on admissions to competitive programs.

alias25
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I was wondering...say if i wanted to apply for a phD at oxbridge (ok I am being a bit ambitious), would my GCSE results be looked at?...i mean would they be significantly important?
beacause my english lang/lit GCSE isn't good..C/C but that was on a very bad day and i thought i actually failed english. . I was wondering if i should resit...best time would be during the first year, because I've heard most things are repeated A level i could get away with B for maths GCSE i guess, because of A in A level.
And even if i just managed just to improve to BB then i'd still be apply to good unis.
my GCSE
5A* (phys, chem, bio, ICT, astronomy)
1A (art)
2B (math, french)
3C (english lang/lit, welsh short course)

1A AS: bio
3As A2: math,chem,phys

Plus ill have an MPhys degree (hopefully else i wouldn't be going for a phD)

(got nothing much to do except think about silly little things like this)

so should i resit english lang/lit GCSE?
 
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Hi, I am starting a PhD this year and I don't actually remeber having to put down any of my GCSE results, they are interested in your ability at Physics, not your interpretation of Simon Armitage! The forms are online for most universities if you wanted to check, but I wouldn't worry, just get on with physics! And enjoy your time at uni!
 
I have a PhD from a top UK university - your GCSEs are better than mine... tho' I didn't work very hard in those days :biggrin:

In fact, my school grades are shocking :biggrin:

They'll never look at them.
 
If you've got A-C in maths, science and English, you're ok. But you won't be getting a Ph.D from Oxbridge with anything less than As at A level. Don't worry about your GCSEs, they're all fine.
 
I got into Natsci at Cambridge (undergraduate) and I have C/C in english GCSE, so i wouldn't worry.
 

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