Applying for College or Sixth Form with GCSE Predicted Grades

Hi,

I’m Alix and it’s my mission to help as many of the next generation as possible work in careers that meet their passion and purpose, making them happy and fulfilled adults.

Providing support and hand holding for those who may not have any. Be a ‘virtual mentor’ if you like.

Join me (with a coffee and snack) as, today, we investigate applying for college or sixth form using your predicted grades.

Predicted grades are the grades that your teachers believe you are likely to achieve in your GCSE exams.

These predictions are based on your performance and progress during your studies as, having taught you for two years, your teachers are (should be) aware of your ability in the subject(s) they’ve taught you and your mock exams will also have given a clear indication as well.

So, your predicted grades can determine what your next steps can be. They’ll show colleges and sixth forms that you are expected to reach certain grade levels that could be critical for acceptance by either.

Of course, you can always stun everyone with higher grades having aced your revision after reading my article ‘Mastering Revision’!

But, simply put, yes, you can apply for college or sixth form with these predicted grades. In fact, it’s a brilliant idea.

It’s likely that the college, especially if it’s a specialised one, could be very sought after, ie there could be a lot of students wanting to go there. However, there are only so many students allowed in. This can be due to the numbers of teachers available or something more strict like the number of students allowed to meet fire regulations.

This means that the college could be heavily oversubscribed and having to choose between applicants. Applying earlier than others then could mean the difference to your being accepted or

going on a waiting list, in the hope that earlier acceptances ultimately do not meet the criteria, leaving a place open for you.

So, getting your application in early will not only up your chances of being sure of a place, of course depending on your results, but also give you the comfort of knowing you’re set, leaving you to enjoy the time before college starts.

Applying…

When applying to colleges or sixth forms, predicted grades are often used as part of the application process as they provide the educational institutions with an indication of your academic potential and suitability for the courses or programmes you wish to pursue. For instance, if you’re predicted an ‘F’, a Fail grade and the college has set an entry level of ‘C’ you’re unlikely to even be considered.

However, if the subject is something you’ve identified as the necessary next step for your current chosen career, you’ll likely have enjoyed taking the lessons and worked to understand it, so an ‘F’ is very unlikely.

Also, if you are predicted an ‘F’ in a subject that you need to move your career forward, it’s probably time to look again at your passion and purpose as what you’ve identified as these, along with your grades, should definitely be working together for you.

Passion and purpose…

Hopefully, before choosing your GCSE options you had a chance to read my book ‘I am Choosing my Options’.

In it, I explain how identifying your passion and purpose will lead you to the path of your highest potential. Using this insight and setting goals to get you there will always make your next career step easier.

If you didn’t read it, ask if your school or local library have a copy. The passion and purpose and goals sections alone will make it worth your time, I promise.

But I digress, applying early, rather than waiting for your results to be released, can make the difference between being accepted before the classes are full, or your being put on a waiting list.

Of course, being accepted will also give you peace of mind knowing where your next step is, and you can focus on how to prepare for your first day.

Caution…

A small word of caution: don’t be persuaded to follow friends into sixth form or to a certain college because it can be easier and less scary than moving away from familiar surroundings or away from everyone you know.

Your career path must be yours, no-one else’s and, although you can seek advice from parents and teachers, it’s important to do what, firstly, makes you happy, secondly, gives you the right next step towards the career you want and, thirdly, you can cope with mentally.

This isn’t about avoiding challenges, but if you struggle with a subject now, the next step is designed to build on what you’ve learnt already and could be much harder, with the risk of pushing you too far.

Note: when I was facing the crossroads you are today, I had no support from teachers or parents, (the very reason this website exists for you) and I made the mistake of staying on for sixth form because my friends were. I had no idea about the various options there were out there and what each offered.

Seek the help you need to make the right choice or read as many of my articles as you can if there’s no one to ask so you know.

Remember I’m here for you as a virtual mentor – use me.

Application process…

College versus sixth form is another milestone in your career journey. The life-skills you learn at either can be similar but also very different. If you’re unsure which is best for you, read my article ‘Sixth Form vs. College’.

Both will have an application process that involves submitting an application form, most likely on-line, asking for the details of your predicted GCSE grades in the subjects you’re applying to study.

Most schools have sixth forms as part of their set up. Applying to continue to study at the same school you’ve just taken your GCSEs at should be straightforward and, obviously, I would expect the school to know your ability to study your chosen subjects to the next level already making your acceptance smooth – yes, teachers talk!

However, there are other sixth forms you can apply to if they offer you specialised teaching on specialist subjects and you can read my articles ‘Choosing the right College (or Sixth Form) for you’ to make sure you’re applying for the right one.

Re-arranging…

Once you’ve pinned down a college or sixth form, fill in the on-line (or paper) application.

Think about what you want to study and, thinking of these, what the college or sixth form is likely to be looking for, rearranging your list of subjects to have the ones you want to study for at the top (saves time for the application committee). Then follow with the strongest predicted grades next.

Most schools and colleges want pupils to fit in with their colleagues, so any teamwork sports, or events you can add in to show this do so.

If you’re a leader-type of student, add in any examples where you’ve demonstrated this. Maybe you were picked to lead a few students in a school challenge – write it down! Maybe you were a part of a team that won a school challenge – write it down!

Note: I’m not a leader-type, I work in the background – one of the cogs that keep things turning, leaving the more confident staff to handle client facing. The thought of having to lead any type of debate or give any type of presentation would probably send me over the edge.

So, be careful not to imply you can do something you’re either uncomfortable with or know would stress you out uncontrollably because you might just be asked to do it if you say you can!

The next stage…

The next step could be to attend an interview. See my articles ‘Acing your Sixth form interview’ and ‘Acing your College interview’ for ideas to prepare you and make the process easier.

In some cases, if your final grades are slightly lower than predicted, the college or sixth form may still consider your application if they’ve met you and see the passion you have for the subject. You can make yourself memorable and, when they then consider all the applications, the interview could sway their decision

Conditional offers…

In some cases, colleges and sixth forms can make you a conditional offer based on your predicted grades.

A conditional offer means that you’re offered a place on the course or programme, provided you actually achieve the predicted grades or meet certain other conditions specified by the institution.

Final GCSE results…

After receiving your final GCSE results, inform the college or sixth form of your actual grades and, if they meet the conditions of the offer, your place is usually confirmed.

Again, don’t hang around. Being one of the first to confirm could make the difference between getting in to your first choice or not.

Appeal process…

If you’re unhappy with your predicted grades or believe they do not accurately reflect your abilities, you can discuss your concerns with your teachers or school.

Again, if your results don’t meet these predicted grades, there may be an appeal process to review and potentially adjust the grades. See my article ‘Appealing your GCSE grades’.

Re-sitting your exams…

Also, if your exam results are below what you need, you may have the opportunity to re-sit them, cramming in a heavy session of revision.

Of course, you will know by now that I have an article to help you, creatively called ‘Retaking your GCSE exams’.

If this is necessary, let the college know. It’s possible they’ll take your commitment into consideration or put you on the list for the following intake.

Appealing your results or re-sitting your exams could mean you have to wait and apply to the sixth form or college a year later, but this could be worth it long term.

Also…

Alternative entry routes…

Some colleges and sixth forms may offer alternative entry routes, such as foundation courses or access programs, for students whose predicted grades do not meet the standard entry requirements but who’ve shown passion for the subject(s).

These pathways can provide an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities and progress to the desired course after completing the foundation or access program successfully. If this is the case remember you’ll only be studying that subject and not a full list of courses dictated by the educational authorities.

Conclusion…

The application process and policies can vary between colleges and sixth forms, so it's crucial to research and understand the specific requirements and procedures of each institution you wish to apply to.

Be proactive in seeking advice from teachers or college advisors to make informed decisions about your applications based on your predicted grades and academic aspirations.

Then go for it. The earlier you apply the sooner you’ll be able to relax and plan for the start of this new chapter in your education process.

I’d love to hear how you’re getting on and, where possible, if we can help more.

Lastly, I wanted to both wish you luck and say that I know you can do it.

Success is within your grasp - good luck!