Ucas Points, for grades 6-8 Options

[hannah]

I was wondering if someone could explain the maximum number of of UCAS point you are allowed to claim. I understand that if I have grade 6 and 8 piano, I can only claim the points for Grade 8. However, if I have grade 7 in another instrument - viola - can I claim the points for this or can I still only claim for the grade 8?

[saxlover]

i dont understand either!

if i have points for grade 8 saax, and grade 6 clarinet and piano

can i only get either just the grade 8 points, or the grade 8 and 1 grad e6 :blink:

[hannah]

tis very confusing! And grade 8 distinction is worth more than an A at AS Level - woo!

[Helen]

Basically for grades 6-8 you can claim points for the highest grade you have passed for each instrument. For example: Nat can claim grade 8 sax, grade 6 clarinet, and grade 6 piano. But if she took grade 7, she could only claim for the grade 7 not the grade 6.

[saxlover]

QUOTE (Subatomic_Star @ May 9 2005, 10:45 PM)

Nat can claim grade 8 sax, grade 6 clarinet, and grade 6 piano.

can i really? EXCELLENT!!!

[Appassionata]

Hyperthetically (sp?!) not that this is relevant to me. Does anyone know how many UCAS points the Dip (ABRSM) with distinction get you?

[noodle]

Grade 8 distinction is worth 70 so it should be more than that.

[Helen VJ]

Maybe it should be - but according to my list, it's not actually worth anything. Maybe that's because a Diploma is seen as being of under graduate level, and therefore not expected or applicable at university entrance stage. A good Grade 8 should probably be the aim here.

[AnotherPianist]

Yes it's true the DipABRSM is at a level equivalent to the first year of a degree so it doesn't get UCAS points as it's a level higher than them. Anyone holding a dipABRSM and applying to university can, however, put it on their form as a qualification and I'm sure the university will hold it in higher esteem than grade 8. Many universities don't use UCAS points anyway: they're a lot more fussy about where they want to get the grades from (they'll say AAB with an A in the subject you're studying or AB and grade 8 clarinet or something (the second offer was a guess as I've never seen an offer for music...)).

[noodle]

QUOTE (Subatomic_Star @ May 9 2005, 09:45 PM)

Basically for grades 6-8 you can claim points for the highest grade you have passed for each instrument.

Are you sure its the highest grade for each instrument or the highest practical grade? I always thought it was the highest grade in one practical subject and one theory subject that was counted. I might be wrong. One of my students currently has 4 grade 8s - 270 points - she'll hardly need to do A levels if she can count all her grade 8s.

[Silver pianist]

In my experience with my child who has just gone through the ropes, the UCAS points for ABRSM grades appear to be a complete irrelevancy. Sorry folks but that is the reality, the unis and music colleges have their own criteria and its A levels WOT COUNTS! What a shame after all the effort the ABRSM have gone through!

[liebe_klavier]

does trinity's performer's certificate count??

i think by the time i apply for ucas....which will be after this summer holiday....i will have 2 grade 8s and 1 grade 6.....

[elmo]

QUOTE (Silver pianist @ May 10 2005, 06:19 PM)

In my experience with my child who has just gone through the ropes, the UCAS points for ABRSM grades appear to be a complete irrelevancy. Sorry folks but that is the reality, the unis and music colleges have their own criteria and its A levels WOT COUNTS! What a shame after all the effort the ABRSM have gone through!

So true!! I only have one points offer, and I have to cash in all my AS points/A2 points before using my clarinet exam ones, and by then I don't need them!

[sarah-flute]

I think it depends on the uni and the course... ie if you were applying to do a practical music course I suspect UCAS points gained from ABRSM grades would be more applicable, whereas if you want to do chemistry they probably don't care that you have grade 8 whatever if you don't have the science A Level grades you need too!

[Ayshah]

I assist with a large selection of UCAS applications every year, including my own children.

The AB points awarded for the UCAS system DO HELP. I emphasis HELP. If you have a conditional offer for say 300 points to take a Combined Degree and come in with your A levels results at say 260, then they cant argue with the extra points you get from you AB Grade points. Basically you have got what they asked for.

However if you are applying to take a Music degree at a University or Conservatoire it is a different ball game. One or two of the Conservatoires dont give a hoot about your 12 GCSEs and 5 A levels, they are looking at your music results all the way and your references and who your teacher is/was, and will make their offers based largely on your performance at audition. (One student I know got an E in A level music but got into a Conservatoire because her audition was breathtaking - she was given an unconditional offer!)

The Universities however look at both, but are aware that the Conservatoires have already 'creamed' off the best music students and try to have a more holistic approach and will look at your AB points alongside your A level results. So please dont dismiss the AB points. but I just dont want students to think these AB results are worthless. The Unis have agreed this with the Board and therefore they have to honor the points.