[Granger95]

Hi everyone,

So basically, I had an injury which meant I had 6 weeks off college at the beginning of the first term. In January I came out with 2 B's (very close to A's) but now I'm worried that I've messed up this summers exams. One of my teachers didn't exactly fill me with confidence and I'm scared that I'm going to come away with D/C's in two of my subjects and B's in the others.

I'm applying to Cambridge (hopefully) but these exams ride on my college backing me. I was wondering, if I did come away at the end of my AS year with D/C's, would this go against me when I apply to uni's in general? If I re-sit them in my A2 year, what would happen when I apply for uni with regards to my predicted grades on my application? (I'm planning to start applying in September)

Have I messed up my chances at uni or is it salvageable?

Thanks

[EmilyStevens]

I messed up my first year as well, but with some hard work and resits I was able to bring it back. Don't worry about it, I'm sure you'll do great. Good luck with Uni and exams!

[DOCTOR_FALCON]

(Original post by Granger95)
Hi everyone,

So basically, I had an injury which meant I had 6 weeks off college at the beginning of the first term. In January I came out with 2 B's (very close to A's) but now I'm worried that I've messed up this summers exams. One of my teachers didn't exactly fill me with confidence and I'm scared that I'm going to come away with D/C's in two of my subjects and B's in the others.

I'm applying to Cambridge (hopefully) but these exams ride on my college backing me. I was wondering, if I did come away at the end of my AS year with D/C's, would this go against me when I apply to uni's in general? If I re-sit them in my A2 year, what would happen when I apply for uni with regards to my predicted grades on my application? (I'm planning to start applying in September)

Have I messed up my chances at uni or is it salvageable?

Thanks

Universities see your Module grades and predicted grades ( from your reference) and i think they would take both into consideration... Somehow.

Personally, I think you should STOP thinking about something you don't know, you are just anxious about your results, it happans to us all. we think this , that and the third about how we did but memoir is a very strange thing and things may not have occured as you think they did now.

[eemooz]

(Original post by DOCTOR_FALCON)
Universities see your Module grades and predicted grades ( from your reference) and i think they would take both into consideration... Somehow.

Personally, I think you should STOP thinking about something you don't know, you are just anxious about your results, it happans to us all. we think this , that and the third about how we did but memoir is a very strange thing and things may not have occured as you think they did now.

the bit in bold isnt true, you do not have to disclose your module grades, just the overall grades, however if you feel it would benefit you then do disclose them.

[eemooz]

(Original post by Granger95)
Hi everyone,

So basically, I had an injury which meant I had 6 weeks off college at the beginning of the first term. In January I came out with 2 B's (very close to A's) but now I'm worried that I've messed up this summers exams. One of my teachers didn't exactly fill me with confidence and I'm scared that I'm going to come away with D/C's in two of my subjects and B's in the others.

I'm applying to Cambridge (hopefully) but these exams ride on my college backing me. I was wondering, if I did come away at the end of my AS year with D/C's, would this go against me when I apply to uni's in general? If I re-sit them in my A2 year, what would happen when I apply for uni with regards to my predicted grades on my application? (I'm planning to start applying in September)

Have I messed up my chances at uni or is it salvageable?

Thanks

you havent messed up your chances at uni as such, as you can resit these modules in january, and june, without your university knowing. that being said you said you wanted to apply to cambridge, who may request you to send in module grades. As you probably know, cambridge prefer students that have high/mid As, but depending on the course youre applying for, and whether or not your school gives a fantastic reference you may still have a chance.

all this being said, you havent yet got your results so don't worry yet!

[DOCTOR_FALCON]

(Original post by eemooz)
the bit in bold isnt true, you do not have to disclose your module grades, just the overall grades, however if you feel it would benefit you then do disclose them.

Oh yeah, My mistake.

[dbcm]

so you're saying that the predicted grades are the only thing that the universities see?

[eemooz]

(Original post by dbcm)
so you're saying that the predicted grades are the only thing that the universities see?

No they see your real grades too


This was posted from the app for the iPhone.

[dbcm]

(Original post by eemooz)
No they see your real grades too


This was posted from the app for the iPhone.

greaaaaat -_-

[Darkphilosopher]

You could always take a gap year (after A2) so you have the chance to take resits (during the A2 year) etc. and the uni won't have to see any predicted grades

[loopy786]

I have a similar sort of issue, but I had extenuating circumstances throughout the entire year and they look as though they will follow into my A2 year too. (Serious illnesses involved)
I was on track to getting As in all of my subjects (have an A in one already) but now, after a) how crappily mocks and real exams. went, and b) how little confidence the teachers have tried to instil in me, I feel like I'm waiting for AACE this year which isn't as ace as it looks. I wanted to apply for Chemistry, with one of my choices as Oxford, but I think I might end up getting a C in Chem. and then I think my predictions will be utter crap and GRR I wish I wasn't thinking ahead like that.

If worse comes to worst and that does happen, should I just go for it anyway and face getting rejections from everyone? I don't really think taking a gap year is for me, personally.

[darbyj]

Well for most courses at Cambridge the standard offer is A*AA, however if you get an interview, and they regard you as an exceptional candidate, they can make lower offers (or indeed unconditional offers). Ultimately if your college predicts you close to A*AA (maybe AAA would suffice) then you should be fine for Cambridge. However, it is unlikely (not impossible) that BBB would get you an interview, unless there were mitigating circumstances. At the same time though, there's no harm in trying! Or as others have suggested, take a gap year, and reapply, if getting into Cambridge is important to you.

Also, as far as I am aware, universities are able to see if you've taken retakes, unless your original grade was a U. The second you get certificated in an AS or A2, you have to include it on your UCAS form, no matter the grade. (U is not regarded as certificated).

[J10]

(Original post by loopy786)
I have a similar sort of issue, but I had extenuating circumstances throughout the entire year and they look as though they will follow into my A2 year too. (Serious illnesses involved)
I was on track to getting As in all of my subjects (have an A in one already) but now, after a) how crappily mocks and real exams. went, and b) how little confidence the teachers have tried to instil in me, I feel like I'm waiting for AACE this year which isn't as ace as it looks. I wanted to apply for Chemistry, with one of my choices as Oxford, but I think I might end up getting a C in Chem. and then I think my predictions will be utter crap and GRR I wish I wasn't thinking ahead like that.

If worse comes to worst and that does happen, should I just go for it anyway and face getting rejections from everyone? I don't really think taking a gap year is for me, personally.

In my opinion, just go for it.
What've you got to lose?
Go for it, and then at least you can say that you've tried, however it may work out.

[darbyj]

(Original post by loopy786)
I have a similar sort of issue, but I had extenuating circumstances throughout the entire year and they look as though they will follow into my A2 year too. (Serious illnesses involved)
I was on track to getting As in all of my subjects (have an A in one already) but now, after a) how crappily mocks and real exams. went, and b) how little confidence the teachers have tried to instil in me, I feel like I'm waiting for AACE this year which isn't as ace as it looks. I wanted to apply for Chemistry, with one of my choices as Oxford, but I think I might end up getting a C in Chem. and then I think my predictions will be utter crap and GRR I wish I wasn't thinking ahead like that.

If worse comes to worst and that does happen, should I just go for it anyway and face getting rejections from everyone? I don't really think taking a gap year is for me, personally.

If you have serious extenuating circumstances, go for it. Although, if you get C in Chemistry, perhaps consider applying off the strength of your predicted two As? (Depending on which subjects they are). Oxford care less than Cambridge about UMS overall anyway, they base more of it off the entrance examinations taken. If you really want to go to Oxford, apply, the worst that can happen is you don't get in.

[J10]

(Original post by darbyj)
Well for most courses at Cambridge the standard offer is A*AA, however if you get an interview, and they regard you as an exceptional candidate, they can make lower offers (or indeed unconditional offers). Ultimately if your college predicts you close to A*AA (maybe AAA would suffice) then you should be fine for Cambridge. However, it is unlikely (not impossible) that BBB would get you an interview, unless there were mitigating circumstances. At the same time though, there's no harm in trying! Or as others have suggested, take a gap year, and reapply, if getting into Cambridge is important to you.

Also, as far as I am aware, universities are able to see if you've taken retakes, unless your original grade was a U. The second you get certificated in an AS or A2, you have to include it on your UCAS form, no matter the grade. (U is not regarded as certificated).

Do you think it's worth applying to oxbridge if you have A*AA(+) predictions?

[Kidneyjean]

(Original post by Granger95)
Hi everyone,

So basically, I had an injury which meant I had 6 weeks off college at the beginning of the first term. In January I came out with 2 B's (very close to A's) but now I'm worried that I've messed up this summers exams. One of my teachers didn't exactly fill me with confidence and I'm scared that I'm going to come away with D/C's in two of my subjects and B's in the others.

I'm applying to Cambridge (hopefully) but these exams ride on my college backing me. I was wondering, if I did come away at the end of my AS year with D/C's, would this go against me when I apply to uni's in general? If I re-sit them in my A2 year, what would happen when I apply for uni with regards to my predicted grades on my application? (I'm planning to start applying in September)

Have I messed up my chances at uni or is it salvageable?

Thanks

Normally, universities don't see your modules grades/UMS when you apply. However, in the case of Cambridge, you'd get sent a separate form where you do have to disclose your UMS marks in every module, as well as specifying any retakes.

If you have any kind of extenuating circumstances (which it seems you do), then let unis know early; most of the time they're quite understanding. With regards to your college and predicted grades, talk to your head of sixth form/tutor- if you're thinking of Cambridge, it's a good idea to have predicted grades of at least A*AA (i.e. the standard Cambridge offer). Try and have a realistic idea of how much your performance has been affected by your injury (maybe get written notes from your subject teachers?)

Right now though, just try and relax (easier said than done...)! Who knows, maybe your results won't be that bad

[loopy786]

(Original post by J10)
In my opinion, just go for it.
What've you got to lose?
Go for it, and then at least you can say that you've tried, however it may work out.

I suppose I've got nothing to lose. I was going to have Oxford as my highest and then apply for Unis. that want AAB or ABB at A2 as well just in case my predictions are really crap.

(Original post by darbyj)
If you have serious extenuating circumstances, go for it. Although, if you get C in Chemistry, perhaps consider applying off the strength of your predicted two As? (Depending on which subjects they are). Oxford care less than Cambridge about UMS overall anyway, they base more of it off the entrance examinations taken. If you really want to go to Oxford, apply, the worst that can happen is you don't get in.

It was more family issues than personal illness, but the consequences of the situation meant that this year has been ridiculous. This year I did Maths., some FM exams., Bio., and Chem. and already had A in French. Looking at A in Maths., A in FM, C in Chem. and E in Bio., potentially. At A2 I will probably get D3/D2 in Hist. Pre-U and A* in Maths., and I am sure I can get at least an A in Chem. A2 after some retakes, maybe not an A* but an A at least!! It's just some of these exams. I've mucked up and I'm sure I could do well if I retook!!

Oxford said that realistically, they won't consider you if your predictions are less than A*AA but I'm thinking, if my school predict me a B or less in Chemistry, it won't reflect well. My GCSEs are better than average, though. I don't even know, guess I'll have to wait and then hope my teachers understand. I'm not stupid, I know I can do things and learn and go upwards. SIGH.

[darbyj]

(Original post by J10)
Do you think it's worth applying to oxbridge if you have A*AA(+) predictions?

Hell yeah!! Obviously the main issue for Oxbridge is that good grades isn't enough to guarantee entry, but having predictions of greater than A*AA certainly helps your chances

[darbyj]

(Original post by loopy786)
I suppose I've got nothing to lose. I was going to have Oxford as my highest and then apply for Unis. that want AAB or ABB at A2 as well just in case my predictions are really crap.



It was more family issues than personal illness, but the consequences of the situation meant that this year has been ridiculous. This year I did Maths., some FM exams., Bio., and Chem. and already had A in French. Looking at A in Maths., A in FM, C in Chem. and E in Bio., potentially. At A2 I will probably get D3/D2 in Hist. Pre-U and A* in Maths., and I am sure I can get at least an A in Chem. A2 after some retakes, maybe not an A* but an A at least!! It's just some of these exams. I've mucked up and I'm sure I could do well if I retook!!

Oxford said that realistically, they won't consider you if your predictions are less than A*AA but I'm thinking, if my school predict me a B or less in Chemistry, it won't reflect well. My GCSEs are better than average, though. I don't even know, guess I'll have to wait and then hope my teachers understand. I'm not stupid, I know I can do things and learn and go upwards. SIGH.

I can empathise with that, I was fortunate in a sense because it occurred a couple of years before my GCSEs, so I had enough time to adjust.

I haven't looked at Oxford recently, but if I remember correctly, Oxford isn't utilising the A* grade yet (that may have changed since I was looking). It is possible that they may consider you off the strength of your Maths results, particularly if your school mentions the personal difficulties you've been experiencing in their reference. There is always the possibility they'll give you an interview, they're not cold and heartless, and if they think there's a reasonable chance that you could have performed better, they will probably give you an interview. At least then you can show your passion for chemistry

EDIT: I stand corrected; just checked the Oxford site, and apparently they do ask for A*AA nowadays.

[hb31]

I messed my AS levels up, but with resits in January I was able to get 1 grade/2 grades higher than my previous summer exam! You'll be fine either way though!


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