[kayyyy_x]

Okay, so I'm around 90% sure I haven't got the B I needed for Chemistry, it's looking much more like a D.

So I was thinking of taking a gap year, doing a bit of travelling, reapplying and then doing some retakes in June 2013.

The types of Unis that I'd like to apply to would be Durham, Royal Holloway, St. Andrews, and Exeter. They're all very good Universities, so would I be penalised for my extra year of retakes?

Also another question, slightly off topic. If I were to get into my first choice university, having missed the grades - by calling up and persuading them to give me a place. How would accommodation work? I applied really early for accommodation because I really wanted my first choice, but would not getting my grades push me to the back of the queue for accommodation again?

Thanks!

[The Polymath]

(Original post by kayyyy_x)
Okay, so I'm around 90% sure I haven't got the B I needed for Chemistry, it's looking much more like a D.

So I was thinking of taking a gap year, doing a bit of travelling, reapplying and then doing some retakes in June 2013.

The types of Unis that I'd like to apply to would be Durham, Royal Holloway, St. Andrews, and Exeter. They're all very good Universities, so would I be penalised for my extra year of retakes?

Also another question, slightly off topic. If I were to get into my first choice university, having missed the grades - by calling up and persuading them to give me a place. How would accommodation work? I applied really early for accommodation because I really wanted my first choice, but would not getting my grades push me to the back of the queue for accommodation again?

Thanks!

You *probably* would be penalised, but the worst part is that you're going to waste the year sitting on the beach. If you did something productive it would help you hugely.

[kayyyy_x]

(Original post by Junaid96)
You *probably* would be penalised, but the worst part is that you're going to waste the year sitting on the beach. If you did something productive it would help you hugely.

What 'productive things' could I do over the year instead?

[Bubbles94]

internship/workexperience/job

[cl_steele]

ive heard most of the universities of the calibre that you wish to apply to do take a dim view on repeating for a third year, one thing ive heard theyve been known to do is they give you higher entry requirements but other than that not sure, sorry.

[EiMiS]

Higgghhhh 5, same boat! (Nearly)

[The Polymath]

(Original post by kayyyy_x)
What 'productive things' could I do over the year instead?

You're applying for Chemistry, so maybe relevant work experience, an EPQ (or personal project)?

[rudin94]

(Original post by cl_steele)
ive heard most of the universities of the calibre that you wish to apply to do take a dim view on repeating for a third year, one thing ive heard theyve been known to do is they give you higher entry requirements but other than that not sure, sorry.

What do you mean "repeating" for a third year, does this mean doing an extra year of school? What if one was to do a work experience placement as well as retaking a few modules? :/
Actually i think I answered my own question, it kind of only seems fair to make my entry requirements higher if I didn't get in on the first try -____-

[cl_steele]

(Original post by rudin94)
What do you mean "repeating" for a third year, does this mean doing an extra year of school? What if one was to do a work experience placement as well as retaking a few modules? :/
Actually i think I answered my own question, it kind of only seems fair to make my entry requirements higher if I didn't get in on the first try -____-

yar if for whatever reason you fail you A2s and have to re-sit them for a third year they view it as having an unfair advantage over other applicants so expect better grades accordingly i think it was either on QMUL or UCLs website i read it, i forget which though i dont think theyd allow work placements but to be honest i have no idea, try ringing their admissions dept, theyd know better than me

[T-o dore]

(Original post by kayyyy_x)
Okay, so I'm around 90% sure I haven't got the B I needed for Chemistry, it's looking much more like a D.

So I was thinking of taking a gap year, doing a bit of travelling, reapplying and then doing some retakes in June 2013.

The types of Unis that I'd like to apply to would be Durham, Royal Holloway, St. Andrews, and Exeter. They're all very good Universities, so would I be penalised for my extra year of retakes?

Also another question, slightly off topic. If I were to get into my first choice university, having missed the grades - by calling up and persuading them to give me a place. How would accommodation work? I applied really early for accommodation because I really wanted my first choice, but would not getting my grades push me to the back of the queue for accommodation again?

Thanks!

Send an email to your prospective unis. They'll give you much more accurate advice. Although having done a gap year, along with a lot of friends, I can definitely recommend it. Its only a year and its a pretty unique opportunity.

[edjunkie]

By all means get your plan B options in place, so you know what to do if your grades are not what you need.

Admission tutors will tell you the default rule at present. To make a judgement based on your circumstances, you will need to make an application and then they will consider you in context of other competing students. You may get a higher than typical offer as a resit student compared to a first time student. Consider other universities as well. Relevant work experience may help you write a better personal statement and demostrate how you have maintained your interest in the subject. If you cannot secure paid work, then volunteering would be another option.

[edjunkie]

By all means get your plan B options in place, so you know what to do if your grades are not what you need. If you have to retake, plan your gap year carefully, don't underestimate the time you will need to prepare for your retake or be somewhere where you can't access your results.

Admission tutors will tell you the default rule at present. To make a judgement based on your circumstances, you will need to make an application and then they will consider you in context of other competing students. You may get a higher than typical offer as a resit student compared to a first time student. Consider other universities as well. Relevant work experience may help you write a better personal statement and demostrate how you have maintained your interest in the subject. If you cannot secure paid work, then volunteering would be another option.

[laprenti]

what do unis think of those doing a-levels for a fourth consecutive year?...

[edjunkie]

(Original post by laprenti)
what do unis think of those doing a-levels for a fourth consecutive year?...

Depends on what you are applying for. Has that changed?
- if you where applying for medicine or one of the other high demand courses. Then the fact you haven't obtained suitable grades after the first retake attempt, then they will likely not offer you a place as you would probably struggle. If you have changed the course you were applying for and it is not high demand, expect a higher offer. Non Russell Group universities are more likely to consider you based on the merits of your current application. You should make your reasons for wanting to do the course clear and address in a positive way your educational background. It helps if your academic reference, reflects why you are suitable for the course now.

Did you study for the same subjects?
- if you made a radical change from science to humanities or vice versa, not necessarily the end if the world

[laprenti]

(Original post by edjunkie)
Depends on what you are applying for. Has that changed?
- if you where applying for medicine or one of the other high demand courses. Then the fact you haven't obtained suitable grades after the first retake attempt, then they will likely not offer you a place as you would probably struggle. If you have changed the course you were applying for and it is not high demand, expect a higher offer. Non Russell Group universities are more likely to consider you based on the merits of your current application. You should make your reasons for wanting to do the course clear and address in a positive way your educational background. It helps if your academic reference, reflects why you are suitable for the course now.

Did you study for the same subjects?
- if you made a radical change from science to humanities or vice versa, not necessarily the end if the world

I haven't started the fourth year yet, I will in september. And no I've kept the same subjects and added a fourth a level (further maths) to maths physics and history. I don't have a current application, never applied to uni yet

Are physics, mechanical engineering and related subjects high demand courses?

I'm going to have a terrible academic reference :/ Literally did not hand in any homework this year, did little classwork and missed a lot of lessons (over 3 months worth, apparently) I was literally reading new material from a textbook hours before the exam.

[Optical]

(Original post by laprenti)
I haven't started the fourth year yet, I will in september. And no I've kept the same subjects and added a fourth a level (further maths) to maths physics and history. I don't have a current application, never applied to uni yet

Are physics, mechanical engineering and related subjects high demand courses?

I'm going to have a terrible academic reference :/ Literally did not hand in any homework this year, did little classwork and missed a lot of lessons (over 3 months worth, apparently) I was literally reading new material from a textbook hours before the exam.

Will you have to pay for your fourth year of A levels?

[laprenti]

(Original post by Optical)
Will you have to pay for your fourth year of A levels?

Yes and no, I can get tuition free if I go on JSA (this applies for 19-24), but I have to pay for exams. I've decided to be a private candidate, self-taught.