Transferring unis after foundation year...

Hi,

I'm in a similar sort of position as you. I'm also starting a foundation year (results permitting) leading to allied health professions and plan to apply else where at the next cycle, as I have to apply to even stay at the same uni, so I may as well use all 5 choices. The uni's I'm planning to apply to aren't at the calibre of yours (as they don't do my course anyway) so luckily, the one's I've spoken to will accept my foundation year. Have you emailed them a copy of all of the modules you'll be studying? That may make them realise that you're covering A-level and higher subjects!

If you've already emailed the universities you really want to attend, and they definitely wont accept your foundation year, why don't you drop going this year and work on your A-levels instead? It kinda kills two birds with one stone. Although, you'll leave yourself open to not getting in anywhere if you're a-levels don't turn out how you want. Perhaps you could look into 'lesser' universities that will accept the FY? You're in a difficult position so there's nothing to be ashamed of if you don't get into the 'best' uni - it's hard for people who are traditionally applying.

Best of luck.

The reason why I want to actually go to Uni this year is because I am sick of doing nothing and being jobless. Plus I like the idea of making more friends who have similar interests e.g. maths etc and turns out I didn't get my first choice in course but I would rather go this year than be out of a routine and become de-motivated to study sometimes getting nowhere. Also I'll have tutors as UCAS references which would look better on my application.
are you taking STEP?

Which school did you take them with? King's School Canterbury takes private candidates and for £20 per unit! Which Universities are you applying to?

I do feel that if I am already attending maths classes my mind will be in "maths mode" and I would find it easier to do them again. I have just found out that most of the foundation year is based on the Further Maths syllabus anyway so I'll just be revising that.

You should have quoted me, I would have replied earlier

I actually understand how you feel about going to University. I was denied the chance to go to University in 2012 when I was 18 and it made me very sad. I am 20 now and if all goes well this year I should be starting a Mathematics degree at a reputable University in 2015.

I am completely self-taught for Mathematics so I have no references to vouch for my ability, thus I am going to find a private tutor, demonstrate my ability and ask for a reference. Of course I will go for further lessons with them as I am also doing Additional Further Mathematics as well as STEP 2 and 3.

Wow, that is cheap! It is pretty close by car too :| I will ask if the hold the STEP exams and if so I will do my exams with them, thank you!

Since you say most of what you have learned is based on the Further Maths syllabus then you'll blaze through A-Level Maths, giving you plenty of time for Economics and Further Maths.

Lastly, here is how I self-study:

Mathematics

I watch tutorials from ExamSolutions, Khan Academy, M4ths.com and then complete exercises from the EdExcel books as well as MyMaths from time to time. I shall be signing up to LiveMaths as they have content the websites I mentioned do not have.

Economics

I actually have a thread for AS Economics if you'd like to take a look. I am not too sure about what A2 will be like so I cannot comment on how long it will take to learn.

To conclude this post I think you should apply for entry in 2015. You should be able to if you have good predicted grades from your tutors as well as a great personal statement. I wish you the best of luck

I watch ExamSolutions too, paid for MathsNet and FMSP.

STEP 1, 2 and 3 is also available from King's at £46 per paper and £25 administration fee. I will be taking those too next year so might see you at registration!

Best of luck with your studies too!

Wow, if only I found out about King's earlier, that is so cheap! :| You'll see me for sure, will call them for exams in September! Will you also be doing STEP 1? I don't think you need to if you're doing 2 and 3.

Thanks and good luck to you too!

I might do (1 and 3) or (2 and 3). Haven't really decided yet and don't really know the difference between 1 and 2. Except for they're both based on A Level syllabus but is one harder than the other?

I am also taking MAT in November because I am applying for Imperial.

Happy revising!

Hi, I am determined to transfer to a better ranked university like UCL or Bath next year as I have lived in Canterbury nearly all my life and am pretty much sick of the city. I have emailed the Unis I would like to transfer to and they said that I have to retake A Levels. This is why I am planning to retake my A Levels next year as well as the do the foundation course and apply through UCAS again next cycle.

there are two *******s in your situation.
1) lets say you're studying in Kent College for the foundation. naturally you would proceed onto Kent University for the degree. But if the college knows that you have decided to go to another university, instead of Kent University, your college may not award you high marks for your foundation programme.

if you don't have high marks in your foundation subjects, it is very difficult to progress to another university for the degree course. this is because the other universities demand extremely higher grades in order for you to enter into their degree courses. the issue becomes bigger if the actual university you want to go to (UCL), is much higher ranked than the university you're supposed to have gone to (Kent).

foundation colleges are money making mechanisms. the sooner people realize it the better.

2) handling the foundation course with having to do A-levels can be quite tough. but if you're mentally tough then go for it.

I doubt that with a subject like maths where there is a right or wrong answer, that the examiners would mark it incorrect when it is actually correct to please the staff I so offended by not being loyal to the University. Or am I being ridiculously naive and the so called college revels in such corrupt behaviour?

Retaking and doing foundation seems to be my best bet if I am going to transfer successfully.

there are two *******s in your situation.
1) lets say you're studying in Kent College for the foundation. naturally you would proceed onto Kent University for the degree. But if the college knows that you have decided to go to another university, instead of Kent University, your college may not award you high marks for your foundation programme.

[snip]

It has nothing to do with corruption or falsely marking scripts.
You will have to score at least 70-75% in your modules in order to crossover to a higher ranked uni.
this is the way it is and this is the way it will continue to be.

So if the college is deliberately marking students down to "penalise" them for not staying on for university, how does that not constitute corruption or falsely marking scripts?

With the greatest respect, you're not qualified to be passing judgement like this. You're not an admissions tutor or an examiner, and from your post history I believe you're still in the process of applying to university.

One of the most important traits a lawyer can have is not being afraid to say "I don't know and this is outside of my expertise". I'd suggest that you consider whether the content of your post is something about which you're truly knowledgeable before posting something that has the potential to scaremonger.

"But if the college knows that you have decided to go to another university, instead of Kent University, your college may not award you high marks for your foundation programme."
You can't just contradict yourself like that

So if the college is deliberately marking students down to "penalise" them for not staying on for university, how does that not constitute corruption or falsely marking scripts?

With the greatest respect, you're not qualified to be passing judgement like this. You're not an admissions tutor or an examiner, and from your post history I believe you're still in the process of applying to university.

One of the most important traits a lawyer can have is not being afraid to say "I don't know and this is outside of my expertise". I'd suggest that you consider whether the content of your post is something about which you're truly knowledgeable before posting something that has the potential to scaremonger.

Hi devon.

Firstly let me make it clear that I am not referring to Kent college.
it was merely an example. this is evidenced by my sentence in my previous post.
'lets say you're studying in Kent College for the foundation'.

secondly, let me clarify.
I was referring to foundation colleges and not foundation degrees.
This is perhaps where the misunderstanding may have arose.
I am truly sorry. I should have been clear.
I regret my oversight.

once again I sincerely hope you'll forgive me for being unclear earlier.
1) I was not referring to Kent at all.
2) I was not referring to foundation degrees.
3) I was referring to foundation colleges aimed at international students.