Any mature students on here who have gone back to study A-levels??

I got BBD at A level back in 2005. Looking to finally give University a real go (first year drop out) but some unis are saying they're no good now and an access course is the way forward. Anyone else had this? I was thinking of taking 1 A level and (by some miracle) get an A to give me ABBD which looks a lot better.

Yeah I get that, but I could’ve worked full time and done the A level at night or something but nevermind. Access Course is gonna take up a lot of time and I’m gonna need distinctions to get in to the unis I want. I’m also reading around here that A Levels are far more favourable. I could get a distinction and not even get in. That would be a tragic waste of time. Anyway, no use complaining. I’m already getting started on the GCSE textbooks!

Thanks for the detailed reply, I appreciate it. Does a foundation degree take away the need for an Access course? There’s no way I’d be doing full time work along time studying. I’m bad enough as it is in terms of procrastinating and wasting time. I’d need some down time. So why are you doing the A Level? Why didn’t you apply for those unis the first time around?

Trying to keep this thread going...
Anyone here self-teaching any A-levels?

I'm tempted, but does it count towards anything - how do we go about getting exams and actual qualifications for what we self teach ourselves? I looked at a uni y'day and instantly felt old, and think the costs put me off too.


Posted from TSR Mobile

You would need to find a local exam centre that accept external applicants. Sometimes this can be a college or school, other it is a place that just does exams and tutoring like A3 tutoring in Bristol.

I think different universities have higher percentages of mature students than others. That a lot of mature societies so you can meet others clos t to your age, or arbitrary least some who are in a similar situation finding wise.
I would also look at all funding options available for university, depending on your situation there are lots of individual grants from organisations that can be applied for.

Thank you so much for that input. Helpful, and also encouraging! I will look into all.

I'm tempted, but does it count towards anything - how do we go about getting exams and actual qualifications for what we self teach ourselves? I looked at a uni y'day and instantly felt old, and think the costs put me off too.


Posted from TSR Mobile

What do you mean, does it count towards anything?

Aside from the obvious, but I thought as mature students, I didn't think any qualifications like Alevels isn't counted as a mature student but experience. But if you're gaining qualifications more recently then I guess it'd count.

Oh they've definitely count, as long as you sit the formal examination, your alevel is classed the same as anyone else applying to university. It shows a particular level of comprehension of a subject no matter what your age.
I've done alevels as a mature student. Without which I wouldn't have gained a place at vet school.
I studied at a college, but if I had self taught I would have needed to sit the exams or I could have just taught myself anything it's your only proof.

If you are genuinely considering self study, I would highly recommend budgeting for even two or three hours a month with a subject specific tutor, who has experience of your chosen exam board. This person can really help you refine your exam technique, which is just as important as learning the topics. Can make the difference between a C and a A/B grade! Also gives you someone to ask your questions and refine anything that needs specific wording... for example wjec exam board biology exams will only give you marks for certain things if you used 'their' terminology, even if what you have written is correct. An experienced tutor can help with this... as well as meticulously studying mark schemes for exams!