I hate A-Levels and it's really bringing me down?

I'm 17 and I'm in my first year of college studying Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy A-Levels. I really thought that I would love college but unfortunately I really hate it. I'm not good at my subjects, I have no motivation whatsoever, I just feel like I'm really not ready for it; I loved school so much and it makes me really emotional thinking about my memories there, which doesn't help my situation. Now it just feels like I'm floating through life doing what I have to do in order to get by, and I feel really lonely. I considered dropping philosophy and maybe staying for a 3rd year to do a 3rd A-Level, but then that puts me behind a year. I really want to go to uni so it's not like I can just drop out, as much as I may want to. I'm not really sure what I'm asking for here - I guess maybe just some reassurance and advice on how to handle A-Levels? Thank you for reading

Reply 1

Amefish

Original post by amybethxx

Hi, I know how you're feeling. A lot of people feel lost and stressed during their A Levels, but you just have to try to work as hard as you can to get through it. If you don't have many friends at college, why not try to use that spare time productively, revising rather than socialising (or watching Netflix)? Dropping Philosophy may certainly be an option if you really hate it, and it's not so bad being a year behind. Many people do it.

However, A Levels are not for everyone and there are other routes to get into uni. I know a lot of people look down on them, but Level 3 BTECs can be really enjoyable, valuable and can get you into university.

You might want to talk to the careers team at your college, they will be able to provide you with the best advice.

Don't forget that you have everyone on TSR to help you with your subjects too if you're struggling :smile:

Reply 2

emmepemme1999

You're honestly preaching to the choir! I feel exactly the same and have done through first and second year (which I am in now) and there is nothing worse than how you're feeling. What I would say is (I know it can be difficult) but firstly put it into perspective. It's two years and then you get to go off and do something else. Another thing I would say is have a word with your teachers. Sounds odd but if they know you're not enjoying it then they can keep an eye out for you and often one problem that can lead to this feeling is stress. The jump from GCSE to A level is big and maybe it's getting through a bit? I would say dedicate time to yourself (even if it's only one hour a week) doing something you love. It gives you something to look forward to and makes it all a bit more tolerable....

I know it's not the greatest advice but it's kind of difficult to fix it. I often just rant to other about everything I hate about college to get it off my chest and I feel tons better. Hang in there though

Reply 3

xEmilyxx

I totally empathise with you.

I'm 17 and in my first year of AS. I got through year 11 telling myself that college would be awesome and great but now that I'm there I really hate it. Its reasons are different than what yours are, but I'm really similar. I need to get to Uni to do what I want to do, and so I can't drop out and do an apprenticeship without feeling guilty for the rest of my life😩

I don't feel ready for college either whereas before I did. I feel forced to grow up, whereas In school it felt like it suited me. I recommend you don't drop out or change subjects yet. Get your AS qualifications and then ask yourself if now that you've done first year, whether you can do the next. Besides, you could take a year gap and then pick up A2 a year on. Depending on whether its a college or sixth form, you can get 3 years worth of free education. So if you skip the middle year, you'll get A2 at 19 rather than 18.