An unexpected gap year - thread

If you told me two months ago that my most likely course of action after A-levels was a gap year, I would have laughed. But currently it looks like a greater possibility than meeting my firm offer because exams didn't go to plan.

Due to the fact I most likely haven't met my offer of A*AA for Durham and I don't *really* want to go elsewhere - I will probably be taking a gap year.

General tasks:
- retake any exams required
- earn money for uni and travel
- travel
- volunteer

Therefore I've created this thread to share my adventures and get some ideas! Whereabouts should I look to travel to?! Have you had any experiences with something similar?

Good luck Mr James, a shame you didn't have your heart set on Bath in the end

I hope your exams went better than you expected.

I still think you might surprise yourself on August 17th, but nevertheless I will follow this thread closely.

http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/mit_you_make_me_wanna_wait
I read this article back when I was thinking about staying in the US for University (about 3 years ago), and it opened my eyes to the prospect being not so terrible. In theory a gap year's good you get to save money, explore the world (maybe), try new things you would've never done otherwise, and so on. I actually floated the idea to my sister last year, when she too was about to enter University..

She liked the idea well enough, and took one. However my father didn't like the idea as much as her and I, so it turned into a ****-show. Screaming matches, and overall drama until she kicked off to University. The idea of taking a gap year has since been put to bed for myself, I couldn't imagine going through that drama again but be the target of it all.. Plus, I honestly would rather leave my parents for a good year or so, instead of stay.

If you told me two months ago that my most likely course of action after A-levels was a gap year, I would have laughed. But currently it looks like a greater possibility than meeting my firm offer because exams didn't go to plan.

Due to the fact I most likely haven't met my offer of A*AA for Durham and I don't *really* want to go elsewhere - I will probably be taking a gap year.

General tasks:
- retake any exams required
- earn money for uni and travel
- travel
- volunteer

Therefore I've created this thread to share my adventures and get some ideas! Whereabouts should I look to travel to?! Have you had any experiences with something similar?

I missed my offer (dunno if they'll accept me yet) but I might be taking a gap year anyways. I will probably be primarily earning money and retaking one/ two/ three subjects depending on remarks etc...

I hope you get into Durham though

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Good luck

Nooooooo! I'm so sorry to hear that you've worked so hard my fingers are crossed that you'll be let in!! Do you find out on A level results day?

Thank you and I really hope so too but I'm pretty doubtful atm

Thank you I find out some time this week. Regardless I might be taking a gap year anyways so it's fine, just frustrated cuz I felt like none of the 50/50 gambles I made in the exams paid off.

I am sure everything will be fine! stay hopeful until the last moment!

Posted from TSR Mobile

Good luck Mr James, a shame you didn't have your heart set on Bath in the end

I hope your exams went better than you expected.

Good luck!!! I feel exactly the same nothing paid off so I just feel like I wasted the biggest opportunity ever

I'll try to stay hopeful! Tho atm I'm very happy not knowing my results hahahahahaha! 😂😭

I still think you might surprise yourself on August 17th, but nevertheless I will follow this thread closely.

Wouldn't be surprised if A*/A proportion falls tbh.

I used to read your GYG thread (even back in Year 12!) and I was in a pretty similar position to you- I was on track to get all As in my A-levels and I was going to be applying to top universities but things went pear-shaped this year in Year 13 so I too will be taking a gap year.
It's interesting how things turn out but I think it's easy for students to underestimate the difficulty of the Year 2 A-level exams, especially on top of the stress and pressure that will have built up over the two years.

Anyway, I'll be following this thread and wishing you the best of luck for whatever you decide to do .

Just out of interest, say if you ended up getting something like AAB on results day, would you not be tempted to go to somewhere through clearing?

Same </3

Although the government have said that the proportions will be the same from previous years for the new a levels, however what happens with the old ones is anyone's guess...



Thank you and good luck to you too!!

I think I would go into clearing if I was far from meeting my offer. If it simple means retaking an exam or two, I won't settle and I'll reapply because a gap year and Durham would provide so many more opportunities than just any clearing choice!

Thinking about it, I really wouldn't mind just missing my Durham offer and then being offered deferred entry (like many on here) because researching stuff I can do next year is getting me really excited!!