Long term advice (University related)

queens is an excellent uni

How much do you like Queen's and the subject that you'd be studying there? If you are keen on both the university and the subject, then that's definitely an option you should consider.

BUT, if you feel that you have not yet achieved your academic potential and would like to do so, then it might be a good idea to apply grades in hand and do a couple of extra A-levels (exactly what I'm doing at the moment!) I have to say though, that though there's nothing wrong with psychology and sociology A-levels in themselves, doing both at the same time might not be a great idea as I believe they're quite similar in content and range. Perhaps choosing one of the two and then another, different A-level might be a good idea? I'm not saying this because of their 'doss' reputations, (something that I completely disagree with) but you might be covering the same content twice over.

So, if I were you I'd take an extra year out, do a few more A-levels and apply again in order to achieve your potential- but only if you think you wouldn't be happy at Queen's.

.

Thanks for the reply. Well i'm going to the Queen's open day in half term to try and get more of a feel for it, which should help. Yeah i know they are now, wish i did when i started college, ended up doing (History and Politics) which i despise.
Do you still feel now that staying on was the right thing to do? I noticed you were rejected from Oxford (Sorry to hear was that after interview?), has that made you think that you shouldn't have taken the third year?

I think that you should firm Queens in case you change your mind, but plan to have a gap year. It really sounds like you need it. My best friend has gone through exactly the same thing as you and she took a year out and is much better now, although has some relapses with motivation, but don't we all!

I think that having a year where you're able to relax, focus on yourself etc would probably be much more worth while and then you can start University and turn over a leaf and put everything into it like you want to. I don't think it would be good to go to Oxford without motivation!

If you get straight A's though you wouldn't need to do the fast track A levels? Why do you want to do fast track and not just improve the grades you already have? Is there a certain reason for it? I'd much rather work for 6 months and bring my grades up in January exams and then travel for a few months over the summer or something. Maybe something to think about?

Okay, that's cool that you're going to visit, always a good idea.

Yes, definitely the right thing in my case. I didn't actually apply at all last year, so this is still my first time applying to university, but I wouldn't have been able to apply to the calibre of university that I did apply to this time round, and I, like you, wanted somewhere at least reasonably prestigious. With AS grades of ACCD, I thought that applying anywhere which wanted more than that would be risky- especially as I didn't know whether I was capable of doing better!

So now I've got my final A-level grades, it made it much easier to choose universities that either wanted those grades (two out of my three options) or more than that as I'm taking more A-levels as you will.

Oxford was just a long-shot for me, (I was rejected pre-interview unsurprisingly), but I didn't mind 'wasting' one of my five options as I knew it was likely I'd be getting at least one unconditional, and when you know that, the world's your oyster! Plus now my curiosity has been sated, and I'm not going to spend the next three years asking, 'could I be at Oxford right now?', as obviously the answer is a big fat NO.

As well as being able to apply to 'better' universities, having this extra year out has meant that I've been able to earn more money and go travelling here and there, and I know that when I DO go to university, it'll be the right one for me.

Sorry for babbling so much, but I hope my experiences have helped you make a decision, and good luck whatever you choose!

Hey . Well that's the thing, i'm not entirely sure if i'll get straight A's this year. I'm pretty certain i'll achieve an A* in Philosophy, but with my other subjects its any ones guess. The reason for fast tracking two extra A levels would only to be impress Oxford, and show that although i've made some mistakes, i'm still keen to improve my academic profile. But yes the idea of fixing my current grades up in January then doing a bit of traveling sounds lovely.

Ah, fair enough. I would possibly email the college/department of Oxford (don't really know how they work) and ask them if fast tracking 2 A levels would actually advantage you much/at all when applying if you hadn't achieved the grades you wanted first time round. Maybe explain your circumstances? If you have a good reason (which you do) as to why your grades have been affected then get your tutor to write it in your reference and also write it in your personal statement (a lot of uni's only read one or the other apparently). If it wouldn't really advantage you I wouldn't bother with the fast tracking and just improve the grades and travel do something worth while with your year. Maybe get some work experience or do something that will benefit your degree to show Universities that you are serious about your subject? Hope this helps!

This topic is ******* annoying to be honest.


All you have really said is that your lazy. Thats not really important, just do some work. I you cba, dont do any work and go to a lesser Uni.f


Just whatever, seems like a long read just for the fact that your so lazy.

This topic is ******* annoying to be honest.


All you have really said is that your lazy. Thats not really important, just do some work. I you cba, dont do any work and go to a lesser Uni.f


Just whatever, seems like a long read just for the fact that your so lazy.

Did you even read the post? The OP has had some pretty awful circumstances to contend with during an important part of their academic career. We all lose motivation from time to time but the OP, to me, has shown amazing strength in still wanting to carry on despite their father's passing, because quite frankly, I don't think I'd be able to do that.

To OP: I would strongly recommend a gap year, if you can afford it. I had 2 years out after failing my first term of uni, going at 18 was not for me, I needed that time to gain some work experience and get my head around what I really wanted to do. Sometimes the pressure to go to university straight after college from family and friends, and especially tutors, can be hard, but everyone I know who has taken a gap year has done better in university than those who went at 18. In fact, the ones who went at 18 sometimes end up hating their course and having a massive change of heart about uni. If Oxford is your dream then you would be best preparing yourself in every way to give yourself the best chance - you're obviously naturally academic, so fast tracking is also a good idea if you can cope with it. I did a couple of fast tracks at college and to be honest it is hard work but it's worth it. I wish you the best of luck with whatever path you choose and I am sorry for your loss.