Will I still be able to get into a good uni if I do my a levels over 3 years?

I didn't get the grades I wanted last year, but this year I am doing really well (got 90+% raw mainly). I a was wondering, if I redeem myself
And get AAAa or something similar, would is till be able to go to a good university? I am supposed to get additional time in exams, but last year I didn't, and I should have, would universities take this into account, as it lead to me not finishing the papers and therefore not scoring greatly.
Thanks.

Reply 1

returnmigrant

21

Many 'top' Unis (and especially for competitive subjects) won't accept retakes. Their reasoning is if you need a second run up, you lack the intellectual ability for their Uni and/or a demanding subject.

Extra time gets given by exam boards for identified assessed special needs. Universities wont give that a second time. If you can't hit the grades, 'top' Unis aren't interested. That's why they are 'top' Unis.

Reply 2

JackNorman

OP

2

Original post by returnmigrant

Many 'top' Unis (and especially for competitive subjects) won't accept retakes. Their reasoning is if you need a second run up, you lack the intellectual ability for their Uni and/or a demanding subject.

Extra time gets given by exam boards for identified assessed special needs. Universities wont give that a second time. If you can't hit the grades, 'top' Unis aren't interested. That's why they are 'top' Unis.

I'm doing a2 physics this year for the first time and doing really well though, so if I can get an A in that first time along with my retake subjects surely that will show to universities that I am capable, I've heard of people getting into Oxbridge after doing their a levels over 3 years and that's just because of laziness in the first year.

Reply 3

Jkizer

16

Just try Oxbridge if you really wanna go there....

Just don't be surprised if they reject you on the basis 3 years to complete them.

Why do you get extra time? If it's something like dyslexia then you can get a form signed by teachers etc.

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(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 4

Anna.Karenina

20

It took me three years, and I got in to UCL and King's.

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Reply 5

JackNorman

OP

2

Original post by Jkizer

Just try Oxbridge if you really wanna go there....

Just don't be surprised if they reject you on the basis 3 years to complete them.

Why do you get extra time? If it's something like dyslexia then you can get a form signed by teachers etc.

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Yeah I do have a legitimate reason for extra time, it was confirmed when I was at school, I just didn't get it in my exams last year for some reason, I missed out 20 marks worth of question in a 100 mark physics paper and I got a C, could've been an A if I'd had the extra time, I think that, along with me not coming from a school known for amazing results and not coming from a family with a lot of money will make some places consider it with me taking three years. I read something about one person who failed his first year because he was always going out on school nights drinking and stuff but then sorted him self out and got A's and went to oxford, so I, sure if I have a reason they'd at least consider me haha

Reply 6

username1107833

2

Original post by JackNorman

Yeah I do have a legitimate reason for extra time, it was confirmed when I was at school, I just didn't get it in my exams last year for some reason, I missed out 20 marks worth of question in a 100 mark physics paper and I got a C, could've been an A if I'd had the extra time, I think that, along with me not coming from a school known for amazing results and not coming from a family with a lot of money will make some places consider it with me taking three years. I read something about one person who failed his first year because he was always going out on school nights drinking and stuff but then sorted him self out and got A's and went to oxford, so I, sure if I have a reason they'd at least consider me haha

What universities and course you looking to apply to? :smile:

Reply 7

JackNorman

OP

2

Original post by theCreator

What universities and course you looking to apply to? :smile:

Not sure what unis yet, not deciding until I get my results this year, but I want to do physics or physical NatSci

Reply 8

shiva300

13

yes you should be able to! :smile:

probably not oxford or Cambridge though, I'm applying for biomed at 4 good uni's and I had to retake AS! I've had 3 AAB offers so far.

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Reply 9

JackNorman

OP

2

Original post by shiva300

yes you should be able to! :smile:

probably not oxford or Cambridge though, I'm applying for biomed at 4 good uni's and I had to retake AS! I've had 3 AAB offers so far.

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Which unis have you applied to? And Well done on the offers so far :smile:

Reply 10

shiva300

13

I've applied to Nottingham, York, bath, Exeter and Nottingham Trent as my back up :smile:

want to go to York though!

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Reply 11

Revel

14

I took a year out between AS and A2 due to some personal problems andhad to resit 2 AS exams. I still got offers from Durham and UCL :smile:

Reply 12

flipflap99

8

cambridge natsci is over if that was the dream but most rg unis probably would consider you providing you meet the grades they require

Reply 13

Rumschpringe

11

Original post by JackNorman

I didn't get the grades I wanted last year, but this year I am doing really well (got 90+% raw mainly). I a was wondering, if I redeem myself
And get AAAa or something similar, would is till be able to go to a good university? I am supposed to get additional time in exams, but last year I didn't, and I should have, would universities take this into account, as it lead to me not finishing the papers and therefore not scoring greatly.
Thanks.

Maybe not Oxford or Cambridge unless you have really strong mitigating circumstances (such as bereavement, serious illness etc) with written dated proof.
You can still get into really well respected unis for a good course though - I'm in my 3rd year retaking A-levels, and I've applied for Medicine & Biomedical science- got an offer for the latter from Kings and got interviews from 2 other unis for Medicine :smile:

Before you apply anywhere just make sure you contact every uni you're thinking of to find out if they'd consider your application as a resitter, so you can see if they're worth a space on your UCAS form.

Reply 14

Superboy

2

Actually, contrary to popular belief, with the exception of medicine, Oxford considers ALL applicants who taken three years to complete their A Levels. They are at no disadvantage. Almost all other universities (except for medicine) accept third year resits as long as you do achieve top grades that time.

Reply 15

hannahmcd

I've had to do my A Levels over 3 years (although not due to retaking) and have had offers from Cardiff, Aberdeen and Newcastle, which are pretty decent unis. It might be an idea to try to explain your circumstances in your personal statement or ask your referee to mention it in their reference.

Reply 16

Chlorophile

20

Original post by JackNorman

I didn't get the grades I wanted last year, but this year I am doing really well (got 90+% raw mainly). I a was wondering, if I redeem myself
And get AAAa or something similar, would is till be able to go to a good university? I am supposed to get additional time in exams, but last year I didn't, and I should have, would universities take this into account, as it lead to me not finishing the papers and therefore not scoring greatly.
Thanks.

Possibly. In general, Universities don't mind the occasional retake but the magnitude of retakes you're talking about is definitely a cause for concern. However, your special circumstances could make a difference. If I were in your position, I would send a few emails to the admissions departments of the various universities you're thinking of applying to and ask for their take on the matter.

Reply 17

JackNorman

OP

2

Original post by shiva300

I've applied to Nottingham, York, bath, Exeter and Nottingham Trent as my back up :smile:

want to go to York though!

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I've been looking at York, I live about an hour away and I've always loved the place, and the uni is meant to be really good for physics too! Have you got an offer from York? :smile:

Reply 18

JackNorman

OP

2

Original post by Chlorophile

Possibly. In general, Universities don't mind the occasional retake but the magnitude of retakes you're talking about is definitely a cause for concern. However, your special circumstances could make a difference. If I were in your position, I would send a few emails to the admissions departments of the various universities you're thinking of applying to and ask for their take on the matter.

Yeah,understand things like bereavement etc affect your exam performance, but what happened to me DIRECTLY affects my exams, I didn't finish them; so I thought that would be taken into consideration.