The Student Room Group

Dropping out and reapplying in the current cycle - personal statement?

I'm currently studying Physics at UCL (first year) but I've realised it really isn't for me - both the course and the uni itself - and will be dropping out by the end of first term. Along with this my mental health issues have flared up which just amplifies how bad everything is. I really don't want to wait around for ~2 years so I'm going to be applying by the January 2018 deadline for a different course (Computer Science).

I know I have to declare the fact that I dropped out on my UCAS form but should I mention it in my personal statement? I'm pretty sure I could spin it into something positive - as in "it was the computing module of my physics degree that made me realise I much preferred programming" etc, but I feel no matter what dropping out looks bad.

Also, slightly unrelated, but I dropped Computer Science after AS. Not due to a bad grade (got an A) or a lack of interest, but because the teachers were awful and there were no good resources available for it. Will this look bad on my application?

Finally, do I need to explain my plans for the next ~9 months? I could probably BS some stuff about how I'm going to work on my own projects or something but honestly I'm taking the 9 months to sort out my mental health issues and such.

Thanks in advance
Reply 1
Original post by DarkEnergy
I'm currently studying Physics at UCL (first year) but I've realised it really isn't for me - both the course and the uni itself - and will be dropping out by the end of first term. Along with this my mental health issues have flared up which just amplifies how bad everything is. I really don't want to wait around for ~2 years so I'm going to be applying by the January 2018 deadline for a different course (Computer Science).

I know I have to declare the fact that I dropped out on my UCAS form but should I mention it in my personal statement? I'm pretty sure I could spin it into something positive - as in "it was the computing module of my physics degree that made me realise I much preferred programming" etc, but I feel no matter what dropping out looks bad.

Also, slightly unrelated, but I dropped Computer Science after AS. Not due to a bad grade (got an A) or a lack of interest, but because the teachers were awful and there were no good resources available for it. Will this look bad on my application?

Finally, do I need to explain my plans for the next ~9 months? I could probably BS some stuff about how I'm going to work on my own projects or something but honestly I'm taking the 9 months to sort out my mental health issues and such.

Thanks in advance


It's your choice if you want to put that. I think that the computer science modules and aspects in physics you should write about that and how you prefer it more. Mentioning dropping out won't really harm you, just shows that you didn't stick to a degree which you didn't want to do which is good.

You won't be at a disadvantage for not having CompSci at A2. It is useful, but most if not all universities mostly only require A-Level Maths. @Doonesbury can give better advice. Do you mind me asking where you want to study Computer Science?
Reply 2
Original post by Black Water
It's your choice if you want to put that. I think that the computer science modules and aspects in physics you should write about that and how you prefer it more. Mentioning dropping out won't really harm you, just shows that you didn't stick to a degree which you didn't want to do which is good.

You won't be at a disadvantage for not having CompSci at A2. It is useful, but most if not all universities mostly only require A-Level Maths. @Doonesbury can give better advice. Do you mind me asking where you want to study Computer Science?


Thanks for the reply. Haven't finalised my 5 yet but as of now I'm thinking Durham and Edinburgh as my top 2 choices. Will probably also apply to Leeds.
Reply 3
Original post by DarkEnergy
Thanks for the reply. Haven't finalised my 5 yet but as of now I'm thinking Durham and Edinburgh as my top 2 choices. Will probably also apply to Leeds.

Good choices. :smile: Durham is really good for CS.
Reply 4
Could you help please @Doonesbury
Reply 5
Original post by DarkEnergy
I'm currently studying Physics at UCL (first year) but I've realised it really isn't for me - both the course and the uni itself - and will be dropping out by the end of first term. Along with this my mental health issues have flared up which just amplifies how bad everything is. I really don't want to wait around for ~2 years so I'm going to be applying by the January 2018 deadline for a different course (Computer Science).

I know I have to declare the fact that I dropped out on my UCAS form but should I mention it in my personal statement? I'm pretty sure I could spin it into something positive - as in "it was the computing module of my physics degree that made me realise I much preferred programming" etc, but I feel no matter what dropping out looks bad.

Also, slightly unrelated, but I dropped Computer Science after AS. Not due to a bad grade (got an A) or a lack of interest, but because the teachers were awful and there were no good resources available for it. Will this look bad on my application?

Finally, do I need to explain my plans for the next ~9 months? I could probably BS some stuff about how I'm going to work on my own projects or something but honestly I'm taking the 9 months to sort out my mental health issues and such.

Thanks in advance


I'm not a PS specialist :frown: but as a non-expert I'd say it's fine to mention how the "penny dropped" during your Physics course.

You don't need to discuss why you dropped CS at AS-level (that would be better in your reference if you can get them to include it).

You also don't need to mention MH issues in your PS, and you don't really need to say what you'll be doing for the next 9 months - but talking about some projects would be helpful.

Have you discussed dropping out with your UCL tutor?
Reply 6
Original post by Doonesbury
I'm not a PS specialist :frown: but as a non-expert I'd say it's fine to mention how the "penny dropped" during your Physics course.


Ah sorry I just remember you helped me a lot/I saw you helping around a lot when I initially applied around a year ago.


Original post by Doonesbury
You don't need to discuss why you dropped CS at AS-level (that would be better in your reference if you can get them to include it).

You also don't need to mention MH issues in your PS, and you don't really need to say what you'll be doing for the next 9 months - but talking about some projects would be helpful.

Ah alright thanks.


Original post by Doonesbury

Have you discussed dropping out with your UCL tutor?

Not yet, I plan to on Wednesday but honestly I'm pretty set on it now.

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