The Student Room Group

A2 retakes - need some help

Long story short I'm in year 13 and currently taking my A2 exams - this issue is I already tell that I wont be making my firm or insurance offer by miles (AAA vs AAB)

My reason for not doing as well as I would hope (though it doesn't matter) is that I have had so many cool extracurricular opportunities randomly pop up in the last few months that I have neglected my studies and that is 110% not something I am proud of.

Instead of going through clearing and going to a uni im not truly excited for, I would much rather (should I not reach the requirement) retake my A2's in a year. I have a couple of questions about this though;

1.) Since my A-levels are linear, would I have to retake ALL three of them? I ask because I'm pretty sure I've smashed one of them, it's the other two that are going quite shite.
2.) Do colleges in London (NOT INDEPENDENT ONES THAT COST LIKE 5K A YEAR) allow places for fast track retake students? Or would I be forced to go back to my sixth form
3.) Am I disadvantaged if I reapply to the same firm (Warwick) I did this year (not as in a higher requirement, as in actually being offered a space)

Also if you are a past/current retake student feel free to tell me about your experience!
Reply 1
Original post by wttsrda
Long story short I'm in year 13 and currently taking my A2 exams - this issue is I already tell that I wont be making my firm or insurance offer by miles (AAA vs AAB)

My reason for not doing as well as I would hope (though it doesn't matter) is that I have had so many cool extracurricular opportunities randomly pop up in the last few months that I have neglected my studies and that is 110% not something I am proud of.

Instead of going through clearing and going to a uni im not truly excited for, I would much rather (should I not reach the requirement) retake my A2's in a year. I have a couple of questions about this though;

1.) Since my A-levels are linear, would I have to retake ALL three of them? I ask because I'm pretty sure I've smashed one of them, it's the other two that are going quite shite.
2.) Do colleges in London (NOT INDEPENDENT ONES THAT COST LIKE 5K A YEAR) allow places for fast track retake students? Or would I be forced to go back to my sixth form
3.) Am I disadvantaged if I reapply to the same firm (Warwick) I did this year (not as in a higher requirement, as in actually being offered a space)

Also if you are a past/current retake student feel free to tell me about your experience!



lemme bump this up real quick
Reply 2
Original post by wttsrda
lemme bump this up real quick


I'm in the same boat, I reckon I haven't done so well in my A level exams either so I'm considering retaking them. Wait for your results and decide, as it depends on how you've done. I'd probably retake A levels, it is expensive but it's cheaper than doing a foundation degree. Maybe consider an access course? It's ultimately it's up to you, of course you can seek advice from your parents, teachers etc but it's your life :smile:

I'd recommend reading this so you're prepared for Results day:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/exam-results/a-level/guide-to-a-level-results-day-2018
https://www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/a-level-results-day-what-are-your-options/


Info about retakes:
http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/family/a-level-and-gcse-retakes-83393
https://www.cife.org.uk/article/faqs-about-a-level-retakes/
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/a-levels-failed-resit-exams-13488992
https://www.brightknowledge.org/study-skills/retakes-explained
https://university.which.co.uk/advice/ucas-application/if-i-fail-an-exam-what-do-i-do
https://www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/a-level-and-gcse-retakes-why-its-never-too-late-to-resit-your-exams/

Also, read some of the replies in my thread as I've asked pretty much the same thing:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5452750

I hope everything works out for you! :smile:
Original post by wttsrda

1.) Since my A-levels are linear, would I have to retake ALL three of them? I ask because I'm pretty sure I've smashed one of them, it's the other two that are going quite shite.
2.) Do colleges in London (NOT INDEPENDENT ONES THAT COST LIKE 5K A YEAR) allow places for fast track retake students? Or would I be forced to go back to my sixth form
3.) Am I disadvantaged if I reapply to the same firm (Warwick) I did this year (not as in a higher requirement, as in actually being offered a space)

1. No you could just retake all of the exams for the two subjects you want to improve.
2. No, colleges are typically not well funded for fast track retake study for people who have already completed A levels. You can ask them but it's more likely you will self study and enter as a private candidate. Ask your current school if you can do the exams there, you may even be able to get some informal support from your previous teachers.
3. Can't speak for Warwick, you would have to ask them, but most universities are happy to consider applications from students with retakes for the majority of courses.
Reply 4
Original post by kiki213
I'm in the same boat, I reckon I haven't done so well in my A level exams either so I'm considering retaking them. Wait for your results and decide, as it depends on how you've done. I'd probably retake A levels, it is expensive but it's cheaper than doing a foundation degree. Maybe consider an access course? It's ultimately it's up to you, of course you can seek advice from your parents, teachers etc but it's your life :smile:

I'd recommend reading this so you're prepared for Results day:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/exam-results/a-level/guide-to-a-level-results-day-2018
https://www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/a-level-results-day-what-are-your-options/


Info about retakes:
http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/family/a-level-and-gcse-retakes-83393
https://www.cife.org.uk/article/faqs-about-a-level-retakes/
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/a-levels-failed-resit-exams-13488992
https://www.brightknowledge.org/study-skills/retakes-explained
https://university.which.co.uk/advice/ucas-application/if-i-fail-an-exam-what-do-i-do
https://www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/a-level-and-gcse-retakes-why-its-never-too-late-to-resit-your-exams/

Also, read some of the replies in my thread as I've asked pretty much the same thing:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5452750

I hope everything works out for you! :smile:


thanks so much, best of luck to you too!
Reply 5
U gotta be really sure you will actually do better and won't get distracted this time round.
Original post by Morganwilliams17
When I was doing my a levels jamworks helped me so much. Makes note taking so simple and it has tons of other study features

This thread is 4.5 years old, OP no longer needs advice.

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