Had my gap year - Now do I resit (at cost) or just go to uni?

I got DDD in 2018 in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, against the predictions of my teachers (They thought BBB at worst). I've called up a college and they've given me the option of resitting, but because I'm 19 now, I have to pay for it (£3000 a year or term. Kicking myself for not writing which it was down when they told me).

I really want to move out already and many of my friends and family have told me uni would be beneficial to me. I could /probably/ manage to swing a course I'm interested in (Geology, Biology, Palaeontology if poss) with a uni of some sort, though I don't really get to choose which or go to one of the big ones. I don't think that's an issue from what I've read though, they seem to all be alright.

I'm aware you pay for uni too, but the loans are much more accomodating for that than for retaking. Also, I really hate A-levels. The exam papers just grind my gears in some way and I feel powerful dread whenever I see one. I'm under the impression that uni work, while more difficult, is also not quite the same as the endless exam papers of A-level. Essays are fine.

As you can tell, I'm leaning heavily towards doing uni through clearing (if I can). Is there a reason why not? I know ultimately only I can decide, but I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience or something I might have missed.

I got DDD in 2018 in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, against the predictions of my teachers (They thought BBB at worst). I've called up a college and they've given me the option of resitting, but because I'm 19 now, I have to pay for it (£3000 a year or term. Kicking myself for not writing which it was down when they told me).

I really want to move out already and many of my friends and family have told me uni would be beneficial to me. I could /probably/ manage to swing a course I'm interested in (Geology, Biology, Palaeontology if poss) with a uni of some sort, though I don't really get to choose which or go to one of the big ones. I don't think that's an issue from what I've read though, they seem to all be alright.

I'm aware you pay for uni too, but the loans are much more accomodating for that than for retaking. Also, I really hate A-levels. The exam papers just grind my gears in some way and I feel powerful dread whenever I see one. I'm under the impression that uni work, while more difficult, is also not quite the same as the endless exam papers of A-level. Essays are fine.

As you can tell, I'm leaning heavily towards doing uni through clearing (if I can). Is there a reason why not? I know ultimately only I can decide, but I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience or something I might have missed.

Hey,

Have you looked at university courses? You mention Geology, Biology and Palaeontology - where are you interested in studying?

Some universities (depending on entry tariff) may offer a foundation year which you can get funded through the student finance system. It's a year 0 and in theory will help you achieve in year 1 and beyond.

Regarding your A-levels, do you know why things didn't go as well as you hoped? I understand the desire to want to change things up, move away, get a fresh start but try not to rush your decision.

I've had a look, there are quite a few courses still available even for my tarrif point amount and below, which is good to know (though I know I shouldn't wait right until the clearing end deadline to set it up, ofc). I honestly don't mind where I study. It seems to me like any city except London is kind of homogenous (Since I grew up rural I guess I am less able to see the distinction between them). Hull has a good reputation and I've heard good things about Keele, and they both offer Geology courses for low tarrif amounts.

A foundation year would be great, and I'm aiming for them where possible, with the theory that the entry requirement are going to be lower but with a better end result.

I have a tentative theory that I didn't do well in my A-levels because of multiple things; I totally was going through a bad breakup at the time. I realised that I didn't actually like the career I was aiming for (Astrophysics) and on top of that, I kind of hit the "wall" that some people hit - I was suddenly unable to skim a book and get an A in the test, and that wall happened right at the start of the second year. I ended up getting disheartened and giving up, and I think I totally needed the year off to regroup. Also, I wouldn't say one way or the other yet, but I think I might have ADHD or something since my friends don't seem to relate to my descriptions of how difficult it is to concentrate for extended periods. I plan to see a psychiatrist about that at some point, once I can drive in a month or so.

Thanks for replying!

I got DDD in 2018 in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, against the predictions of my teachers (They thought BBB at worst). I've called up a college and they've given me the option of resitting, but because I'm 19 now, I have to pay for it (£3000 a year or term. Kicking myself for not writing which it was down when they told me).

I really want to move out already and many of my friends and family have told me uni would be beneficial to me. I could /probably/ manage to swing a course I'm interested in (Geology, Biology, Palaeontology if poss) with a uni of some sort, though I don't really get to choose which or go to one of the big ones. I don't think that's an issue from what I've read though, they seem to all be alright.

I'm aware you pay for uni too, but the loans are much more accomodating for that than for retaking. Also, I really hate A-levels. The exam papers just grind my gears in some way and I feel powerful dread whenever I see one. I'm under the impression that uni work, while more difficult, is also not quite the same as the endless exam papers of A-level. Essays are fine.

As you can tell, I'm leaning heavily towards doing uni through clearing (if I can). Is there a reason why not? I know ultimately only I can decide, but I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience or something I might have missed.

@University of Hull and @Keele Student Ambassador @Keele University are both on TSR so you can talk to their reps about your options in their forums here: university of hull and keele university.

Have you visited either uni? I'd really recommend it. If you're moving out you want to make sure you're going to feel at home there.

@Leviathan1741 do you have geology wisdom to share?

A foundation year would hopefully help your confidence and get you up to speed, but it is an additional year of funding (£9250) + living expenses so you'd need to think about this seriously and also check that accommodation for year 0 is available.

It sounds like you've had a really good think about why things didn't work out as planned. Do you feel motivated to learn right now?
Passing your driving test will give you so much freedom

Hi there,

Hope I can offer some support here.

From the A-levels you have you have 72 UCAS points as it stands. The good thing about the Clearing list is you can filter your search by points to help you find courses that you may be eligible for.

If you haven't done so already check out what's available - https://www.ucas.com/clearing-launch

If you're ready to progress to uni and you can find a course in clearing that you really want to do and think would be a great career for you I don't see why not. Make sure to do your research on the courses, call the uni to speak with them and once you've been accepted through UCAS get your student finance sorted as quickly as you can.

We speak to many students who didn't do well at A-level but got a great degree results, it's about hard work, determination and the way you manage your time.

I hope this helps and good luck with your decision.

Sophie.

I got DDD in 2018 in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, against the predictions of my teachers (They thought BBB at worst). I've called up a college and they've given me the option of resitting, but because I'm 19 now, I have to pay for it (£3000 a year or term. Kicking myself for not writing which it was down when they told me).

I really want to move out already and many of my friends and family have told me uni would be beneficial to me. I could /probably/ manage to swing a course I'm interested in (Geology, Biology, Palaeontology if poss) with a uni of some sort, though I don't really get to choose which or go to one of the big ones. I don't think that's an issue from what I've read though, they seem to all be alright.

I'm aware you pay for uni too, but the loans are much more accomodating for that than for retaking. Also, I really hate A-levels. The exam papers just grind my gears in some way and I feel powerful dread whenever I see one. I'm under the impression that uni work, while more difficult, is also not quite the same as the endless exam papers of A-level. Essays are fine.

As you can tell, I'm leaning heavily towards doing uni through clearing (if I can). Is there a reason why not? I know ultimately only I can decide, but I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience or something I might have missed.

I got DDD in 2018 in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, against the predictions of my teachers (They thought BBB at worst). I've called up a college and they've given me the option of resitting, but because I'm 19 now, I have to pay for it (£3000 a year or term. Kicking myself for not writing which it was down when they told me).

I really want to move out already and many of my friends and family have told me uni would be beneficial to me. I could /probably/ manage to swing a course I'm interested in (Geology, Biology, Palaeontology if poss) with a uni of some sort, though I don't really get to choose which or go to one of the big ones. I don't think that's an issue from what I've read though, they seem to all be alright.

I'm aware you pay for uni too, but the loans are much more accomodating for that than for retaking. Also, I really hate A-levels. The exam papers just grind my gears in some way and I feel powerful dread whenever I see one. I'm under the impression that uni work, while more difficult, is also not quite the same as the endless exam papers of A-level. Essays are fine.

As you can tell, I'm leaning heavily towards doing uni through clearing (if I can). Is there a reason why not? I know ultimately only I can decide, but I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience or something I might have missed.

I've had a look, there are quite a few courses still available even for my tarrif point amount and below, which is good to know (though I know I shouldn't wait right until the clearing end deadline to set it up, ofc). I honestly don't mind where I study. It seems to me like any city except London is kind of homogenous (Since I grew up rural I guess I am less able to see the distinction between them). Hull has a good reputation and I've heard good things about Keele, and they both offer Geology courses for low tarrif amounts.

A foundation year would be great, and I'm aiming for them where possible, with the theory that the entry requirement are going to be lower but with a better end result.

I have a tentative theory that I didn't do well in my A-levels because of multiple things; I totally was going through a bad breakup at the time. I realised that I didn't actually like the career I was aiming for (Astrophysics) and on top of that, I kind of hit the "wall" that some people hit - I was suddenly unable to skim a book and get an A in the test, and that wall happened right at the start of the second year. I ended up getting disheartened and giving up, and I think I totally needed the year off to regroup. Also, I wouldn't say one way or the other yet, but I think I might have ADHD or something since my friends don't seem to relate to my descriptions of how difficult it is to concentrate for extended periods. I plan to see a psychiatrist about that at some point, once I can drive in a month or so.

Thanks for replying!

I got DDD in 2018 in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, against the predictions of my teachers (They thought BBB at worst). I've called up a college and they've given me the option of resitting, but because I'm 19 now, I have to pay for it (£3000 a year or term. Kicking myself for not writing which it was down when they told me).

I really want to move out already and many of my friends and family have told me uni would be beneficial to me. I could /probably/ manage to swing a course I'm interested in (Geology, Biology, Palaeontology if poss) with a uni of some sort, though I don't really get to choose which or go to one of the big ones. I don't think that's an issue from what I've read though, they seem to all be alright.

I'm aware you pay for uni too, but the loans are much more accomodating for that than for retaking. Also, I really hate A-levels. The exam papers just grind my gears in some way and I feel powerful dread whenever I see one. I'm under the impression that uni work, while more difficult, is also not quite the same as the endless exam papers of A-level. Essays are fine.

As you can tell, I'm leaning heavily towards doing uni through clearing (if I can). Is there a reason why not? I know ultimately only I can decide, but I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience or something I might have missed.