Where did it all go wrong? (Straight A*s to uni dropout)

4

I’m really struggling, I’m at rock bottom.

Long story short did well in sixth form. Had to take a gap year due to caring responsibilities. I then studied at Imperial for a year where I got absolutely crushed… hated the course and most things about the place in general and ended up dropping out. I feel so lost.

I’m currently in my UCAS process again. This is my final time to apply to university because most have a 3-year timeframe you need to apply in after achieving your A-Levels. I’m currently taking an A-Level intensive to explore an interest in English Lit that I’ve always had and enjoying it. I don’t know why but I’m hesitant to apply. Is it my lack of confidence after dropping out once, or do I not like the course enough? I’ve considered other subjects but nothing really interests me.

I’ve explored the apprenticeship route and haven’t found anything good either.

I just don’t know where I’m headed.

Reply 1

MeddygMam

5

Hi,
What did you study at Imperial and why didn’t you like it? What are you hoping to study this time round? What a levels did you do and did you enjoy them? Which Universities are you thinking of applying to?
It sounds like you’ve had a tough few years so try not to be so hard on yourself. You have a lot going for you as you have good a levels. It sounds like Imperial wasn’t the right fit for you but this doesn’t mean you are a failure. You just need to find the right fit.
Remember if you are at rock bottom the only way to go is up! Things will improve.

Reply 2

imlazyatm

OP

4

Original post by MeddygMam

Hi,
What did you study at Imperial and why didn’t you like it? What are you hoping to study this time round? What a levels did you do and did you enjoy them? Which Universities are you thinking of applying to?
It sounds like you’ve had a tough few years so try not to be so hard on yourself. You have a lot going for you as you have good a levels. It sounds like Imperial wasn’t the right fit for you but this doesn’t mean you are a failure. You just need to find the right fit.
Remember if you are at rock bottom the only way to go is up! Things will improve.

Hi thanks for ur reply I was rly down when I posted that.

I studied Physics. I chose my A-Levels out of what looked the most employable to put on my CV and then deluded myself into thinking I would enjoy taking this subject at uni. I liked the validation I got from doing well in school exams but not the subjects themselves.

right now I’m doing English lit at a college. It’s rly independent and self-led which I’m liking. Hoping to take it at uni next year. :smile:

im hoping to go abroad, or study at Edinburgh/UCL as my top choices.

You’re right abt what you said when being rock bottom. I’m just going to take one small step at a time in the right direction and hope for the best. Xx

Reply 3

expanding-swirl

1

Original post by imlazyatm

I’m really struggling, I’m at rock bottom.
Long story short did well in sixth form. Had to take a gap year due to caring responsibilities. I then studied at Imperial for a year where I got absolutely crushed… hated the course and most things about the place in general and ended up dropping out. I feel so lost.
I’m currently in my UCAS process again. This is my final time to apply to university because most have a 3-year timeframe you need to apply in after achieving your A-Levels. I’m currently taking an A-Level intensive to explore an interest in English Lit that I’ve always had and enjoying it. I don’t know why but I’m hesitant to apply. Is it my lack of confidence after dropping out once, or do I not like the course enough? I’ve considered other subjects but nothing really interests me.
I’ve explored the apprenticeship route and haven’t found anything good either.
I just don’t know where I’m headed.

Hey,

Saw your update on the post in replies aswell, but I’m going through something similar. I took 3A*s home with me for A levels all STEM and then ended up on a gap year struggling with my mental health. I managed to get on track and went to Imperial the second year, and completed my first year despite absolutely hating it there. I ended up dropping out at the start of the second year after having a breakdown and not being able to continue in something I hated so much.

Felt great leaving that institution however I’ve been struggling immensely with mental health and self worth this year and planning to do software engineering at a mid russel group uni now this year, and doubting if I’m still a failure. Just wanted to let you know there’s someone going through something similar, and wondered how you’d got on with going back to uni ? 🙂

Reply 4

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by imlazyatm

I’m really struggling, I’m at rock bottom.

Long story short did well in sixth form. Had to take a gap year due to caring responsibilities. I then studied at Imperial for a year where I got absolutely crushed… hated the course and most things about the place in general and ended up dropping out. I feel so lost.

I’m currently in my UCAS process again. This is my final time to apply to university because most have a 3-year timeframe you need to apply in after achieving your A-Levels. I’m currently taking an A-Level intensive to explore an interest in English Lit that I’ve always had and enjoying it. I don’t know why but I’m hesitant to apply. Is it my lack of confidence after dropping out once, or do I not like the course enough? I’ve considered other subjects but nothing really interests me.

I’ve explored the apprenticeship route and haven’t found anything good either.

I just don’t know where I’m headed.

While this is a very late reply on an old thread, I just want to add for posterity: you can apply to universities more than 3 years after doing your A-levels. All this means though is that they probably will want to see that you have done some recent study to evidence your continued ability and preparedness for higher education. This could be an A-level or two, (an) OU module(s), or an Access to HE course.

So don't fret, you still have the option of uni even more than 3 years after your A-levels - or else there wouldn't be many mature student applicants!

Hopefully it all worked out for you however :smile:

Where did it all go wrong? (Straight A*s to uni dropout)

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