Jieay's Year 13 GYG - Actuarial Science applicant (2023/2024)

Back last year I used 1focus to stop procrastination to block distracting websites and apps (Except Google Chrome), and then stayfocusd to block other websites with google chrome, everything except necessary.

I also put the phone away, a lot of things, to block myself from procrastinating. Using Pomodoro helped me keep the schedule. Start with 5 minutes studying, then study more and more.

In that case it is a backup, although if you get CCC... would it be better to retake instead? Kent is quite a mediocre uni, but if you like it I guess go there?

If you improve... UEA is non RG although actually not that bad. York would be better, it's RG, mid RG.

Just stop slacking, get something done. You got this. Get the predicted as high as possible.

Cheers man, If I'm honest I find it quite hard to stay focused revising at school, I need to find another area to study other than upstairs where all my friends just sit around and chat. They've also stopped letting us use the library which is really annoying.

I also didn't think about blocking websites that would probably help me a lot when I'm revising at home. I've removed some distractions like YouTube and Instagram and stuff so if I want to find things I actually have to search for them specifically, and I am only subscribed to educational channels.

Also, I would definitely think of retaking if I did bad in my actual A levels but if I only get offers from Kent/Essex but do well in my A levels (AAB or AAA) then I might try and get into UEA or York in clearing (if that's possible), from what I've read and asked the tutors on open days it seems like Actuarial Science usually doesn't fill so hopefully there would be spaces if I'm quick to check their availability in July and come results day.

A public library could help with studying.

For other websites, block all other unnecessary websites, especially if you're prone to procrastination. This is what I resorted to. If it has to be done, do it.

York tends to be in Clearing anyway, although it can get full quickly so watch out.

True, I'm definitely going to try and avoid clearing at all costs but if my only options are the worse unis and I get good grades, I just don't want to be stuck at Kent when I had the academics to get into York

I'd need to look more into my options though cause I don't exactly know what happens after you send your application.

I've been to Clearing before, it's very rushed, accommodation may be all filled up so you may have to go private and that sucks because they can take a long time.

After you send the application, before 31 Jan you have equal consideration so take your time.

Yeah I wanted to send my application as late as possible because my schools decided to put our mocks in January instead of December for some stupid reason. I was told that I wouldn't be able to apply after the mocks which is really annoying.

Day 6:

Completed:
-Biology HW
-Chemistry HW
-Maths HW
-Half of Maths Mixed Ex 7 (Trig revision)
-Chemistry module 2 flashcards
-Made Chemistry flashcards for module 5/6 content learnt this week
-Added to Chem module 2 flashcards from chemrevise guides
-Read through reaction pathways (need to start reading daily)

To do:
-Finish Maths Mixed Ex 7
-Add to Chem flashcards for modules 3-6

I'm trying to work on making flashcards a daily habit to increase my understanding of earlier content as I realised that module 6 builds on module 4 and module 5 builds on module 2 and 3 in chem.

Also I'm going to start using YouTube more to reinforce my understanding. It's suddenly occurred to me that revision guides like the cgp textbook are literally useless when I don't understand the content and I'm just trying to memorise things I don't get, which is literally a death sentence with my subjects (especially chemistry).

Also going to start reading through the reaction pathway document in my lunch breaks. I reckon I'll know them all if I continuously do it until my exams (I'll probably be confident on it by January).

The A-levels I'm taking are:
-Biology
-Chemistry
-Maths

Keep going you're doing so well

OMG we're doing the same A-levels 😉

Wish I had your grades though aha 😌

What exam boards are you doing - am happy to share resources

That would be so helpful!

Edexcel Salters for Biology
Edexcel for Maths
Ocr A for chemistry

Wouldve never thought about using seneca, last time I used it was in year 9 😂
Do you find it helpful?

Yep especially for biology, I don't use it exclusively bc it misses some content out, but helps me clarify knowledge and helps with active recall of important/main points