Resitting *PLEASE HELP*
11
Hello, I applied for English Lit, got offer from UCL and KCL for ABB, missed it by 4 marks in total across subjects. I applied again, got in again, missed it by 2 marks.
I am eager to go to either UCL and KCL and work harder, but I don't think I'll be let in after resitting twice. Therefore, I was thinking
A) Picking up new A-Levels, doing it in one year therefore I'm applying with subjects that I haven't resat or done before.
B) Switch pathway, do STEM, pick up Chemistry and another science, do in one year and apply with them to pharmacy or foundation medicine (easier to get in I think than medicine itself) also my parents have always wanted me to get into medicine so I want to make them proud after disappointing them two times.
Which one do you think will work out best?
I am eager to go to either UCL and KCL and work harder, but I don't think I'll be let in after resitting twice. Therefore, I was thinking
A) Picking up new A-Levels, doing it in one year therefore I'm applying with subjects that I haven't resat or done before.
B) Switch pathway, do STEM, pick up Chemistry and another science, do in one year and apply with them to pharmacy or foundation medicine (easier to get in I think than medicine itself) also my parents have always wanted me to get into medicine so I want to make them proud after disappointing them two times.
Which one do you think will work out best?
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 1
I am concerned that the university you go to is more important than the subject you want to study. That's the wrong way round. And you will not be able to study science in one year and get a high enough grade for medicine.
I think you need to take some time to really think about what your passion is
I think you need to take some time to really think about what your passion is
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 2
20
Go somewhere else and stop obsessing about London Unis.
Reply 3
sanwwio
OP
11
Original post by totallyfine
I am concerned that the university you go to is more important than the subject you want to study. That's the wrong way round. And you will not be able to study science in one year and get a high enough grade for medicine.
I think you need to take some time to really think about what your passion is
I think you need to take some time to really think about what your passion is
I plan to change subjects once I'm in my dream uni. Secondly, I learnt, not revised, A2 biology 2 days before my exam and got a B. I think I can get an A in Chemistry if I had 365 days.
Reply 4
sanwwio
OP
11
Original post by McGinger
Go somewhere else and stop obsessing about London Unis.
Why shouldn't I obsess? Not only does it significantly change my future and career prospects but I am paying thousands and thousands for a university so I will go to one that I want - especially when my degree isn't in demand. Don't bother commenting if you have nothing to add.
Reply 5
Original post by sanwwio
Hello, I applied for English Lit, got offer from UCL and KCL for ABB, missed it by 4 marks in total across subjects. I applied again, got in again, missed it by 2 marks.
I am eager to go to either UCL and KCL and work harder, but I don't think I'll be let in after resitting twice. Therefore, I was thinking
A) Picking up new A-Levels, doing it in one year therefore I'm applying with subjects that I haven't resat or done before.
B) Switch pathway, do STEM, pick up Chemistry and another science, do in one year and apply with them to pharmacy or foundation medicine (easier to get in I think than medicine itself) also my parents have always wanted me to get into medicine so I want to make them proud after disappointing them two times.
Which one do you think will work out best?
I am eager to go to either UCL and KCL and work harder, but I don't think I'll be let in after resitting twice. Therefore, I was thinking
A) Picking up new A-Levels, doing it in one year therefore I'm applying with subjects that I haven't resat or done before.
B) Switch pathway, do STEM, pick up Chemistry and another science, do in one year and apply with them to pharmacy or foundation medicine (easier to get in I think than medicine itself) also my parents have always wanted me to get into medicine so I want to make them proud after disappointing them two times.
Which one do you think will work out best?
Medicine and English Lit are two VERY different courses with differing skills required for each. You have to be 100% sure you want to medicine yourself, not just for others, because it's 5-6 years of your life studying and another few more training, not to mention the workload and pressure. If you're not sure completely what you want to do, maybe take a gap year and get some work experience in different fields, talk to uni students studying English, pharmacy or medicine. It really is a big decision and you have to do what's right for you. Good luck x
Reply 6
20
Original post by sanwwio
I plan to change subjects once I'm in my dream uni. Secondly, I learnt, not revised, A2 biology 2 days before my exam and got a B. I think I can get an A in Chemistry if I had 365 days.
Do you realise that you may not be able to do this automatically?
Reply 7
Original post by sanwwio
Why shouldn't I obsess? Not only does it significantly change my future and career prospects but I am paying thousands and thousands for a university so I will go to one that I want - especially when my degree isn't in demand. Don't bother commenting if you have nothing to add.
The advice you were given is totally correct. Like many students of your age you think going to London universities is better than elsewhere and gives you better prospects. This isnt true. Take English as an example. The Complete University Guide shows graduate prospects at 70% for Kings and UCL compared to 84% at Durham and 74% at Exeter. That is the kind of evidence that McGinger is aware of and isnt based on some hype you believe.
Furthermore the reason that London universities are difficult to get into is that they take mainly overseas students. Over 1/2 the students at UCL are overseas meaning fewer places available for UK students. This is due to overseas perception of London being the place to be when in reality it is far more expensive to live.
Complete University shows UCL as 6th for English largely due to the entry requirements for the reasons already provided and Kings 19th again because of entry requirements for the same reason.
Applying to a so called dream university is foolish. You need to apply somewhere that you will be happy in and where the course is what you want to study. It is absolutely senseless to have such a huge change of course just to go your dream university. What this shows is the dream world you are living in rather than the real world most live in.
Being rude and dismissive to somebody with vast experience doesnt show you in a very good light. Maybe it is time to seek sensible advice from more experienced people than trying to impress and ending up looking a fool.
Reply 8
I'd be interested in the progression stats from that FY into med. I'm rather sceptical that it's an easier route, (and ultimately limits your options as you can only use it for that uni, and if you flubb it and don't meet the progression criteria you have a useless qualification and another year down the drain).
As above, changing subjects whilst enrolled is often just not possible, so joining on a course that you don't want to finish is folly.
With regards to the original plan, you need to check with UCL and KCL whether having AL's from a third sitting, (even with changes of subjects), is going to disadvantage you. Because I think you are reducing your chances with each attempt.
As above, changing subjects whilst enrolled is often just not possible, so joining on a course that you don't want to finish is folly.
With regards to the original plan, you need to check with UCL and KCL whether having AL's from a third sitting, (even with changes of subjects), is going to disadvantage you. Because I think you are reducing your chances with each attempt.
Reply 9
Original post by sanwwio
I plan to change subjects once I'm in my dream uni. Secondly, I learnt, not revised, A2 biology 2 days before my exam and got a B. I think I can get an A in Chemistry if I had 365 days.
No they won't let you
No you didn't.
No you can't
I smell a rat with this thread!
Reply 10
sanwwio
OP
11
Original post by totallyfine
No they won't let you
No you didn't.
No you can't
I smell a rat with this thread!
No you didn't.
No you can't
I smell a rat with this thread!
Yes I did and yes I can.
I did psychology in one year and got an A, and I did that only in 2/3 weeks because I was self studying and had no lessons. I learnt the entire syllabus in one week and memorised it in the next.
I don't know what to tell you but yes I did. I wasn't doing well mentally and couldn't get myself out of bed until I could no longer make excuses and the whole of A2 I was mostly absent due to reasons and had a DDD in my last mock - I did not know A2. I didn't study until the last two days then stayed up for 2 and a half days religiously memorising and doing past paper questions. I got a B.
"I smell a rat with this thread!" What would I gain by lying to myself? For every grade I was one mark off, and for my other subject I also learnt not revised 2 days before by studying 17 hours straight, taking a 4 hour nap then studying the one day and night I had left until the afternoon of my exam or something like that. For English Lit, I didn't have time so I revised 3 hrs before the exam in the library. If I can do that I can do Chemistry in a year.
If you're not gonna answer my question, don't waste my test questioning my study methods. It is one subject and students usually only study 5 hours a week or less through school lessons per subject for two years which is essentially 10 hrs a week. The good students do revision daily but usually don't start until half way through A2. In Korea they study 50 hours a week, In China my friends study 10 hours a day every day of the week except one where they only study 5. The A-level content is easy it's just a matter of dedication, which I lacked due to mental health issues and other circumstances.
Reply 11
sanwwio
OP
11
Original post by swanseajack1
You really need to learn not to be so rude and accept the advice of someone who is far more knowledgeable than you and who has worked in university admissions longer than you have lived. If you dont want advice dont ask for it.
The advice you were given is totally correct. Like many students of your age you think going to London universities is better than elsewhere and gives you better prospects. This isnt true. Take English as an example. The Complete University Guide shows graduate prospects at 70% for Kings and UCL compared to 84% at Durham and 74% at Exeter. That is the kind of evidence that McGinger is aware of and isnt based on some hype you believe.
Furthermore the reason that London universities are difficult to get into is that they take mainly overseas students. Over 1/2 the students at UCL are overseas meaning fewer places available for UK students. This is due to overseas perception of London being the place to be when in reality it is far more expensive to live.
Complete University shows UCL as 6th for English largely due to the entry requirements for the reasons already provided and Kings 19th again because of entry requirements for the same reason.
Applying to a so called dream university is foolish. You need to apply somewhere that you will be happy in and where the course is what you want to study. It is absolutely senseless to have such a huge change of course just to go your dream university. What this shows is the dream world you are living in rather than the real world most live in.
Being rude and dismissive to somebody with vast experience doesnt show you in a very good light. Maybe it is time to seek sensible advice from more experienced people than trying to impress and ending up looking a fool.
The advice you were given is totally correct. Like many students of your age you think going to London universities is better than elsewhere and gives you better prospects. This isnt true. Take English as an example. The Complete University Guide shows graduate prospects at 70% for Kings and UCL compared to 84% at Durham and 74% at Exeter. That is the kind of evidence that McGinger is aware of and isnt based on some hype you believe.
Furthermore the reason that London universities are difficult to get into is that they take mainly overseas students. Over 1/2 the students at UCL are overseas meaning fewer places available for UK students. This is due to overseas perception of London being the place to be when in reality it is far more expensive to live.
Complete University shows UCL as 6th for English largely due to the entry requirements for the reasons already provided and Kings 19th again because of entry requirements for the same reason.
Applying to a so called dream university is foolish. You need to apply somewhere that you will be happy in and where the course is what you want to study. It is absolutely senseless to have such a huge change of course just to go your dream university. What this shows is the dream world you are living in rather than the real world most live in.
Being rude and dismissive to somebody with vast experience doesnt show you in a very good light. Maybe it is time to seek sensible advice from more experienced people than trying to impress and ending up looking a fool.
I'm not being rude. I want to study in London as I can't afford to move out and don't want to. I want to go to a RG as I don't want to pay so much money for a degree that isn't in demand for it to be from a Uni that isn't as prestigious - hence UCL and KCL. University to me is about a qualification as I'd rather suffer during my uni years to have a better career outcome as that is the goal of uni. I will be happy knowing I will have a stable life and a stable job, and if the degree is giving me that then thats fine. I'm not more passionate about English Literature than Pharm, I am interested in it and won't mind studying it. I'm not trying to impress people, me leaving revision to the last days is not a good look.
My response was justified as coming to my post where I'm looking advice and then simply telling me to forget it without any explanation doesn't count as advice or demonstrate vast experience and in fact it is disrespectful and rude.
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 12
sanwwio
OP
11
Original post by Admit-One
I'd be interested in the progression stats from that FY into med. I'm rather sceptical that it's an easier route, (and ultimately limits your options as you can only use it for that uni, and if you flubb it and don't meet the progression criteria you have a useless qualification and another year down the drain).
As above, changing subjects whilst enrolled is often just not possible, so joining on a course that you don't want to finish is folly.
With regards to the original plan, you need to check with UCL and KCL whether having AL's from a third sitting, (even with changes of subjects), is going to disadvantage you. Because I think you are reducing your chances with each attempt.
As above, changing subjects whilst enrolled is often just not possible, so joining on a course that you don't want to finish is folly.
With regards to the original plan, you need to check with UCL and KCL whether having AL's from a third sitting, (even with changes of subjects), is going to disadvantage you. Because I think you are reducing your chances with each attempt.
I don't mind finishing Pharm, I just considered it as a back up since people assume I'm not gonna enjoy it. I will check with the unis then.
Reply 13
Original post by sanwwio
I don't mind finishing Pharm, I just considered it as a back up since people assume I'm not gonna enjoy it. I will check with the unis then.
Perfectly valid as a backup if you’re happy with pharm.
Let us know what they say about the multiple sittings.
Reply 14
Original post by sanwwio
Hello, I applied for English Lit, got offer from UCL and KCL for ABB, missed it by 4 marks in total across subjects. I applied again, got in again, missed it by 2 marks.
I am eager to go to either UCL and KCL and work harder, but I don't think I'll be let in after resitting twice. Therefore, I was thinking
A) Picking up new A-Levels, doing it in one year therefore I'm applying with subjects that I haven't resat or done before.
B) Switch pathway, do STEM, pick up Chemistry and another science, do in one year and apply with them to pharmacy or foundation medicine (easier to get in I think than medicine itself) also my parents have always wanted me to get into medicine so I want to make them proud after disappointing them two times.
Which one do you think will work out best?
I am eager to go to either UCL and KCL and work harder, but I don't think I'll be let in after resitting twice. Therefore, I was thinking
A) Picking up new A-Levels, doing it in one year therefore I'm applying with subjects that I haven't resat or done before.
B) Switch pathway, do STEM, pick up Chemistry and another science, do in one year and apply with them to pharmacy or foundation medicine (easier to get in I think than medicine itself) also my parents have always wanted me to get into medicine so I want to make them proud after disappointing them two times.
Which one do you think will work out best?
check if they have a policy for it as some uni (particularly london unis) have policies where they will only accept your resits done at a second try and not a 3rd attempt.
if they have these policies in place then its worth taking a new a level subject to allow you to meet the grade requirements that they need, rather than resitting again when they might not accept the new resit grade you have
Reply 15
sanwwio
OP
11
Original post by certii_db
check if they have a policy for it as some uni (particularly london unis) have policies where they will only accept your resits done at a second try and not a 3rd attempt.
if they have these policies in place then its worth taking a new a level subject to allow you to meet the grade requirements that they need, rather than resitting again when they might not accept the new resit grade you have
if they have these policies in place then its worth taking a new a level subject to allow you to meet the grade requirements that they need, rather than resitting again when they might not accept the new resit grade you have
They don't have a resit limit but it affects chances of getting.
And yes that's my plan, thank you.
Reply 16
Original post by sanwwio
They don't have a resit limit but it affects chances of getting.
And yes that's my plan, thank you.
And yes that's my plan, thank you.
no worries, good luck!! if you can get an offer there twice then surely you can another time
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