The Student Room Group

Ashamed of a 2:1

I recently completed an Honours Degree and I will be graduating with a 2:1. I completed this degree as part of an apprenticeship scheme so it was alongside a full time job. Throughout the years I've put in hard work and I've been on track for a first however, I completely tanked it on my dissertation which brought my grade down to an upper second, just missing a first.

Now I know that's still a really great grade & I know plenty of people (my parents included) who got 2:1's & had a successful career. However, I can't help but feel devastated that I got a 2:1 when majority of my cohort got firsts including best friend.

I'm also guaranteed a job on completion of the apprenticeship but I can't help but feel embarrassed & doubting my capabilities against my peers who got firsts. I feel as though all my hard work over the years has been for nothing & I cringe when people ask me what I got or thinking about graduating, which I was excited for. I'm bitter that they'll all get to celebrate results they're proud of whilst I feel ashamed of my own. I'm aware that this is all extremely pathetic as it's still a good grade & there are much bigger things to worry about. However, I have always been my own biggest critic & strive for perfection putting way too much pressure on myself, particularly as I'm used to being the 'academic one' - truly a curse!

I'm mainly kicking myself for not seeking extra help with my dissertation as I probably would have got a first if I had done so.

Not entirely sure what I’m looking for in posting this - perhaps someone who has felt similarly and can relate to this? Or anyone who can offer any advice/words of wisdom to help me stop beating myself up & get out of my own head?
(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 1

You need to take some time away from other students to really put things into perspective and stop comparing. Grades don't matter as much as your personality and attitude in an interview with future employers (who will pick up on the perfectionism/being to harsh on yourself and see it as a red flag or worse, take advantage and overwork you once you're hired). Be happy for your friends and move on.

Even if grades did matter, a 2.1 is great. I know many who'd kill for a grade like that. Don't let anything ruin your graduation.

Reply 2

I slightly disagree with Llama02 here. Grades at undergrad (less so at pg) do matter and the 2:1 is the base line that you'll need. No one really cares for your personality or attitude in this or future job markets. There are plenty of accessible candidates. In the olden days orgs used to prefer 2:1s /2:2s because it showed that you had done other stuff and had fun so were now ready to work and that could still play well for you with the 2:1 - plus you can always teach secondary with a 2:1!

However, doing uni with set attendence days is extremely tough. My advice is to focus on what matters now - the career path, chartered status (if applies) and the Masters (which is the defining specialisation course and the one to crack). Assuming it's technical, like building surveying, just plan your next step and be proud that you didn't limit your options with a 2:2 - fine when it was free but truely pointless in today's market.
(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 3

Original post by nessdeyes
I recently completed an Honours Degree and I will be graduating with a 2:1. I completed this degree as part of an apprenticeship scheme so it was alongside a full time job. Throughout the years I've put in hard work and I've been on track for a first however, I completely tanked it on my dissertation which brought my grade down to an upper second, just missing a first.
Now I know that's still a really great grade & I know plenty of people (my parents included) who got 2:1's & had a successful career. However, I can't help but feel devastated that I got a 2:1 when majority of my cohort got firsts including best friend.
I'm also guaranteed a job on completion of the apprenticeship but I can't help but feel embarrassed & doubting my capabilities against my peers who got firsts. I feel as though all my hard work over the years has been for nothing & I cringe when people ask me what I got or thinking about graduating, which I was excited for. I'm bitter that they'll all get to celebrate results they're proud of whilst I feel ashamed of my own. I'm aware that this is all extremely pathetic as it's still a good grade & there are much bigger things to worry about. However, I have always been my own biggest critic & strive for perfection putting way too much pressure on myself, particularly as I'm used to being the 'academic one' - truly a curse!
I'm mainly kicking myself for not seeking extra help with my dissertation as I probably would have got a first if I had done so.
Not entirely sure what I’m looking for in posting this - perhaps someone who has felt similarly and can relate to this? Or anyone who can offer any advice/words of wisdom to help me stop beating myself up & get out of my own head?

Respectfully and lovingly, don't be ridiculous. 2:1 is perfectly respectable. You are measuring yourself against peers which is just weird and wrong, you're different people. The reality is within 10 years you won't be speaking or communicating with any of them anyway. You will all drift and move on with your lives. They won't be thinking about your 2:1 with any glee, if they are genuine friends they will be happy for your regardless. Stop over thinking, stop over processing. You're amazing. When you do get a job and career, nobody in the office ever asks what degree you got apart from the boss at the interview, even then they forgot by the 2nd week. When your older, NO ONE WILL CARE x

Reply 4

The worst thing you can do in life is compare yourself to others. It is an utterly futile pursuit and will get you nothing. You have done really well and have a job to boot. I don't think you should under estimate how significant this is. Similarly you need to recognise that degrees (1st or otherwise) are not worth what they once were especially when around a quarter of people are now coming out with a 1st? What value is a 1st if everyone has one? So you have the job. That is the thing of value because now you can build work experience and skills. Very soon you will discover your degree counts for very little when compared with your experience. So stop feeling down about your achievements and start championing yourself because you are amazing.

All the very best!

Reply 5

Original post by Ayesha Chopra
Hi there,
Firstly, congratulations on completing your Honours Degree and achieving a 2:1! That’s a significant accomplishment, especially considering you managed it alongside a full-time job. It’s natural to feel a bit disappointed when things don’t go as planned, especially when you’ve put in so much hard work.
I understand your frustration about the dissertation. It’s a crucial part of your degree and can make a big difference. Remember, many students face similar challenges and, often, it's the learning process itself that holds the most value. Your experience and determination are what truly set you apart.
If it’s any consolation, many successful professionals have faced setbacks and hurdles along the way. It’s important to recognize and celebrate your achievements and the hard work that got you here. The fact that you’re guaranteed a job upon completion of your apprenticeship is a testament to your skills and dedication.
For future projects or if you ever find yourself needing extra help, consider exploring various resources available, such as academic writing services, indiaassignment help dissertation help or seeking feedback from professionals. They can provide valuable insights and support, especially if you’re working on something as critical as a dissertation.
Remember, your worth and capabilities aren’t solely defined by a single grade. Your perseverance and achievements throughout your degree are what truly matter. Keep focusing on your strengths and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Best of luck with your graduation and your new job!

Chat GPT?

Reply 6

Original post by nessdeyes
I recently completed an Honours Degree and I will be graduating with a 2:1. I completed this degree as part of an apprenticeship scheme so it was alongside a full time job. Throughout the years I've put in hard work and I've been on track for a first however, I completely tanked it on my dissertation which brought my grade down to an upper second, just missing a first.
Now I know that's still a really great grade & I know plenty of people (my parents included) who got 2:1's & had a successful career. However, I can't help but feel devastated that I got a 2:1 when majority of my cohort got firsts including best friend.
I'm also guaranteed a job on completion of the apprenticeship but I can't help but feel embarrassed & doubting my capabilities against my peers who got firsts. I feel as though all my hard work over the years has been for nothing & I cringe when people ask me what I got or thinking about graduating, which I was excited for. I'm bitter that they'll all get to celebrate results they're proud of whilst I feel ashamed of my own. I'm aware that this is all extremely pathetic as it's still a good grade & there are much bigger things to worry about. However, I have always been my own biggest critic & strive for perfection putting way too much pressure on myself, particularly as I'm used to being the 'academic one' - truly a curse!
I'm mainly kicking myself for not seeking extra help with my dissertation as I probably would have got a first if I had done so.
Not entirely sure what I’m looking for in posting this - perhaps someone who has felt similarly and can relate to this? Or anyone who can offer any advice/words of wisdom to help me stop beating myself up & get out of my own head?

the only benefit a 1st vs a 2.1 has is it can look better for schemes/employability. if youre guarenteed a job then ur doing better than ur peers with a 1st.

Reply 7

Original post by nessdeyes
I recently completed an Honours Degree and I will be graduating with a 2:1. I completed this degree as part of an apprenticeship scheme so it was alongside a full time job. Throughout the years I've put in hard work and I've been on track for a first however, I completely tanked it on my dissertation which brought my grade down to an upper second, just missing a first.
Now I know that's still a really great grade & I know plenty of people (my parents included) who got 2:1's & had a successful career. However, I can't help but feel devastated that I got a 2:1 when majority of my cohort got firsts including best friend.
I'm also guaranteed a job on completion of the apprenticeship but I can't help but feel embarrassed & doubting my capabilities against my peers who got firsts. I feel as though all my hard work over the years has been for nothing & I cringe when people ask me what I got or thinking about graduating, which I was excited for. I'm bitter that they'll all get to celebrate results they're proud of whilst I feel ashamed of my own. I'm aware that this is all extremely pathetic as it's still a good grade & there are much bigger things to worry about. However, I have always been my own biggest critic & strive for perfection putting way too much pressure on myself, particularly as I'm used to being the 'academic one' - truly a curse!
I'm mainly kicking myself for not seeking extra help with my dissertation as I probably would have got a first if I had done so.
Not entirely sure what I’m looking for in posting this - perhaps someone who has felt similarly and can relate to this? Or anyone who can offer any advice/words of wisdom to help me stop beating myself up & get out of my own head?

In 5 years time your degree will be pretty much irrelevant. I wouldn't worry about it. The experience you now have of the work place is vastly more valuable.

Reply 8

You already know a 2:1 is great, but it can feel horrid when others got the first that you wanted. Maybe go get a Masters?

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