The Student Room Group

Admissions issue

Hey all,
I just wanted to get some advice as i’m not too sure what to do.
I currently do an Advanced Apprenticeship in Hospitality. I’ve applied to start an International Tourism Degree at Plymouth Uni, and I have been given a conditional to achieve the L3 Apprenticeship and also a L2 Functional Skills Maths.
I have taken the Maths exam 7 times and cannot pass, but whenever I do a mock, I pass. So I can clearly do the maths? I was meant to have a reader set up for me, just to see if that helps, but the College my Apprenticeship is through had not arranged this in time. I will supposedly have one for my exam next week.
Anyway, I am unable to enter the end point stage of my apprenticeship and have 5 separate forms of examination for this. Until i’ve passed the maths Exam.
The Uni want my results by the 31st of August, and I have stated to admissions, several times now my exam results may not come back until the 1st week of September, this means that it’ll be after the deadline they have set. I will then have to wait for a planning meeting with the end point assessors for my apprenticeship.
Now I may get really lucky and get my results for maths within a week or two and be able to set my EPA up quicker, but I am unsure.
The Uni have changed my Conditional Offers to state that I now only need the Advanced Apprenticeship, and not the Maths. But I cannot complete the Apprenticeship without Maths.
I just feel a bit of a fool really, I’m 23 years old and feel like an absolute idiot that I can’t pass my maths and it’s holding me back.
The Admissions team have said to me that I should just defer it for another year and they don’t really seem that fussed?
Original post by Jcplym2000
Hey all,
I just wanted to get some advice as i’m not too sure what to do.
I currently do an Advanced Apprenticeship in Hospitality. I’ve applied to start an International Tourism Degree at Plymouth Uni, and I have been given a conditional to achieve the L3 Apprenticeship and also a L2 Functional Skills Maths.
I have taken the Maths exam 7 times and cannot pass, but whenever I do a mock, I pass. So I can clearly do the maths? I was meant to have a reader set up for me, just to see if that helps, but the College my Apprenticeship is through had not arranged this in time. I will supposedly have one for my exam next week.
Anyway, I am unable to enter the end point stage of my apprenticeship and have 5 separate forms of examination for this. Until i’ve passed the maths Exam.
The Uni want my results by the 31st of August, and I have stated to admissions, several times now my exam results may not come back until the 1st week of September, this means that it’ll be after the deadline they have set. I will then have to wait for a planning meeting with the end point assessors for my apprenticeship.
Now I may get really lucky and get my results for maths within a week or two and be able to set my EPA up quicker, but I am unsure.
The Uni have changed my Conditional Offers to state that I now only need the Advanced Apprenticeship, and not the Maths. But I cannot complete the Apprenticeship without Maths.
I just feel a bit of a fool really, I’m 23 years old and feel like an absolute idiot that I can’t pass my maths and it’s holding me back.
The Admissions team have said to me that I should just defer it for another year and they don’t really seem that fussed?

First of all youre not an idiot, sometimes it takes longer and thats okay! Everyone should do things at their own pace and be proud of your accomplishments!
Have you tried calling them and explain the situation? If not try calling them. Also check if you could maybe start the course in January, its not ideal but atleast you dont have to wait a year. And if you have to wait a year that okay as well, right now it doesnt semm like it because its important, but at the same time dont limit yourself because of your age. Good luck, I hope everything works out for you!
Reply 2
Original post by maryvisha24
First of all youre not an idiot, sometimes it takes longer and thats okay! Everyone should do things at their own pace and be proud of your accomplishments!
Have you tried calling them and explain the situation? If not try calling them. Also check if you could maybe start the course in January, its not ideal but atleast you dont have to wait a year. And if you have to wait a year that okay as well, right now it doesnt semm like it because its important, but at the same time dont limit yourself because of your age. Good luck, I hope everything works out for you!


Thank you for your reply! I’ve spoke to them several times about it now and it’s very much they are not fussed?
Original post by Jcplym2000
Hey all,
I just wanted to get some advice as i’m not too sure what to do.
I currently do an Advanced Apprenticeship in Hospitality. I’ve applied to start an International Tourism Degree at Plymouth Uni, and I have been given a conditional to achieve the L3 Apprenticeship and also a L2 Functional Skills Maths.
I have taken the Maths exam 7 times and cannot pass, but whenever I do a mock, I pass. So I can clearly do the maths? I was meant to have a reader set up for me, just to see if that helps, but the College my Apprenticeship is through had not arranged this in time. I will supposedly have one for my exam next week.
Anyway, I am unable to enter the end point stage of my apprenticeship and have 5 separate forms of examination for this. Until i’ve passed the maths Exam.
The Uni want my results by the 31st of August, and I have stated to admissions, several times now my exam results may not come back until the 1st week of September, this means that it’ll be after the deadline they have set. I will then have to wait for a planning meeting with the end point assessors for my apprenticeship.
Now I may get really lucky and get my results for maths within a week or two and be able to set my EPA up quicker, but I am unsure.
The Uni have changed my Conditional Offers to state that I now only need the Advanced Apprenticeship, and not the Maths. But I cannot complete the Apprenticeship without Maths.
I just feel a bit of a fool really, I’m 23 years old and feel like an absolute idiot that I can’t pass my maths and it’s holding me back.
The Admissions team have said to me that I should just defer it for another year and they don’t really seem that fussed?

Hi there! 🙂

Sorry to hear about your situation with your maths and apprenticeship. Definitely don't compare yourself to others or put yourself down for struggling more with the maths side of things- everyone can take different times and I wish you the best of luck for your exam!

The admissions team can get rather busy this time of year and can deal with many students in a similar situation to you every week so please don't feel as though they aren't 'fussed' about your application to study at Plymouth. The team genuinely care about the applications and achievements of each and every student and will want you to accomplish the best of your ability whilst best preparing you for the course you have applied for.

You said you have spoken to the team a few times but I would suggest the best way to convey your situation would be to speak to both the admissions team over the phone on +44 1752 585858 as well as potentially reaching out to the Business School at [email protected] or + 441752585020 to discuss your unique circumstances. My suggestion would be to state your concern and suggest how you'd like them to help you/amend your conditional offer etc. as this way they'll be able to see what they can do for you regarding this. There are many options when applying for university and clearing can be another way you could enter the course if spaces are available and you can speak to the admissions team or clearing hotline closer to the time.

Don't let this hurdle get in the way of your success- stay determined and keep in regular contact with the admissions team with any updates as they are here to help you. Best of luck again for your exam and in your application to study at Plymouth!

-Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep

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