Got into my firm with poor results. What to do?

5

I got into my firm for a slightly niche STEM subject at a russel group uni, but only got ABC in my results (lower than offer, so I guess they had space). I don't think the course is that competitive. Should I bite the bullet and resit anyway? the C is in maths (although I swear I tried), B in unrelated science and A in that subject. I heard that people don't worry about your A-level grades after uni (unless it's an insanely competitive field like law or something). Is that actually true? Could I try to retake maths alongside my first year of uni? Should I?

Trying to not destroy professional chances but also I'm over the moon that I got accepted; now I can withdraw like 20 applications to jobs, internships and degree apprenticeships lol
Does anyone have relevant advice/experience?

Reply 1

PQ

PS Reviewer

21

Original post by dave286503

I got into my firm for a slightly niche STEM subject at a russel group uni, but only got ABC in my results (lower than offer, so I guess they had space). I don't think the course is that competitive. Should I bite the bullet and resit anyway? the C is in maths (although I swear I tried), B in unrelated science and A in that subject. I heard that people don't worry about your A-level grades after uni (unless it's an insanely competitive field like law or something). Is that actually true? Could I try to retake maths alongside my first year of uni? Should I?

Trying to not destroy professional chances but also I'm over the moon that I got accepted; now I can withdraw like 20 applications to jobs, internships and degree apprenticeships lol
Does anyone have relevant advice/experience?

Go to university and forget about your A level results.

Congratulations on your place. Use your free time at university to take advantage of all the opportunities available to expand your skills and experience - that will benefit your employability much more than a slightly higher maths grade!

Reply 2

totallyfine

12

Yes, move on and start the Uni course. A retake will distract you from studying well at the next level. Nobody will notice your A levels once you are gaining experience and qualifications at Uni.

Reply 3

McGinger

20

Original post by PQ

Go to university and forget about your A level results.
Congratulations on your place. Use your free time at university to take advantage of all the opportunities available to expand your skills and experience - that will benefit your employability much more than a slightly higher maths grade!

As above - now is not the time for personal vanity. Go to Uni, work your socks off and your A levels wont ever matter again.

Reply 4

dave286503

OP

5

Got it! Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the extra guidance :smile:

Reply 5

dirtmother

8

It's easy for people to say 'Forget the A level results, you are where you want to be'... and it's easy because it is right.

The reality is that a disappointing result may retain the capacity to bug you for years to come... but it's a good education in acceptance, and if it makes you appreciate your good fortune in securing a place in your chosen subject all the more, that's a good thing. Just like the jump from GCSE to A level, the step up to degree level study can be uglier for those who have done well and think they know it all...

(I absolutely did notice A level results when involved in recruitment - not at all as in 'better grades=better candidate' but as part of life experience)

Reply 6

ajj2000

20

Sounds like you are in a great place! What careers are you considering?

I think it’s very rare that resitting an a level in the right choice other than to get into a university.

Reply 7

xellaz

6

Original post by dave286503

I got into my firm for a slightly niche STEM subject at a russel group uni, but only got ABC in my results (lower than offer, so I guess they had space). I don't think the course is that competitive. Should I bite the bullet and resit anyway? the C is in maths (although I swear I tried), B in unrelated science and A in that subject. I heard that people don't worry about your A-level grades after uni (unless it's an insanely competitive field like law or something). Is that actually true? Could I try to retake maths alongside my first year of uni? Should I?
Trying to not destroy professional chances but also I'm over the moon that I got accepted; now I can withdraw like 20 applications to jobs, internships and degree apprenticeships lol
Does anyone have relevant advice/experience?

Congratulations on getting in! Maths was extremely harsh for everybody this year given the grade boundaries were insane. Don't think too much about your A-levels as you put in a lot of hard work and deserve to get your firm place!!

Reply 8

EsiraSinari

7

I'm in the same boat. I needed A*A*A to get into my firm (with the A*s required in Math and Bio) and while I ended up getting A*s in Bio and English, I got an A in Math. My uni still miraculously accepted me and I'm insanely excited and happy... BUT that A is still bothering me a lot!

I'm just hoping that, given some time, my mind will no longer perceive it as such a significant 'mess-up'. I tend to be unhealthily perfectionistic, so I think it'll actually become a good thing for me to learn how to accept it for what it is 🙂

Wish you all the best if you do end up heading to your firm!

Got into my firm with poor results. What to do?

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