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Original post by deliciouspropane
I got BBC on results day and missed my firm and insurance offers pretty badly (A*A*A and A*AA respectively) - I'm pretty disappointed but not too surprised given my not so great preparation and near constant stress over the past 2+ years of the war in Ukraine that my family has been severely affected by. I can see where I went badly wrong with my preparation and I feel like I now have the motivation to do better in order to get into a better university compared to what I have in clearing currently (Loughborough and Southampton, both for chemistry), but is it actually realistic to improve from BBC to something like AAA at the minimum in just a year? If anyone has retaken their A-levels successfully, then I'd appreciate any advice you could give on how best to relearn content independently (i.e. through tutors, online courses, etc...) and whether going to a perceived "better" university actually makes that much of a difference.
For context, I may also only need to retake two A-levels if I'm able to get an A in biology after a remark.
For context, I may also only need to retake two A-levels if I'm able to get an A in biology after a remark.
Going from BBC to AAA is not unheard of and certainly feasible, but beware that it would be a lot of hard work, which you might not necessarily need to do, because going to a "better" university actually doesn't make much of a difference in your prospects after university - your degree classification is the biggest predictor of success post-university, with the university you go to having a minimal (to not say negligible) impact on your future success. If I were in your shoes, I'd just accept one of your clearing offers, unless you have something against Loughborough or Southampton
Original post by Scotland Yard
Going from BBC to AAA is not unheard of and certainly feasible, but beware that it would be a lot of hard work, which you might not necessarily need to do, because going to a "better" university actually doesn't make much of a difference in your prospects after university - your degree classification is the biggest predictor of success post-university, with the university you go to having a minimal (to not say negligible) impact on your future success. If I were in your shoes, I'd just accept one of your clearing offers, unless you have something against Loughborough or Southampton
Thank you for your response, I think I'm now leaning more towards accepting one of my clearing offers (most likely Loughborough as it seems slightly more well known, though I could be wrong) after reading that but I guess I was more hesitant initially since I was expecting to go to a different kind of university before receiving my results. I'm hopeful that I can at least get a good degree classification at the end of it and not get too bogged down about having had to go through clearing.
I did just want to ask whether the university you go to can have a significant effect on your chances of getting a job abroad (as some unis are undoubtedly "less well known" than others by foreign employers), as I've considered the possibility given that salaries in the UK seem to not be too amazing outside of a few sectors like finance.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by deliciouspropane
I got BBC on results day and missed my firm and insurance offers pretty badly (A*A*A and A*AA respectively) - I'm pretty disappointed but not too surprised given my not so great preparation and near constant stress over the past 2+ years of the war in Ukraine that my family has been severely affected by. I can see where I went badly wrong with my preparation and I feel like I now have the motivation to do better in order to get into a better university compared to what I have in clearing currently (Loughborough and Southampton, both for chemistry), but is it actually realistic to improve from BBC to something like AAA at the minimum in just a year? If anyone has retaken their A-levels successfully, then I'd appreciate any advice you could give on how best to relearn content independently (i.e. through tutors, online courses, etc...) and whether going to a perceived "better" university actually makes that much of a difference.
For context, I may also only need to retake two A-levels if I'm able to get an A in biology after a remark.
For context, I may also only need to retake two A-levels if I'm able to get an A in biology after a remark.
Yes, go for it!
First of all, Слава Україні! I am also devastated by the war in Ukraine. I am completely and utterly on Ukraine's side.
In 2021, I was in your position. I needed A* A* A, and I missed that pretty terribly and got the same grades as you, due to stress and depression related to Covid. I re-took the exams in October, where my grades hardly improved. When I said I would re-take it again, I was advised not to bother. I was told that 'these predicted grades are lenient' and reminded for the 999-thousandth time that 'very experienced teachers put it'.
Needless to say, that only made me furious and I re-took my exams again in May 2022. I managed to secure a place on the physics program at the University of Warwick, one of the UK's best universities for physics.
At the end of the first year, I got 76%, a first-class grade, and one of my exam results was 88%.
At the end of the second year (now), I got 82%, also a first-class grade. I was told that this was one of the very highest in the year. My mark on one exam, 92%, was the highest in the year. Now proceeding to 3rd year in MPhys.
I often now feel that, whereas university exams truly test understanding, A-levels rely on memorisation of a mark scheme for absolutely no purpose. I have heard many cases of bright students getting terrible A-level grades, getting into their university only because of Covid and who are now doing a PhD in Cambridge. Because they did not give up.
Is re-taking the exams something you want to do? Ask yourself this. What is the goal?
If you decide that you do want to re-take the exams, don't let anything stand in your way. Nothing. Many people, including me, have managed to re-take their exams until we got what we wanted- I had to do so twice. Perfectly doable, go on!
Original post by hypercolius
Yes, go for it!
First of all, Слава Україні! I am also devastated by the war in Ukraine. I am completely and utterly on Ukraine's side.
In 2021, I was in your position. I needed A* A* A, and I missed that pretty terribly and got the same grades as you, due to stress and depression related to Covid. I re-took the exams in October, where my grades hardly improved. When I said I would re-take it again, I was advised not to bother. I was told that 'these predicted grades are lenient' and reminded for the 999-thousandth time that 'very experienced teachers put it'.
Needless to say, that only made me furious and I re-took my exams again in May 2022. I managed to secure a place on the physics program at the University of Warwick, one of the UK's best universities for physics.
At the end of the first year, I got 76%, a first-class grade, and one of my exam results was 88%.
At the end of the second year (now), I got 82%, also a first-class grade. I was told that this was one of the very highest in the year. My mark on one exam, 92%, was the highest in the year. Now proceeding to 3rd year in MPhys.
I often now feel that, whereas university exams truly test understanding, A-levels rely on memorisation of a mark scheme for absolutely no purpose. I have heard many cases of bright students getting terrible A-level grades, getting into their university only because of Covid and who are now doing a PhD in Cambridge. Because they did not give up.
Is re-taking the exams something you want to do? Ask yourself this. What is the goal?
If you decide that you do want to re-take the exams, don't let anything stand in your way. Nothing. Many people, including me, have managed to re-take their exams until we got what we wanted- I had to do so twice. Perfectly doable, go on!
First of all, Слава Україні! I am also devastated by the war in Ukraine. I am completely and utterly on Ukraine's side.
In 2021, I was in your position. I needed A* A* A, and I missed that pretty terribly and got the same grades as you, due to stress and depression related to Covid. I re-took the exams in October, where my grades hardly improved. When I said I would re-take it again, I was advised not to bother. I was told that 'these predicted grades are lenient' and reminded for the 999-thousandth time that 'very experienced teachers put it'.
Needless to say, that only made me furious and I re-took my exams again in May 2022. I managed to secure a place on the physics program at the University of Warwick, one of the UK's best universities for physics.
At the end of the first year, I got 76%, a first-class grade, and one of my exam results was 88%.
At the end of the second year (now), I got 82%, also a first-class grade. I was told that this was one of the very highest in the year. My mark on one exam, 92%, was the highest in the year. Now proceeding to 3rd year in MPhys.
I often now feel that, whereas university exams truly test understanding, A-levels rely on memorisation of a mark scheme for absolutely no purpose. I have heard many cases of bright students getting terrible A-level grades, getting into their university only because of Covid and who are now doing a PhD in Cambridge. Because they did not give up.
Is re-taking the exams something you want to do? Ask yourself this. What is the goal?
If you decide that you do want to re-take the exams, don't let anything stand in your way. Nothing. Many people, including me, have managed to re-take their exams until we got what we wanted- I had to do so twice. Perfectly doable, go on!
Thanks for the support first of all, I appreciate it - do you happen to be Ukrainian by any chance btw?
I guess I'm just kind of scared to go through the whole A-level and UCAS process again, with the possibility that I could be in the same position next year. The other commenter in this thread, Scotland Yard, did also make a good point that the university you go to doesn't have too much of an effect on your opportunities post-university, rather how well you do is what matters (is that somewhat true from what you might have heard?). I guess I just need to think some more about the pros and cons of each for a little while longer as I don't want to leap into potentially risky decisions too quickly.
P.S. if I do decide to retake my A-levels, then do you have any tips on how best to maximise my chances of success next year? i.e. any online courses in particular, tutors, etc... Private sixth form colleges for A-level retakes are unfortunately out of the question as they are ridiculously expensive
(edited 1 month ago)
Loughbough is an excellent university that seems to particularly focus on student feedback, and with options to do industrial placements.
I agree with Scotland Yard and really think looking forward and focussing on the quality of your degree experience is the way to go. Mostly people will look at what you got for your degree and what CV experience you have built up. And even if they do look at which establishment you went to, Loghbough would stand you in good stead.
I agree with Scotland Yard and really think looking forward and focussing on the quality of your degree experience is the way to go. Mostly people will look at what you got for your degree and what CV experience you have built up. And even if they do look at which establishment you went to, Loghbough would stand you in good stead.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by deliciouspropane
Thanks for the support first of all, I appreciate it - do you happen to be Ukrainian by any chance btw?
I guess I'm just kind of scared to go through the whole A-level and UCAS process again, with the possibility that I could be in the same position next year. The other commenter in this thread, Scotland Yard, did also make a good point that the university you go to doesn't have too much of an effect on your opportunities post-university, rather how well you do is what matters (is that somewhat true from what you might have heard?). I guess I just need to think some more about the pros and cons of each for a little while longer as I don't want to leap into potentially risky decisions too quickly.
P.S. if I do decide to retake my A-levels, then do you have any tips on how best to maximise my chances of success next year? i.e. any online courses in particular, tutors, etc... Private sixth form colleges for A-level retakes are unfortunately out of the question as they are ridiculously expensive
I guess I'm just kind of scared to go through the whole A-level and UCAS process again, with the possibility that I could be in the same position next year. The other commenter in this thread, Scotland Yard, did also make a good point that the university you go to doesn't have too much of an effect on your opportunities post-university, rather how well you do is what matters (is that somewhat true from what you might have heard?). I guess I just need to think some more about the pros and cons of each for a little while longer as I don't want to leap into potentially risky decisions too quickly.
P.S. if I do decide to retake my A-levels, then do you have any tips on how best to maximise my chances of success next year? i.e. any online courses in particular, tutors, etc... Private sixth form colleges for A-level retakes are unfortunately out of the question as they are ridiculously expensive
I understand how you feel- I had the exact same thoughts the first time, and then the second time. But, my career dream for the future (PhD in astrophysics) made it an easier decision.
I would disagree with Scotland Yard.
Typically, the higher the offer, the better the university and the better the lecture quality. This year, I experienced an 'unusual event' in my university, where one lecture course was very badly taught. I was able to mitigate this because I studied very hard, but many people did not. As a result, many people got a low mark for the module in the end.
Teaching quality is exceedingly, excessively important. The only thing more important is your own motivation. I don't think many people understand just how important this is. The quality of your lectures can either motivate you to completely want to do that subject in the future, or, alternatively, demoralise you so much that you just give up. Almost everyone in my year now hates quantum mechanics because of that, a fascinating subject. So, by going to a more prestigious university, you will have better lecture quality and it will be easier to attain a higher grade.
I guess it all depends on what you want to do in the future. But if you wanted to do a PhD in the future, I would advise you to re-sit the exams.
Loughborough and Southampton are not terribly bad, but, if you really wanted to choose, I would choose Southampton without hesitation. Loughborough isn't a member of the Russell League, the UK's top 24 universities, but Southampton is and I have heard positive things about it.
For the next year if you decide to re-take the A-levels, do not do the Autumn resits. If there is an opportunity to re-sit the exams next year, in Summer 2025, go for that. My Sixth Form college had both options available but I should warn you that they did indeed ask me to pay if I chose next summer. Leaving more time to prepare will improve your chances of getting a high grade. I did the autumn re-sits at my institution, and then found a private Sixth Form college to just sit the exams in. I didn't take an entirely new course on the matter, and it wasn't particularly expensive, but maybe I just got lucky.
Then, indeed try to find yourself a tutor online. I could help out if I knew what subjects you took. But be warned that sometimes tutors can help significantly, or not help at all. A good maths tutor increased my grade in summer 2022, but my physics tutor failed to have such an effect.
If I was in your position:
1) I would re-sit in summer 2025
2) As you prepare, find yourself a good tutor, I can help in this regard
3) Mental health is an exceedingly tricky business. I myself have developed C-PTSD due to severe emotional abuse in the past. Try to speak to your GP and ask if you can get your mental health looked at. If you have PTSD due to the war, then a skilled therapist will be able to significantly help you in this regard. I know what untreated PTSD feels like and it can severely affect your grades anywhere.
4) Have a think about what you want to do in the future
5) Whatever you end up choosing, be advised that a lot of students get terrible grades in the first year because they don't work and end up partying too much. I avoided that trap, but I personally know students who failed modules because they were sleeping with someone instead of attending lectures.
There are a fair few inaccuracies in the above post, not least of which is that there are no autumnal resits for anything other than GCSE maths and English, in the UK.
Southampton is a good uni, degree won't be the last qualification you study so can always do a master at higher ranked University. There is no guarantee you will do better and also some universities may not offer when guy have resit.
Original post by deliciouspropane
I got BBC on results day and missed my firm and insurance offers pretty badly (A*A*A and A*AA respectively) - I'm pretty disappointed but not too surprised given my not so great preparation and near constant stress over the past 2+ years of the war in Ukraine that my family has been severely affected by. I can see where I went badly wrong with my preparation and I feel like I now have the motivation to do better in order to get into a better university compared to what I have in clearing currently (Loughborough and Southampton, both for chemistry), but is it actually realistic to improve from BBC to something like AAA at the minimum in just a year? If anyone has retaken their A-levels successfully, then I'd appreciate any advice you could give on how best to relearn content independently (i.e. through tutors, online courses, etc...) and whether going to a perceived "better" university actually makes that much of a difference.
For context, I may also only need to retake two A-levels if I'm able to get an A in biology after a remark.
For context, I may also only need to retake two A-levels if I'm able to get an A in biology after a remark.
Hi,
We still have places on courses through clearing.
We have clearing advisors here till 5pm today, who can answer any questions about YSJ and clearing, alongside helping you with an application. We still have student accommodation available through clearing.
Our number is: 01904 809700
Clearing hotline opening hours:
•
Friday 16 August: 8.00am to 6.00pm
•
From Saturday 17 to Wednesday 21 August: 9.00am to 5.00pm
•
From Thursday 22 August: 9.00am to 4.00pm
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/
Suzan - Student Ambassador
Original post by dragonlord888
Southampton is a good uni, degree won't be the last qualification you study so can always do a master at higher ranked University. There is no guarantee you will do better and also some universities may not offer when guy have resit.
Would you say Southampton is better than Loughborough (for chemistry at least)? I'm currently trying to decide between the two in case I do decide to go to university this year. I also haven't visited either university yet and I only have until Monday to decide so which would you recommend visiting?
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by totallyfine
There are a fair few inaccuracies in the above post, not least of which is that there are no autumnal resits for anything other than GCSE maths and English, in the UK.
No autumnal re-sits? This is false. I re-sat physics, chemistry, maths and further maths at A-level at Hills Road College in the UK, autumn 2021. What are the other 'inaccuracies'?
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by deliciouspropane
Would you say Southampton is better than Loughborough (for chemistry at least)? I'm currently trying to decide between the two in case I do decide to go to university this year. I also haven't visited either university yet and I only have until Monday to decide so which would you recommend visiting?
Without a doubt. Visit Southampton!
Original post by hypercolius
This is false. I re-sat physics, chemistry, maths and further maths at A-level at Hills Road College in the UK
Not any more, This is now no longer possible.
Original post by deliciouspropane
Would you say Southampton is better than Loughborough (for chemistry at least)? I'm currently trying to decide between the two in case I do decide to go to university this year. I also haven't visited either university yet and I only have until Monday to decide so which would you recommend visiting?
Yes Southampton is higher rank university and Chemistry ranking.
Southampton is in top 100 QS world rankings, even in Guardian subject it is higher.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by totallyfine
Not any more, This is now no longer possible.
That's very strange to hear. But, regardless, a summer re-sit would always have been better
Original post by dragonlord888
Yes Southampton is higher rank university and Chemistry ranking.
Southampton is in top 100 QS world rankings, even in Guardian subject it is higher.
Southampton is in top 100 QS world rankings, even in Guardian subject it is higher.
I see, I'll most likely visit Southampton and choose it in that case
Original post by deliciouspropane
I see, I'll most likely visit Southampton and choose it in that case
Southampton is also a Russell Group University. Southampton campus and city look nicer than Loughborough.
Original post by deliciouspropane
I got BBC on results day and missed my firm and insurance offers pretty badly (A*A*A and A*AA respectively) - I'm pretty disappointed but not too surprised given my not so great preparation and near constant stress over the past 2+ years of the war in Ukraine that my family has been severely affected by. I can see where I went badly wrong with my preparation and I feel like I now have the motivation to do better in order to get into a better university compared to what I have in clearing currently (Loughborough and Southampton, both for chemistry), but is it actually realistic to improve from BBC to something like AAA at the minimum in just a year? If anyone has retaken their A-levels successfully, then I'd appreciate any advice you could give on how best to relearn content independently (i.e. through tutors, online courses, etc...) and whether going to a perceived "better" university actually makes that much of a difference.
For context, I may also only need to retake two A-levels if I'm able to get an A in biology after a remark.
For context, I may also only need to retake two A-levels if I'm able to get an A in biology after a remark.
I resat Alevel maths, went from a D to an A and took two new Alevels in a year, got an A and a D in those. Never regretted resitting, I ended up at a much better Uni.
Definition of “better” is subjective and you need to look at your subject in particular as well as the university overall. In terms of rankings, go with the QS World rankings which is what universities look at, and in the current climate financial stability is important. Southampton is in the top 80 globally, Chemistry there has world class research and they are financially solid and expanding unlike the vast majority of others. I agree - Southampton every time.
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