No reference and no time left...

I wanted to get into a university through clearing, and was planning on doing it before A Levels results day when there were more places available, however my reference hadn't been completed yet, and now my referee has backed out of doing the reference completely. She's my employer, and was my last option as my former sixth form teachers, as well as the head of the sixth form himself, didn't respond to my emails.

I'm really stressed out and don't know what to do. I wanted to study Law but it's a really competitive subject so I don't think I have much chance without a reference, especially as I was hoping to study at a higher ranked university. I also wanted to move out for university and I don't know how I could possibly organise accomodation with so little time left! I think I might have to compromise some way, whether that be going to a lower ranked university, switching my course or both - I just really don't know what to do! I've already taken two gap years, taking a third one isn't an option for me.

Does anyone know what the best course of action would be here?

Reply 1

USW Social Team

Official Rep

Hi @ meowmeowkitty

Sorry to hear that your situation has been causing you stress. Applying to university can be difficult time. If you would like to gain advice from the University of South Wales about your situation you can contact our clearing advisors on 03455 76 06 06. If we are able to offer you a place, we have an accommodation guarantee so your living arrangements wouldn't be a problem.

To give you some background information, at USW we offer the LLB (Hons) Law. In addition to this we have LLB (Hons) Legal Practice (SQE). This course provides a fantastic opportunity for you to gain a law degree alongside preparation for the external SQE exam, to prepare you for qualification as a solicitor. The Clinical Practice modules integrate our award-winning Legal Advice Clinic into the degree. Also, 93% of LLB Law students at USW were satisfied with their course. (National Student Survey 2024).

We wish you every success in your pursuing your law degree.

-Leanne☺️

Reply 2

McGinger

Original post by meowmeowkitty

I wanted to get into a university through clearing, and was planning on doing it before A Levels results day when there were more places available, however my reference hadn't been completed yet, and now my referee has backed out of doing the reference completely. She's my employer, and was my last option as my former sixth form teachers, as well as the head of the sixth form himself, didn't respond to my emails.
I'm really stressed out and don't know what to do. I wanted to study Law but it's a really competitive subject so I don't think I have much chance without a reference, especially as I was hoping to study at a higher ranked university. I also wanted to move out for university and I don't know how I could possibly organise accomodation with so little time left! I think I might have to compromise some way, whether that be going to a lower ranked university, switching my course or both - I just really don't know what to do! I've already taken two gap years, taking a third one isn't an option for me.
Does anyone know what the best course of action would be here?

Phone the Uni you want to go to and ask
a) if there are spaces still available
b) if they will accept an application from you without a reference.

Reply 3

PS Reviewer

It's a shame that you didn't try turning up to your sixth form on A level results day when there were likely to be staff available who could have helped there and then.