The Student Room Group

uni or gap year

heyy I'm currently in a bit of a dilemma and could really use some advice from people who have been through this or know more about it.

I have a clearing offer to study Global Sustainable Development at Warwick (which feels more like geography which I find interesting) but my real interest is in Accounting and Finance. If I want to study that, I would have to go through clearing this year, or take a gap year to resit my maths and try to get into a better university next year.

The problem is, right now I'm mostly interested in becoming a maths teacher (secondary level), so part of me feels like the uni I go to doesn't matter as long as I can pursue teaching. But I'm also worried about changing my mind during my degree. What if I take a gap year, resit maths, and then don't get the offers I want next year? Would that year be wasted? Or worse, what if I end up having to go back to the same uni I could go to now through clearing?

Also, what would I tell Student Finance if I decide to take a gap year and change courses?

I'd love to hear any thoughts or experiences you have with gap years, resits, and changing courses. Is it worth waiting for a better uni, or should I just go with what I have now?

ty in advance!!!
Reply 1
Seems like several things going on at once. 1) not sure about the uni - Warwick is highly ranked so what would better look like to you?
2) not sure about the course - wanting to do accounting and finance
3) possibly want a career that’s not on the course you have a place for or the other course you think you’ll like.

Re finances - have you signed a contract for a halls of residence? If so you may be committed to pay for the year regardless of whether you stay for the course or not. if not land you decide not to attend you can just cancel your student loan

I suggest also urgently speaking to the school / college where you sat your a levels for advice and also the one where you would resit if different and also check the course and uni you might want to go to permits resits

Also have you considered maths with education courses that may have lower entry requirements for maths A level than straight maths degrees?
Original post by morebeige
heyy I'm currently in a bit of a dilemma and could really use some advice from people who have been through this or know more about it.
I have a clearing offer to study Global Sustainable Development at Warwick (which feels more like geography which I find interesting) but my real interest is in Accounting and Finance. If I want to study that, I would have to go through clearing this year, or take a gap year to resit my maths and try to get into a better university next year.
The problem is, right now I'm mostly interested in becoming a maths teacher (secondary level), so part of me feels like the uni I go to doesn't matter as long as I can pursue teaching. But I'm also worried about changing my mind during my degree. What if I take a gap year, resit maths, and then don't get the offers I want next year? Would that year be wasted? Or worse, what if I end up having to go back to the same uni I could go to now through clearing?
Also, what would I tell Student Finance if I decide to take a gap year and change courses?
I'd love to hear any thoughts or experiences you have with gap years, resits, and changing courses. Is it worth waiting for a better uni, or should I just go with what I have now?
ty in advance!!!

Hey, I hope you are well.

When it comes to applying, a resit will always be beneficial if you try your best and, if you don’t mind what university you get into then it can prove very likely you will get in and study the course you like.

I am sure it will go amazing, best of luck!

Brandon - Student Rep

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