Check out our Official Offer Holder Thread Directory for 2025 Entry >>

Gap year

I don't think my mocks went to well would it be better if i just take a gap year and focus on actual exams
I am in year 13 and these will be grades for my predicted and potential.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 1

bluewolfvh

(sorry in advance, this is a long response..)
Your predicted grades are collected at the end of Year 12, and these are the grades which Uni's will look at to see if you meet the requirements.

If unfortunately your predicted grades do not meet the standards of your wanted Uni, you won't recieve an offer from them to be entered right after Year 13.

However, if your Year 13 final results match the Uni's requirements, you can take a gap year after Year 13 and use your final results for entry requirements.

Taking a gap year depends on your situation:

•

A whole year can be long, in this time you could find a full time job, and procure finances to get you started in Uni. ✅

•

Perhaps locating a year long internship or experience opportunities. ✅

However, a gap year could mean a total waste of a year:

•

Unable to locate a job ❌

Depending on your situation, you should decide whether you think you will put a free year to good use, for some, it might be the break they needed from A-Levels, but for others, they might see it as a waste of a year.

If you recieve no offers from your selected uni's, you have the option to go into clearing universities, which are uni's with low requirements, and offer you a course similar to the ones you applied to.

In my opinion, take the gap year if you must, it's better that you lock in for your Year 13 results and take those as your entry grades a year after, rather than studying in a university which you don't want to go into to begin with.

Hope this helps, Best of Luck.

Reply 2

Kingston Reps

Official Rep

Original post by unjustified-ninn

I don't think my mocks went to well would it be better if i just take a gap year and focus on actual exams
I am in year 13 and these will be grades for my predicted and potential.

Hi there!

I completely understand where you’re coming from—taking a gap year can feel like a big decision, but it can also be incredibly rewarding if approached with purpose. I actually took a gap year myself, and it turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve made. It gave me the space to improve my portfolio, build new experiences, and ultimately feel much more confident about my next steps.

In your situation, where your mocks didn’t go as planned, a gap year can give you a valuable opportunity to focus on your actual exams without added pressure. My best friend took a gap year for this exact reason—he wanted to achieve higher grades. Not only did he accomplish that, but he also secured a spot at USC (University of Southern California), something he never thought possible before. Sometimes, taking a step back can lead to even greater steps forward.

Perks of Taking a Gap Year in Your Situation:

Improving Your Grades: With focused time and no other distractions, you can work towards your potential and achieve grades that truly reflect your abilities.

Exploring Opportunities: Use the year to gain work experience, volunteer, or do internships. Universities love seeing productive gap years because it shows initiative and growth.

Self-Reflection and Goal-Setting: A gap year can give you clarity about what you want to study and where you want to go, ensuring your decision aligns with your interests.

Reducing Stress: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, a break can help you reset, so you return stronger and more motivated.

Things to Consider (The Negatives):

Using Your Time Wisely: A gap year is only beneficial if you actively plan for it. Sitting idle could lead to frustration.

Staying Motivated: Without a structured school environment, it’s easy to lose track of goals. Having a study schedule or tutor can help you stay on top of your exams.

University Applications: Make sure you know the application deadlines for universities (or clearing options) and how retakes factor into the process.

If you decide to take a gap year, consider combining your studies with something meaningful:

•

Work part-time to save for university.

•

Volunteer or gain experience in a field that interests you.

•

Join short online courses or workshops to add skills.

Ultimately, a gap year isn’t a setback—it’s an investment in yourself. Whether you’re aiming to improve your grades, gain experience, or even just reset, it can open doors you may not have considered before. Universities also appreciate the maturity and perspective that students gain from this time.

Whatever you choose, know that taking a step back doesn’t mean giving up—it’s sometimes the smartest move you can make.

Best of luck with your exams and your decision!

You’ve got this.

Anushka, Kingston University Student Rep

(edited 1 month ago)