Do I include my degree on my CV if I dropped out?

I am applying for level 4 and level 6 apprenticeships currently. I was at Cambridge University studying computer science but it didn't work out due to personal reasons, and made the decision to drop out after a year and a half. I left with no formal qualifications, and if I were to go university elsewhere I would have to start from scratch. I am wondering, if this is something I need to disclose during the application process to companies. Especially as it's a degree apprenticeship, I'm wondering if it will affect my eligibility in any way if I've dropped out of a similar degree? Does this mean I can't study the same degree again elsewhere, or are there any specific apprenticeship rules this goes against? Does anyone have any experience with this or advice?

Some applications for degree apprenticeships have automatically screened me out for telling the truth and ticking that I've attended university, even though I've specified I dropped out. I feel like this is unfair as they don't specify in the eligibility criteria that they want someone who's never been to uni. I also see loads of people at uni in first year still applying for apprenticeships on the side.

I also feel like it looks bad if I include that I'm a dropout, but if I don't mention it I'm scared any offers I get will be retracted once they do background checks etc. What should I do?

Reply 1

mxx454

I wouldn’t, I think if you tick that you’ve attended university then they assume you have a degree. Maybe specify later in the application process.

Reply 2

Mamaagirlbehindu

Original post

by AQM21

Hi, I included it on my CV, i dropped out after 2 years but wrote that "degree not achieved" on my CV and went into giving my y1 and y2 score underneath. I managed to secure an apprenticeship at a accounting firm although there were definitely some firms automatically rejecting me because i went to university but they were the smaller accounting firms that were rejecting me.

Ah okay, that is a good idea. I definitely can't put my grades on there though haha i basically scraped a pass in my first year and failed second year exams. But I'll add that the degree hasnt been achieved.

Also, do you feel like you made the right decision leaving uni for an apprenticeship? I haven't officially dropped out yet, I'm technically on a gap year, and i dont know if im making a mistake by leaving. It feels like I'm giving up even though I know I tried my best and did everything I could, I keep thinking maybe I should force myself to go back. I've been going back and forth about the decision for the last 6 months and I still don't know. Does it ever get any easier?

Reply 3

Mamaagirlbehindu

Original post

by mxx454

I wouldn’t, I think if you tick that you’ve attended university then they assume you have a degree. Maybe specify later in the application process.

Yh okay, that makes sense, I'll most likely include it as a small line on my CV but wont tick anything on the actual application, and if i get any offers I'll ask HR then if me dropping out previously affects my eligibility

Reply 4

Clonmany239

Original post

by Mamaagirlbehindu

Are your initials M K by any chance? You’ve described a situation similar to someone I’ve met a couple of times (specifically about the computer science at Cam) and I’m wondering if you’re the same person!