Advice for a 2nd year student
Hey all, need some help on what to do from here.
I didn't take first year too seriously so although I passed it wasn't a good score to speak of. We just got our results for our Semester 1 exams and they were OK, three exams were over 60% however one exam dragged the overall grade for the semester below 2:1, which I'll be honest I took a silly gamble with revision for so I have to deal with the consequences. (I'm an Aero Engineering student)
I am doing a Masters at my uni and I was contemplating doing a placement year (26/27) at the start of year 2 if my S1 grades were good enough, however for a good chunk of MechEng placements you need 2:1 to even apply.
The modules this semester I genuinely believe I can achieve a first in, as I have been putting in a lot more effort into revising overall. In terms of extracurriculars I have done a fair bit that relates to the aerospace sector, but not engineering specifically (as I've always been into anything that flies since I was a kid). I do intend to rectify that by joining an engineering society, more specifically the UAS or Peryton societies. As well as that I have started a part time job and intend to do a few hours of volunteering.
My question is, what should I do from here? What else should I get involved in or do to improve my chances (any extracurricular recommendations?)? Should I bother applying for placements in the next academic year, or should I just focus on getting the best grades I can at this point and look at getting experience after uni (if that is possible)?
I appreciate your help, many thanks.
I didn't take first year too seriously so although I passed it wasn't a good score to speak of. We just got our results for our Semester 1 exams and they were OK, three exams were over 60% however one exam dragged the overall grade for the semester below 2:1, which I'll be honest I took a silly gamble with revision for so I have to deal with the consequences. (I'm an Aero Engineering student)
I am doing a Masters at my uni and I was contemplating doing a placement year (26/27) at the start of year 2 if my S1 grades were good enough, however for a good chunk of MechEng placements you need 2:1 to even apply.
The modules this semester I genuinely believe I can achieve a first in, as I have been putting in a lot more effort into revising overall. In terms of extracurriculars I have done a fair bit that relates to the aerospace sector, but not engineering specifically (as I've always been into anything that flies since I was a kid). I do intend to rectify that by joining an engineering society, more specifically the UAS or Peryton societies. As well as that I have started a part time job and intend to do a few hours of volunteering.
My question is, what should I do from here? What else should I get involved in or do to improve my chances (any extracurricular recommendations?)? Should I bother applying for placements in the next academic year, or should I just focus on getting the best grades I can at this point and look at getting experience after uni (if that is possible)?
I appreciate your help, many thanks.
Reply 1
Original post
by RedControlledHey all, need some help on what to do from here.
I didn't take first year too seriously so although I passed it wasn't a good score to speak of. We just got our results for our Semester 1 exams and they were OK, three exams were over 60% however one exam dragged the overall grade for the semester below 2:1, which I'll be honest I took a silly gamble with revision for so I have to deal with the consequences. (I'm an Aero Engineering student)
I am doing a Masters at my uni and I was contemplating doing a placement year (26/27) at the start of year 2 if my S1 grades were good enough, however for a good chunk of MechEng placements you need 2:1 to even apply.
The modules this semester I genuinely believe I can achieve a first in, as I have been putting in a lot more effort into revising overall. In terms of extracurriculars I have done a fair bit that relates to the aerospace sector, but not engineering specifically (as I've always been into anything that flies since I was a kid). I do intend to rectify that by joining an engineering society, more specifically the UAS or Peryton societies. As well as that I have started a part time job and intend to do a few hours of volunteering.
My question is, what should I do from here? What else should I get involved in or do to improve my chances (any extracurricular recommendations?)? Should I bother applying for placements in the next academic year, or should I just focus on getting the best grades I can at this point and look at getting experience after uni (if that is possible)?
I appreciate your help, many thanks.
I didn't take first year too seriously so although I passed it wasn't a good score to speak of. We just got our results for our Semester 1 exams and they were OK, three exams were over 60% however one exam dragged the overall grade for the semester below 2:1, which I'll be honest I took a silly gamble with revision for so I have to deal with the consequences. (I'm an Aero Engineering student)
I am doing a Masters at my uni and I was contemplating doing a placement year (26/27) at the start of year 2 if my S1 grades were good enough, however for a good chunk of MechEng placements you need 2:1 to even apply.
The modules this semester I genuinely believe I can achieve a first in, as I have been putting in a lot more effort into revising overall. In terms of extracurriculars I have done a fair bit that relates to the aerospace sector, but not engineering specifically (as I've always been into anything that flies since I was a kid). I do intend to rectify that by joining an engineering society, more specifically the UAS or Peryton societies. As well as that I have started a part time job and intend to do a few hours of volunteering.
My question is, what should I do from here? What else should I get involved in or do to improve my chances (any extracurricular recommendations?)? Should I bother applying for placements in the next academic year, or should I just focus on getting the best grades I can at this point and look at getting experience after uni (if that is possible)?
I appreciate your help, many thanks.
It is not uncommon people deflated during their first years after rigorous GCSE and A Level. Don't look back.
Extracurriculars are side-dishes to academics. You are doing an MEng without classification (i.e. without 1st class etc)? Without overall degree classification, employers will look into details of grades. So, prioritise your times and efforts to your studies for your highest grades. Societies are good, I suggest you attend to only one given your situation.
Placements are good, but more like bonus. I would say:
good grades + placement > good grades > average grades + placement.
I doubt whether average grades + placement exists. I guess their selection would based primarily on academic performances. So, the same advice, focus on your studies. Apply for placement but don't feel sad if unsuccessful. Certainly there are insufficient places for all students.
You've gone through the years and you are capable. Keep On and you can make it.
Reply 2
Original post
by cksiuIt is not uncommon people deflated during their first years after rigorous GCSE and A Level. Don't look back.
Extracurriculars are side-dishes to academics. You are doing an MEng without classification (i.e. without 1st class etc)? Without overall degree classification, employers will look into details of grades. So, prioritise your times and efforts to your studies for your highest grades. Societies are good, I suggest you attend to only one given your situation.
Placements are good, but more like bonus. I would say:
good grades + placement > good grades > average grades + placement.
I doubt whether average grades + placement exists. I guess their selection would based primarily on academic performances. So, the same advice, focus on your studies. Apply for placement but don't feel sad if unsuccessful. Certainly there are insufficient places for all students.
You've gone through the years and you are capable. Keep On and you can make it.
Extracurriculars are side-dishes to academics. You are doing an MEng without classification (i.e. without 1st class etc)? Without overall degree classification, employers will look into details of grades. So, prioritise your times and efforts to your studies for your highest grades. Societies are good, I suggest you attend to only one given your situation.
Placements are good, but more like bonus. I would say:
good grades + placement > good grades > average grades + placement.
I doubt whether average grades + placement exists. I guess their selection would based primarily on academic performances. So, the same advice, focus on your studies. Apply for placement but don't feel sad if unsuccessful. Certainly there are insufficient places for all students.
You've gone through the years and you are capable. Keep On and you can make it.
Apologies, what do you mean when you say without classification?
Original post
by RedControlledHey all, need some help on what to do from here.
I didn't take first year too seriously so although I passed it wasn't a good score to speak of. We just got our results for our Semester 1 exams and they were OK, three exams were over 60% however one exam dragged the overall grade for the semester below 2:1, which I'll be honest I took a silly gamble with revision for so I have to deal with the consequences. (I'm an Aero Engineering student)
I am doing a Masters at my uni and I was contemplating doing a placement year (26/27) at the start of year 2 if my S1 grades were good enough, however for a good chunk of MechEng placements you need 2:1 to even apply.
The modules this semester I genuinely believe I can achieve a first in, as I have been putting in a lot more effort into revising overall. In terms of extracurriculars I have done a fair bit that relates to the aerospace sector, but not engineering specifically (as I've always been into anything that flies since I was a kid). I do intend to rectify that by joining an engineering society, more specifically the UAS or Peryton societies. As well as that I have started a part time job and intend to do a few hours of volunteering.
My question is, what should I do from here? What else should I get involved in or do to improve my chances (any extracurricular recommendations?)? Should I bother applying for placements in the next academic year, or should I just focus on getting the best grades I can at this point and look at getting experience after uni (if that is possible)?
I appreciate your help, many thanks.
I didn't take first year too seriously so although I passed it wasn't a good score to speak of. We just got our results for our Semester 1 exams and they were OK, three exams were over 60% however one exam dragged the overall grade for the semester below 2:1, which I'll be honest I took a silly gamble with revision for so I have to deal with the consequences. (I'm an Aero Engineering student)
I am doing a Masters at my uni and I was contemplating doing a placement year (26/27) at the start of year 2 if my S1 grades were good enough, however for a good chunk of MechEng placements you need 2:1 to even apply.
The modules this semester I genuinely believe I can achieve a first in, as I have been putting in a lot more effort into revising overall. In terms of extracurriculars I have done a fair bit that relates to the aerospace sector, but not engineering specifically (as I've always been into anything that flies since I was a kid). I do intend to rectify that by joining an engineering society, more specifically the UAS or Peryton societies. As well as that I have started a part time job and intend to do a few hours of volunteering.
My question is, what should I do from here? What else should I get involved in or do to improve my chances (any extracurricular recommendations?)? Should I bother applying for placements in the next academic year, or should I just focus on getting the best grades I can at this point and look at getting experience after uni (if that is possible)?
I appreciate your help, many thanks.
Hi there,
from my experience applying for placements they may ask for grades, a couple of mine did and the classification you are working to achieve, BUT most universities don't provide official predicted grades so you can spin your achievements and hopes in your favour. Lots of successful applications use the phrase 'working towards a 2:1'. From there you can talk about the modules that went well and what you are working on and hope to achieve this semester, by the time you get to the interview stage they are asking questions about your experience and skills and not about your grades at all.
With good interview practice and some super curriculars like a society or projects you've done in your own time I'm sure you'll have plenty of successful interviews if a placement is what you want. I do greatly recommend them after doing one myself on the integrated masters mechanical course, they help your studies so much when you return!
Hope this helps
Amber
Coventry University Student Ambassador
Reply 4
Original post
by RedControlledApologies, what do you mean when you say without classification?
Sorry, my mistake.
All in all, I mean prioritise your time and effort in securing good grades.
Reply 5
Original post
by RedControlledHey all, need some help on what to do from here.
I didn't take first year too seriously so although I passed it wasn't a good score to speak of. We just got our results for our Semester 1 exams and they were OK, three exams were over 60% however one exam dragged the overall grade for the semester below 2:1, which I'll be honest I took a silly gamble with revision for so I have to deal with the consequences. (I'm an Aero Engineering student)
I am doing a Masters at my uni and I was contemplating doing a placement year (26/27) at the start of year 2 if my S1 grades were good enough, however for a good chunk of MechEng placements you need 2:1 to even apply.
The modules this semester I genuinely believe I can achieve a first in, as I have been putting in a lot more effort into revising overall. In terms of extracurriculars I have done a fair bit that relates to the aerospace sector, but not engineering specifically (as I've always been into anything that flies since I was a kid). I do intend to rectify that by joining an engineering society, more specifically the UAS or Peryton societies. As well as that I have started a part time job and intend to do a few hours of volunteering.
My question is, what should I do from here? What else should I get involved in or do to improve my chances (any extracurricular recommendations?)? Should I bother applying for placements in the next academic year, or should I just focus on getting the best grades I can at this point and look at getting experience after uni (if that is possible)?
I appreciate your help, many thanks.
I didn't take first year too seriously so although I passed it wasn't a good score to speak of. We just got our results for our Semester 1 exams and they were OK, three exams were over 60% however one exam dragged the overall grade for the semester below 2:1, which I'll be honest I took a silly gamble with revision for so I have to deal with the consequences. (I'm an Aero Engineering student)
I am doing a Masters at my uni and I was contemplating doing a placement year (26/27) at the start of year 2 if my S1 grades were good enough, however for a good chunk of MechEng placements you need 2:1 to even apply.
The modules this semester I genuinely believe I can achieve a first in, as I have been putting in a lot more effort into revising overall. In terms of extracurriculars I have done a fair bit that relates to the aerospace sector, but not engineering specifically (as I've always been into anything that flies since I was a kid). I do intend to rectify that by joining an engineering society, more specifically the UAS or Peryton societies. As well as that I have started a part time job and intend to do a few hours of volunteering.
My question is, what should I do from here? What else should I get involved in or do to improve my chances (any extracurricular recommendations?)? Should I bother applying for placements in the next academic year, or should I just focus on getting the best grades I can at this point and look at getting experience after uni (if that is possible)?
I appreciate your help, many thanks.
Hi there,
I agree with what others have said - don't let the grades that you have got get you down too much. It's happened now and you can bring your grades up! There will be plenty of time this semester and in your final year to get your grades up so for now just focus on the assignments that you have due in and try and get the best grade you can.
I would say that a placement is a good idea, so it might be worth still applying for some. Don't neglect your assignments to do this, however you can look alongside your studies and see if there are any you would be interested in. You can use phrases like 'working towards a ....' if you are on track to bring your grades up and still apply! Finding a placement can be tricky but it's worth trying.
As for extra curricular activities, its good to have these as some employers may be interested in this, however don't do this at the expense of your uni work as this is the most important thing for you to be focused on. If you have time alongside it, it sounds like a good idea but just see if you have time!
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Reply 6
Hi all, many thanks for your help and advice. I greatly appreciate it.
Reply 7
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(edited 10 months ago)
Reply 8
Original post
by RedControlledHey all, need some help on what to do from here.
I didn't take first year too seriously so although I passed it wasn't a good score to speak of. We just got our results for our Semester 1 exams and they were OK, three exams were over 60% however one exam dragged the overall grade for the semester below 2:1, which I'll be honest I took a silly gamble with revision for so I have to deal with the consequences. (I'm an Aero Engineering student)
I am doing a Masters at my uni and I was contemplating doing a placement year (26/27) at the start of year 2 if my S1 grades were good enough, however for a good chunk of MechEng placements you need 2:1 to even apply.
The modules this semester I genuinely believe I can achieve a first in, as I have been putting in a lot more effort into revising overall. In terms of extracurriculars I have done a fair bit that relates to the aerospace sector, but not engineering specifically (as I've always been into anything that flies since I was a kid). I do intend to rectify that by joining an engineering society, more specifically the UAS or Peryton societies. As well as that I have started a part time job and intend to do a few hours of volunteering.
My question is, what should I do from here? What else should I get involved in or do to improve my chances (any extracurricular recommendations?)? Should I bother applying for placements in the next academic year, or should I just focus on getting the best grades I can at this point and look at getting experience after uni (if that is possible)?
I appreciate your help, many thanks.
I didn't take first year too seriously so although I passed it wasn't a good score to speak of. We just got our results for our Semester 1 exams and they were OK, three exams were over 60% however one exam dragged the overall grade for the semester below 2:1, which I'll be honest I took a silly gamble with revision for so I have to deal with the consequences. (I'm an Aero Engineering student)
I am doing a Masters at my uni and I was contemplating doing a placement year (26/27) at the start of year 2 if my S1 grades were good enough, however for a good chunk of MechEng placements you need 2:1 to even apply.
The modules this semester I genuinely believe I can achieve a first in, as I have been putting in a lot more effort into revising overall. In terms of extracurriculars I have done a fair bit that relates to the aerospace sector, but not engineering specifically (as I've always been into anything that flies since I was a kid). I do intend to rectify that by joining an engineering society, more specifically the UAS or Peryton societies. As well as that I have started a part time job and intend to do a few hours of volunteering.
My question is, what should I do from here? What else should I get involved in or do to improve my chances (any extracurricular recommendations?)? Should I bother applying for placements in the next academic year, or should I just focus on getting the best grades I can at this point and look at getting experience after uni (if that is possible)?
I appreciate your help, many thanks.
Since you’re confident about this semester, definitely focus on securing strong grades to boost your overall average. Still, it might be worth applying for placements anyway, some companies look beyond just grades if you can show strong extracurriculars and passion (which you clearly have with your aerospace interests). Joining UAS or Peryton is a great move too. Maybe also look into engineering projects, hackathons, or even some CAD/FEA experience to stand out more.
Reply 9
Original post
by quakyduckySince you’re confident about this semester, definitely focus on securing strong grades to boost your overall average. Still, it might be worth applying for placements anyway, some companies look beyond just grades if you can show strong extracurriculars and passion (which you clearly have with your aerospace interests). Joining UAS or Peryton is a great move too. Maybe also look into engineering projects, hackathons, or even some CAD/FEA experience to stand out more.
Hi there. Thanks for your response, I really appreciate it (and sorry for not responding!). What are you talking about when you say CAD/FEA experience? I've learnt Fusion 360 and feel pretty confident with it having done many projects in it, however I've been taught to use Ansys as the Uni's FEA software. Are there some sort of programmes I can do which I can gain some sort of qualification? Also for what would you recommend doing for engineering projects? I'm planning over the summer to design and manufacture an aircraft, similar to BMFA or UAS, would that be sufficient or are you talking about in Uni?
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