Retaking a levels - questioning before even sitting them aha.
Hey,
I've been wondering about whether or not retaking my a levels will be a stupid idea. Obviously, I have not sat them yet (I'm a year 13) and I have no way of predicting the outcome of my actual results, but my lack of revision over the past couple of weeks is kind of a decent indicator. Im taking a level history, english lit + psychology and I have an offer from Durham for A*AA, but recently I've fallen into a pretty deep hole. I don't mean to be weirdly vulnerable online but the past few weeks I just cant seem to overcome my depression and its left me feeling generally hopeless in life. Anytime I try and work I just seem to freeze and give up instead. My main worry is if I force myself too hard I'll get reaaaally bad. I'm pretty confident I'll do well in A Level English Lit and (probably) psychology, but history is tearing me to shreds. This is kind of a futile post, but I was wondering if anyone has previously been, or is currently, in the same position as me or whether anyone has any guidance. Just as an FYI, I've sought out help before and tried CBT twice but it was lowkey pointless for me #CBThater.
Thanks
I've been wondering about whether or not retaking my a levels will be a stupid idea. Obviously, I have not sat them yet (I'm a year 13) and I have no way of predicting the outcome of my actual results, but my lack of revision over the past couple of weeks is kind of a decent indicator. Im taking a level history, english lit + psychology and I have an offer from Durham for A*AA, but recently I've fallen into a pretty deep hole. I don't mean to be weirdly vulnerable online but the past few weeks I just cant seem to overcome my depression and its left me feeling generally hopeless in life. Anytime I try and work I just seem to freeze and give up instead. My main worry is if I force myself too hard I'll get reaaaally bad. I'm pretty confident I'll do well in A Level English Lit and (probably) psychology, but history is tearing me to shreds. This is kind of a futile post, but I was wondering if anyone has previously been, or is currently, in the same position as me or whether anyone has any guidance. Just as an FYI, I've sought out help before and tried CBT twice but it was lowkey pointless for me #CBThater.
Thanks
(edited 9 months ago)
Reply 1
Hi, I'm also I'm a similar position as you with lack of motivation due to depression as well. I think you should give yourself regular breaks whilst doing revision and do pomodoro timers. For History you can give yourself a focused plan. In what way are you struggling with History?
Reply 2
11
Original post
by ClareIsobelD__Hey,
I've been wondering about whether or not retaking my a levels will be a stupid idea. Obviously, I have not sat them yet (I'm a year 13) and I have no way of predicting the outcome of my actual results, but my lack of revision over the past couple of weeks is kind of a decent indicator. Im taking a level history, english lit + psychology and I have an offer from Durham for A*AA, but recently I've fallen into a pretty deep hole. I don't mean to be weirdly vulnerable online but the past few weeks I just cant seem to overcome my depression and its left me feeling generally hopeless in life. Anytime I try and work I just seem to freeze and give up instead. My main worry is if I force myself too hard I'll get reaaaally bad. I'm pretty confident I'll do well in A Level English Lit and (probably) psychology, but history is tearing me to shreds. This is kind of a futile post, but I was wondering if anyone has previously been, or is currently, in the same position as me or whether anyone has any guidance. Just as an FYI, I've sought out help before and tried CBT twice but it was lowkey pointless for me #CBThater.
Thanks
I've been wondering about whether or not retaking my a levels will be a stupid idea. Obviously, I have not sat them yet (I'm a year 13) and I have no way of predicting the outcome of my actual results, but my lack of revision over the past couple of weeks is kind of a decent indicator. Im taking a level history, english lit + psychology and I have an offer from Durham for A*AA, but recently I've fallen into a pretty deep hole. I don't mean to be weirdly vulnerable online but the past few weeks I just cant seem to overcome my depression and its left me feeling generally hopeless in life. Anytime I try and work I just seem to freeze and give up instead. My main worry is if I force myself too hard I'll get reaaaally bad. I'm pretty confident I'll do well in A Level English Lit and (probably) psychology, but history is tearing me to shreds. This is kind of a futile post, but I was wondering if anyone has previously been, or is currently, in the same position as me or whether anyone has any guidance. Just as an FYI, I've sought out help before and tried CBT twice but it was lowkey pointless for me #CBThater.
Thanks
Slightly off topic but do you have any recommendations for how to do well in English lit? I’m currently struggling massively and would love to know any tips!!
Reply 3
Original post
by Kez_345Hi, I'm also I'm a similar position as you with lack of motivation due to depression as well. I think you should give yourself regular breaks whilst doing revision and do pomodoro timers. For History you can give yourself a focused plan. In what way are you struggling with History?
Yeah, I've been trying out the pomodoro method and it is a pretty effective method, but tbh as soon as its the 5 minute break I just give up lmfao. When it comes to history I think I just struggle condensing the content and also going from writing like B grade answers to A grade answers. Just feel kind of hopeless with that god-forsaken subject. Appreciate your advice though!
Reply 4
Original post
by Gravity0Slightly off topic but do you have any recommendations for how to do well in English lit? I’m currently struggling massively and would love to know any tips!!
My main tip is read literally EVERY single model answer you can find. Your teachers have access to them so if they haven't already given them to you just ask! Also, when you read them, highlight where they've hit every AO and underline good points of analysis/ideas that you havent really thought of before and then implement them into your practice essays. I suck at getting myself to do practice essays, but they really are the best form of revision for Lit. Learning quotes can unfortunately only go so far. 🙂
Reply 5
Original post
by ClareIsobelD__Hey,
I've been wondering about whether or not retaking my a levels will be a stupid idea. Obviously, I have not sat them yet (I'm a year 13) and I have no way of predicting the outcome of my actual results, but my lack of revision over the past couple of weeks is kind of a decent indicator. Im taking a level history, english lit + psychology and I have an offer from Durham for A*AA, but recently I've fallen into a pretty deep hole. I don't mean to be weirdly vulnerable online but the past few weeks I just cant seem to overcome my depression and its left me feeling generally hopeless in life. Anytime I try and work I just seem to freeze and give up instead. My main worry is if I force myself too hard I'll get reaaaally bad. I'm pretty confident I'll do well in A Level English Lit and (probably) psychology, but history is tearing me to shreds. This is kind of a futile post, but I was wondering if anyone has previously been, or is currently, in the same position as me or whether anyone has any guidance. Just as an FYI, I've sought out help before and tried CBT twice but it was lowkey pointless for me #CBThater.
Thanks
I've been wondering about whether or not retaking my a levels will be a stupid idea. Obviously, I have not sat them yet (I'm a year 13) and I have no way of predicting the outcome of my actual results, but my lack of revision over the past couple of weeks is kind of a decent indicator. Im taking a level history, english lit + psychology and I have an offer from Durham for A*AA, but recently I've fallen into a pretty deep hole. I don't mean to be weirdly vulnerable online but the past few weeks I just cant seem to overcome my depression and its left me feeling generally hopeless in life. Anytime I try and work I just seem to freeze and give up instead. My main worry is if I force myself too hard I'll get reaaaally bad. I'm pretty confident I'll do well in A Level English Lit and (probably) psychology, but history is tearing me to shreds. This is kind of a futile post, but I was wondering if anyone has previously been, or is currently, in the same position as me or whether anyone has any guidance. Just as an FYI, I've sought out help before and tried CBT twice but it was lowkey pointless for me #CBThater.
Thanks
As someone who is retaking their A levels ( all 3 yippie 😍). At least try really hard in one of them so you can retake less next year (idk if this is good advice LOL). However, you should consider different variables if you think you’ll end up retaking.
Your school- whether or not they would support you if you want to resit. If not you’ll have to go privately and pay for a tutor to help you with UCAS ( in loads of cases former teachers do help !). Also, you’ll have to pay to resit your a levels and find an exam center, if your old school don’t let you resit there, which is such a drag.
UCAS- they’re scrapping personal statements so going through UCAS will be different.
(I had to pay again to use UCAS 🥲)
Unpredictability with exams- grade boundaries are on the rise and exams could be harder, is that a risk you want to take?
Your offer- you have a sexy offer ❤️ ALSO, when you resit your A Levels, you are at a disadvantage because unis prefer people who are sitting their exams for the first time. Thus, you will need a much stronger application, especially for Russell group universities!
Your mental health- please get help queen! Also idk if this will help because I am greatful to not have suffered with my mental health. However, Is there any way in which you can figure out a root cause and if you do a way to manage it?
( my ignorance is awful, please forgive me!)
Because you may decide after all of this that you want to resit your A levels but how do you know that you won’t be in the same position (with your mental health) ?
Idk maybe it’s also something to consider as resitting A levels can be lonely, especially if all of your friends are off to uni.
Hopefully this helped
REMEMBER YOU’RE DOING AMAZING SWEETIE. YOU CAN DO THIS 🤞
Reply 6
Original post
by user8726543As someone who is retaking their A levels ( all 3 yippie 😍). At least try really hard in one of them so you can retake less next year (idk if this is good advice LOL). However, you should consider different variables if you think you’ll end up retaking.
Your school- whether or not they would support you if you want to resit. If not you’ll have to go privately and pay for a tutor to help you with UCAS ( in loads of cases former teachers do help !). Also, you’ll have to pay to resit your a levels and find an exam center, if your old school don’t let you resit there, which is such a drag.
UCAS- they’re scrapping personal statements so going through UCAS will be different.
(I had to pay again to use UCAS 🥲)
Unpredictability with exams- grade boundaries are on the rise and exams could be harder, is that a risk you want to take?
Your offer- you have a sexy offer ❤️ ALSO, when you resit your A Levels, you are at a disadvantage because unis prefer people who are sitting their exams for the first time. Thus, you will need a much stronger application, especially for Russell group universities!
Your mental health- please get help queen! Also idk if this will help because I am greatful to not have suffered with my mental health. However, Is there any way in which you can figure out a root cause and if you do a way to manage it?
( my ignorance is awful, please forgive me!)
Because you may decide after all of this that you want to resit your A levels but how do you know that you won’t be in the same position (with your mental health) ?
Idk maybe it’s also something to consider as resitting A levels can be lonely, especially if all of your friends are off to uni.
Hopefully this helped
REMEMBER YOU’RE DOING AMAZING SWEETIE. YOU CAN DO THIS 🤞
Your school- whether or not they would support you if you want to resit. If not you’ll have to go privately and pay for a tutor to help you with UCAS ( in loads of cases former teachers do help !). Also, you’ll have to pay to resit your a levels and find an exam center, if your old school don’t let you resit there, which is such a drag.
UCAS- they’re scrapping personal statements so going through UCAS will be different.
(I had to pay again to use UCAS 🥲)
Unpredictability with exams- grade boundaries are on the rise and exams could be harder, is that a risk you want to take?
Your offer- you have a sexy offer ❤️ ALSO, when you resit your A Levels, you are at a disadvantage because unis prefer people who are sitting their exams for the first time. Thus, you will need a much stronger application, especially for Russell group universities!
Your mental health- please get help queen! Also idk if this will help because I am greatful to not have suffered with my mental health. However, Is there any way in which you can figure out a root cause and if you do a way to manage it?
( my ignorance is awful, please forgive me!)
Because you may decide after all of this that you want to resit your A levels but how do you know that you won’t be in the same position (with your mental health) ?
Idk maybe it’s also something to consider as resitting A levels can be lonely, especially if all of your friends are off to uni.
Hopefully this helped
REMEMBER YOU’RE DOING AMAZING SWEETIE. YOU CAN DO THIS 🤞
This is such a sweet reply thank u sm I could cry ;(
I completely forgot about UCAS changing personal statements, thats such a good point which I did not consider!!!
I got my english lit coursework back last week and got 59/60 (AYY) so I'm hopefully going to secure the A*, which means if I do have to retake I'd probs only retake two subjects.
I have also decided to seek help with my mental health cause its getting crazy. 😛
Best of luck in your resits!! You're going to smash it!
Reply 7
Original post
by ClareIsobelD__Hey,
I've been wondering about whether or not retaking my a levels will be a stupid idea. Obviously, I have not sat them yet (I'm a year 13) and I have no way of predicting the outcome of my actual results, but my lack of revision over the past couple of weeks is kind of a decent indicator. Im taking a level history, english lit + psychology and I have an offer from Durham for A*AA, but recently I've fallen into a pretty deep hole. I don't mean to be weirdly vulnerable online but the past few weeks I just cant seem to overcome my depression and its left me feeling generally hopeless in life. Anytime I try and work I just seem to freeze and give up instead. My main worry is if I force myself too hard I'll get reaaaally bad. I'm pretty confident I'll do well in A Level English Lit and (probably) psychology, but history is tearing me to shreds. This is kind of a futile post, but I was wondering if anyone has previously been, or is currently, in the same position as me or whether anyone has any guidance. Just as an FYI, I've sought out help before and tried CBT twice but it was lowkey pointless for me #CBThater.
Thanks
I've been wondering about whether or not retaking my a levels will be a stupid idea. Obviously, I have not sat them yet (I'm a year 13) and I have no way of predicting the outcome of my actual results, but my lack of revision over the past couple of weeks is kind of a decent indicator. Im taking a level history, english lit + psychology and I have an offer from Durham for A*AA, but recently I've fallen into a pretty deep hole. I don't mean to be weirdly vulnerable online but the past few weeks I just cant seem to overcome my depression and its left me feeling generally hopeless in life. Anytime I try and work I just seem to freeze and give up instead. My main worry is if I force myself too hard I'll get reaaaally bad. I'm pretty confident I'll do well in A Level English Lit and (probably) psychology, but history is tearing me to shreds. This is kind of a futile post, but I was wondering if anyone has previously been, or is currently, in the same position as me or whether anyone has any guidance. Just as an FYI, I've sought out help before and tried CBT twice but it was lowkey pointless for me #CBThater.
Thanks
hey!! i'm also resitting (all 3) and had a similar experience to you last year regarding mental health. one thing i'll say is that despite it being hard i genuinely do not regretting resitting because pushing myself last year would've done sm damage.
also taking a gap year in itself has changed me sm aside from retaking my a levels, so if you decide to retake, treat it as a gap year as well as studying! i've still been able to do so many cool things!
in regards to ucas, it's true that some unis look down on resits but in my experience i still got offers from 4 russell group unis (bristol, warwick, nottingham and york) so honestly don't worry about that.
also if you feel any stigma around it trust me i've realised SO many more people resit than you think, like at least one or two a levels.
anyways, the main thing is that you don't beat yourself up for feeling like this because once you get out of it you'll realise there's so many other things to look forward to.
hope this helped in some way 💗
Reply 8
10
Hi, I'm sorry to hear about your situation.
I'm also retaking all 3 a-levels! I had depression all throughout sixth-form and it got much worse just before exams. I had the exact same issue as you - I would freeze when I sat down to revise; I physically couldn't do it. I know how hard that feeling is.
The other retake students on this thread made some really good points! my experience and advice essentially echoes what they've already said.
I was worried what a gap year would look like for me. I was rather pessimistic and thought that my depression would only get worse. I'm happy to say this is not the case!! For the first year in ages, I'm actually happy, motivated and confident. I even managed to solo travel for a bit which was the best time of my life. A gap year can sound really scary but taking stock and time away from institutions to work on your wellbeing is so important. Also the time has just flown by! I start my resit exams in less than two weeks and it has honestly felt like my gap year barely started.
As mentioned, competitive universities aren't always keen to accept resit students (for example, I got rejected by LSE) but that doesn't mean you won't get great offers. I got offers from Warwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Rhul! I've heard that Durham doesn't discriminate against resit students at all, and you may even be able to call them in August/September and ask if you can keep your offer for the following year (yes people do that!). By the sounds of it, you're a smart and capable student, so re-sitting should not hold you back in any way 🙂
Since you've done amazing on your english lit coursework, defo try to revise this subject - this will lessen your load as resitting 3 a-levels is a lot. But I understand that depending on your situation it may not be possible. I think it will give you lots of confidence (if you resit) that you already have a good grade in the bag!
Here are some things you should defo consider though (many mentioned by other people):
Your mental health is more important than school and your grades. I know how scary this time is and how disappointing it can feel to be this way when you're at the final hurdle. But please trust me (and all the other people on this thread) this is not the end of the world. No one actually judges you if you choose to resit - all they care about is that you're ok. I'm glad to hear you're getting help, and I hope you feel much better soon! If you ever need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out.
If you have any questions about my gap year or anything else related, drop me a message!! I'm happy to help.
I'm also retaking all 3 a-levels! I had depression all throughout sixth-form and it got much worse just before exams. I had the exact same issue as you - I would freeze when I sat down to revise; I physically couldn't do it. I know how hard that feeling is.
The other retake students on this thread made some really good points! my experience and advice essentially echoes what they've already said.
I was worried what a gap year would look like for me. I was rather pessimistic and thought that my depression would only get worse. I'm happy to say this is not the case!! For the first year in ages, I'm actually happy, motivated and confident. I even managed to solo travel for a bit which was the best time of my life. A gap year can sound really scary but taking stock and time away from institutions to work on your wellbeing is so important. Also the time has just flown by! I start my resit exams in less than two weeks and it has honestly felt like my gap year barely started.
As mentioned, competitive universities aren't always keen to accept resit students (for example, I got rejected by LSE) but that doesn't mean you won't get great offers. I got offers from Warwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Rhul! I've heard that Durham doesn't discriminate against resit students at all, and you may even be able to call them in August/September and ask if you can keep your offer for the following year (yes people do that!). By the sounds of it, you're a smart and capable student, so re-sitting should not hold you back in any way 🙂
Since you've done amazing on your english lit coursework, defo try to revise this subject - this will lessen your load as resitting 3 a-levels is a lot. But I understand that depending on your situation it may not be possible. I think it will give you lots of confidence (if you resit) that you already have a good grade in the bag!
Here are some things you should defo consider though (many mentioned by other people):
•
What support with your studies will you get on your resit year? My school supported my ucas application and allowed me to use them as a test centre. But apart from that, I've had almost no help this year. You may be able to enrol into a college or school but perhaps that isn't the best option for you? It definitely wasn't for me... i needed to get away from school
•
What do you think you can do to improve your mental health? Resitting will only be effective if you can improve your wellbeing.
•
What would you want to do besides studying? (E.g. work, travel, clubs, hobbies).
Your mental health is more important than school and your grades. I know how scary this time is and how disappointing it can feel to be this way when you're at the final hurdle. But please trust me (and all the other people on this thread) this is not the end of the world. No one actually judges you if you choose to resit - all they care about is that you're ok. I'm glad to hear you're getting help, and I hope you feel much better soon! If you ever need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out.
If you have any questions about my gap year or anything else related, drop me a message!! I'm happy to help.
Reply 9
10
Original post
by ClareIsobelD__Hey,
I've been wondering about whether or not retaking my a levels will be a stupid idea. Obviously, I have not sat them yet (I'm a year 13) and I have no way of predicting the outcome of my actual results, but my lack of revision over the past couple of weeks is kind of a decent indicator. Im taking a level history, english lit + psychology and I have an offer from Durham for A*AA, but recently I've fallen into a pretty deep hole. I don't mean to be weirdly vulnerable online but the past few weeks I just cant seem to overcome my depression and its left me feeling generally hopeless in life. Anytime I try and work I just seem to freeze and give up instead. My main worry is if I force myself too hard I'll get reaaaally bad. I'm pretty confident I'll do well in A Level English Lit and (probably) psychology, but history is tearing me to shreds. This is kind of a futile post, but I was wondering if anyone has previously been, or is currently, in the same position as me or whether anyone has any guidance. Just as an FYI, I've sought out help before and tried CBT twice but it was lowkey pointless for me #CBThater.
Thanks
I've been wondering about whether or not retaking my a levels will be a stupid idea. Obviously, I have not sat them yet (I'm a year 13) and I have no way of predicting the outcome of my actual results, but my lack of revision over the past couple of weeks is kind of a decent indicator. Im taking a level history, english lit + psychology and I have an offer from Durham for A*AA, but recently I've fallen into a pretty deep hole. I don't mean to be weirdly vulnerable online but the past few weeks I just cant seem to overcome my depression and its left me feeling generally hopeless in life. Anytime I try and work I just seem to freeze and give up instead. My main worry is if I force myself too hard I'll get reaaaally bad. I'm pretty confident I'll do well in A Level English Lit and (probably) psychology, but history is tearing me to shreds. This is kind of a futile post, but I was wondering if anyone has previously been, or is currently, in the same position as me or whether anyone has any guidance. Just as an FYI, I've sought out help before and tried CBT twice but it was lowkey pointless for me #CBThater.
Thanks
also lowkey a CBT hater too
Reply 10
Original post
by ClareIsobelD__This is such a sweet reply thank u sm I could cry ;(
I completely forgot about UCAS changing personal statements, thats such a good point which I did not consider!!!
I got my english lit coursework back last week and got 59/60 (AYY) so I'm hopefully going to secure the A*, which means if I do have to retake I'd probs only retake two subjects.
I have also decided to seek help with my mental health cause its getting crazy. 😛
Best of luck in your resits!! You're going to smash it!
I completely forgot about UCAS changing personal statements, thats such a good point which I did not consider!!!
I got my english lit coursework back last week and got 59/60 (AYY) so I'm hopefully going to secure the A*, which means if I do have to retake I'd probs only retake two subjects.
I have also decided to seek help with my mental health cause its getting crazy. 😛
Best of luck in your resits!! You're going to smash it!
HEYYY
Well done with English !! You should be so proud of yourself.
Also yess well done for seeking help with your mental health, future you will appreciate this so much!
And as someone who’s resitting, it’s still very possible to get into a Russel Group university, as I have received offers from them, don’t let the difficulty discourage you!
And thank you!! I’m still waiting for my final uni to get back to me so I’m a bit stressed 🥲 ANYWAYS! I hope you do really well in your exams xx 💋
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- GCSEs resits and applying to oxford for computer science
- GANFYD's "Which medical schools accept retake A-Levels" list
- Medicine application retaking year 13 options?
- Withdrawing from exams please help
- Help - applying to dentistry
- Someone who retook gcses in order to do medicine/dentistry- please help
- Additional Alevels in Gap Year (Medicine)
- resits policy
- Retaking
- Am I regarded as a resit candidate?
- A level edexcel chinese 2025
- Resitting a-levels - need advice asap
- Do unis care if you retake alevels twice?
- Surgery scheduled: need help
- Can I still do A-Level even after failing my GCSE’s?
- Medicine resits
- Access to medicine course vs full A-level resit: Advice appreciated
- GCSE resits for medical school
- BBB for a level chem planning on resit
- Support Group For Retaking A Levels as a Private Candidate.
Latest
Trending
Last reply 4 months ago
UCAT in 6 weeks..but my father wants me to learn ALL year 13 content!?!?!?Last reply 4 months ago
A Level+ Results Day 2025 Countdown thread - UCAS Hub is open #BeResultsProudLast reply 5 months ago
Further Maths Edexcel Grade Boundaries 2025 - CP1 CP2 FM1 FS1Last reply 6 months ago
LNAT Warning – Don’t Waste Your Time (or Money) on Arbitio!!!Last reply 6 months ago
Will I be predicted A*??? BIOLOGY plsss replyLast reply 6 months ago
How do I convince my teacher to let me take A-levelsArticles for you
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
