The Student Room Group

What to do now

Hi! I’m currently failing my a levels and have decided to take a gap year- not sure if this is my escape from the guilt of the consequences I am facing right now but I am willing to retake the year.

Now I have one polish a level done and am doing psych, bio and geo which I detest and feeling pretty helpless with exams.

Not only do I not know what I want to study but I am feeling pretty unmotivated with the whole pressure of what’s coming.

Does anyone have any advice on the next steps? (apart from trying hard for next year..)

Reply 1

Original post
by lamegirlmelly
Hi! I’m currently failing my a levels and have decided to take a gap year- not sure if this is my escape from the guilt of the consequences I am facing right now but I am willing to retake the year.
Now I have one polish a level done and am doing psych, bio and geo which I detest and feeling pretty helpless with exams.
Not only do I not know what I want to study but I am feeling pretty unmotivated with the whole pressure of what’s coming.
Does anyone have any advice on the next steps? (apart from trying hard for next year..)

Please don't put yourself down, the pressure is real and A levels are insanely difficult even if you enjoy the subjects you do. So on top of that, if you don't enjoy your subjects, I can definitely see how it'd be a hellish experience. Have you considered re-doing A levels completely with different subjects? I understand that it would use up yet another year but it might be worth it?

Regardless of what you decide, give yourself some time to rest and refresh during the summer. Be kind to yourself and adjust your mindset (which is definitely easier said than done). Best of luck with everything.

Reply 2

Original post
by lamegirlmelly
Hi! I’m currently failing my a levels and have decided to take a gap year- not sure if this is my escape from the guilt of the consequences I am facing right now but I am willing to retake the year.
Now I have one polish a level done and am doing psych, bio and geo which I detest and feeling pretty helpless with exams.
Not only do I not know what I want to study but I am feeling pretty unmotivated with the whole pressure of what’s coming.
Does anyone have any advice on the next steps? (apart from trying hard for next year..)

Hi there,

Studying for a-levels is difficult already without not knowing what you enjoy or putting pressure on yourself, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. You've got this! 🙂

I think taking a gap year would be great for you. You can have some rest, get some experience if you wish and figure out what interests you. You could also work for a bit and save some money if that is of interest to you. As mentioned already, thinking about doing your A-levels again with different subjects may be something to look into. Yes, it may be another extra year but if you are willing to do a gap year, this may be a good option. You can find the right subjects to study and get your motivation back.

I do think if you are taking the gap year, that you make sure you aren't being hard on yourself, take some time to recharge but still making the most of it. I'm sure you will make the best decision for you.

Let me know if you have any further questions 🙂
Best of luck, ^Zac

Reply 3

Original post
by nwar
Please don't put yourself down, the pressure is real and A levels are insanely difficult even if you enjoy the subjects you do. So on top of that, if you don't enjoy your subjects, I can definitely see how it'd be a hellish experience. Have you considered re-doing A levels completely with different subjects? I understand that it would use up yet another year but it might be worth it?
Regardless of what you decide, give yourself some time to rest and refresh during the summer. Be kind to yourself and adjust your mindset (which is definitely easier said than done). Best of luck with everything.

Yes pressure is a little overwhelming! I haven’t fully thought about different subjects because the problem is I have no idea what other a level I would enjoy doing as well as complete all content in a year. Possibly law or sociology I’m honestly not sure! Praying for a good summer and some time to reset after these two years of hell !! and thank you I deeply appreciate the advice

Reply 4

Original post
by UCLan Ambassador
Hi there,
Studying for a-levels is difficult already without not knowing what you enjoy or putting pressure on yourself, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. You've got this! 🙂
I think taking a gap year would be great for you. You can have some rest, get some experience if you wish and figure out what interests you. You could also work for a bit and save some money if that is of interest to you. As mentioned already, thinking about doing your A-levels again with different subjects may be something to look into. Yes, it may be another extra year but if you are willing to do a gap year, this may be a good option. You can find the right subjects to study and get your motivation back.
I do think if you are taking the gap year, that you make sure you aren't being hard on yourself, take some time to recharge but still making the most of it. I'm sure you will make the best decision for you.
Let me know if you have any further questions 🙂
Best of luck, ^Zac

Retaking a levels is definitely something I am almost set on doing but as I have mentioned before, not sure what a level I would enjoy studying… I think a gap year should definitely serve me well- more time to figure out next steps and bounce back from whatever the hell is happening now. I am interested in potentially finding something abroad as I’m open to get out of the UK for studying or experience anything. Are there any like…things… out there? in terms of like experience, jobs stuff? Thank you for the advice!!

Reply 5

Original post
by lamegirlmelly
Retaking a levels is definitely something I am almost set on doing but as I have mentioned before, not sure what a level I would enjoy studying… I think a gap year should definitely serve me well- more time to figure out next steps and bounce back from whatever the hell is happening now. I am interested in potentially finding something abroad as I’m open to get out of the UK for studying or experience anything. Are there any like…things… out there? in terms of like experience, jobs stuff? Thank you for the advice!!

Hi there, taking a gap year makes sense and like you said it'll give you the time to work on yourself and bounce back! Going abroad would definitely give you some motivation and maybe even help you find your passion and subjects to study during your a-levels.

I don't have any experience working abroad other than when I did a design challenge in Barcelona during my final year of university but after googling some summer jobs and internships there's definitely things out there. I've heard of good things about camp America however there is a cost to it. I also seen that TUI do some opportunities abroad. I would have a research around and look at your options. Working in the UK may be easier, getting some money and going abroad for a trip to get inspired instead.

Best wishes 🙂
^Zac

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