what to do this year 11 summer?
so I’ve just finished my GCSEs obviously and I feel like my exams weren’t as great as my mocks and I’m quite worried bc I really want to go to a Russell group uni (apart from oxbridge). And the majority that go there always gets 8s and 9s which puts me off. I was thinking of finding work experience but I don’t know what I want to do considering I want to study English or sociology at uni and I want to become an advertising copywriter or an author. I know it’s a long way away but I also wanted to start building and preparing my personal statement for uni and finding activities or other events to do or attend in the summer. Also suggestions for any books I should read related to the degree I want to do. Thanks
Reply 1
hi, i've just finished my a levels and i'll hopefully be doing english at warwick in september! in my experience, russell groups other than oxbridge really don't put that much emphasis on gcses as long as you've passed everything, personal statement and predicted grades are what matter!
in terms of work experience, i really struggled finding anything english related for my personal statement, it's v difficult to find any in that field. my advice is to start submitting your writing to litmags if you haven't already, as being published looks great on any personal statement, especially for english!
as for books, i can only really speak for english (i did sociology at as level but got bored haha), but there's honestly no criteria for what you should read. my personal statement balanced sappho, austen, plato, etc with academic articles. i honestly think the best thing you can do in year 11 summer is make a jstor account and start reading academic articles around english and sociology to start refining your particular areas of interest in the subjects.
if u have more questions lmk, i know it's easy to say but try not to stress about your gcse results now, you absolutely have a shot at russell group no matter how you've done
in terms of work experience, i really struggled finding anything english related for my personal statement, it's v difficult to find any in that field. my advice is to start submitting your writing to litmags if you haven't already, as being published looks great on any personal statement, especially for english!
as for books, i can only really speak for english (i did sociology at as level but got bored haha), but there's honestly no criteria for what you should read. my personal statement balanced sappho, austen, plato, etc with academic articles. i honestly think the best thing you can do in year 11 summer is make a jstor account and start reading academic articles around english and sociology to start refining your particular areas of interest in the subjects.
if u have more questions lmk, i know it's easy to say but try not to stress about your gcse results now, you absolutely have a shot at russell group no matter how you've done
Reply 2
Original post
by username.s01so I’ve just finished my GCSEs obviously and I feel like my exams weren’t as great as my mocks and I’m quite worried bc I really want to go to a Russell group uni (apart from oxbridge). And the majority that go there always gets 8s and 9s which puts me off. I was thinking of finding work experience but I don’t know what I want to do considering I want to study English or sociology at uni and I want to become an advertising copywriter or an author. I know it’s a long way away but I also wanted to start building and preparing my personal statement for uni and finding activities or other events to do or attend in the summer. Also suggestions for any books I should read related to the degree I want to do. Thanks
Check the uni websites they have all the best info there
Reply 3
13
Original post
by username.s01so I’ve just finished my GCSEs obviously and I feel like my exams weren’t as great as my mocks and I’m quite worried bc I really want to go to a Russell group uni (apart from oxbridge). And the majority that go there always gets 8s and 9s which puts me off. I was thinking of finding work experience but I don’t know what I want to do considering I want to study English or sociology at uni and I want to become an advertising copywriter or an author. I know it’s a long way away but I also wanted to start building and preparing my personal statement for uni and finding activities or other events to do or attend in the summer. Also suggestions for any books I should read related to the degree I want to do. Thanks
somethings to do:
1. Enter Essay competitions. Not only do you get awards but also some give money.
2. Volunteer. Either at an old people’s home. Library. Hospital. Literally anything, you’ll also be able to use this experience in future job applications.
3. Maybe contact local newspapers/gazettes to see if you can shadow someone
4. A lot of unis run summer schools/summer experiences. Try and look into those and see if you are eligible for them. A lot of them will give you a contextual offer is you do their programme
5. Look at different uni course pages and identify what specifically interests you. E.g. educational inequalities in sociology. Then once you identify you can really try and get experiences that are more tailored e.g. tutoring kids with dyslexia
(edited 8 months ago)
Honestly?
Go for long summer evening walks in beautiful places
Make friends with local geese and ducks
Climb some trees
Go fishing
Ride bikes to unknown places
Have picnics at midnight and look at the stars
Take a train ride to somewhere you've never been before
Go bowling, go the cinema, kick around with your mates
Just BE YOUNG. You will never get this time back. Don't spend all summer studying or thinking of ways to impress boffins at Oxbridge - you have enough time to do that whilst you're doing your A Levels.
Go for long summer evening walks in beautiful places
Make friends with local geese and ducks
Climb some trees
Go fishing
Ride bikes to unknown places
Have picnics at midnight and look at the stars
Take a train ride to somewhere you've never been before
Go bowling, go the cinema, kick around with your mates
Just BE YOUNG. You will never get this time back. Don't spend all summer studying or thinking of ways to impress boffins at Oxbridge - you have enough time to do that whilst you're doing your A Levels.
Reply 5
s00300
OP
9
Original post
by 444mbhi, i've just finished my a levels and i'll hopefully be doing english at warwick in september! in my experience, russell groups other than oxbridge really don't put that much emphasis on gcses as long as you've passed everything, personal statement and predicted grades are what matter!
in terms of work experience, i really struggled finding anything english related for my personal statement, it's v difficult to find any in that field. my advice is to start submitting your writing to litmags if you haven't already, as being published looks great on any personal statement, especially for english!
as for books, i can only really speak for english (i did sociology at as level but got bored haha), but there's honestly no criteria for what you should read. my personal statement balanced sappho, austen, plato, etc with academic articles. i honestly think the best thing you can do in year 11 summer is make a jstor account and start reading academic articles around english and sociology to start refining your particular areas of interest in the subjects.
if u have more questions lmk, i know it's easy to say but try not to stress about your gcse results now, you absolutely have a shot at russell group no matter how you've done
in terms of work experience, i really struggled finding anything english related for my personal statement, it's v difficult to find any in that field. my advice is to start submitting your writing to litmags if you haven't already, as being published looks great on any personal statement, especially for english!
as for books, i can only really speak for english (i did sociology at as level but got bored haha), but there's honestly no criteria for what you should read. my personal statement balanced sappho, austen, plato, etc with academic articles. i honestly think the best thing you can do in year 11 summer is make a jstor account and start reading academic articles around english and sociology to start refining your particular areas of interest in the subjects.
if u have more questions lmk, i know it's easy to say but try not to stress about your gcse results now, you absolutely have a shot at russell group no matter how you've done
thank you! x
Reply 6
Original post
by username.s01so I’ve just finished my GCSEs obviously and I feel like my exams weren’t as great as my mocks and I’m quite worried bc I really want to go to a Russell group uni (apart from oxbridge). And the majority that go there always gets 8s and 9s which puts me off. I was thinking of finding work experience but I don’t know what I want to do considering I want to study English or sociology at uni and I want to become an advertising copywriter or an author. I know it’s a long way away but I also wanted to start building and preparing my personal statement for uni and finding activities or other events to do or attend in the summer. Also suggestions for any books I should read related to the degree I want to do. Thanks
Hey @username.s01,
As 3908 mentioned above, entering essay competitions is a great way to improve both your writing skills and your personal statement. They'll encourage you to research a wide variety of topics which provide great talking points in interviews, and you can complete essays in your own time.
Try not to focus too much on spending your time in a 'productive' manner - after all, you've likely just completed the hardest set of exams in your life so far! Give yourself a moment to relax and hang out with your friends. If you want to, you could always consider arranging a book club with some of them; maybe pick a classic you all haven't read yet to discuss, or take turns in choosing which book to read next.
Hope this was helpful and enjoy your summer!
Eve (Kingston Rep).
Reply 7
Original post
by username.s01so I’ve just finished my GCSEs obviously and I feel like my exams weren’t as great as my mocks and I’m quite worried bc I really want to go to a Russell group uni (apart from oxbridge). And the majority that go there always gets 8s and 9s which puts me off. I was thinking of finding work experience but I don’t know what I want to do considering I want to study English or sociology at uni and I want to become an advertising copywriter or an author. I know it’s a long way away but I also wanted to start building and preparing my personal statement for uni and finding activities or other events to do or attend in the summer. Also suggestions for any books I should read related to the degree I want to do. Thanks
Hi @username.s01 ,
It's great to see you want to be prepared. I would not let lacking 8's and 9's deter you from Russel groups as they will care much more about your A-levels, as long as you passed your English and Maths you should be fine unless they specify otherwise.
To start getting prepared, you may want to do some research into "pathways" universities provide sixth form students as these are opportunities to get a reduced grade requirement when applying for that university or extra consideration. Additionally, you could contact via email the heads of schools or courses within some universities your interested in and ask for recommendations on books and types of work experiences. You may find this information on university websites.
Most importantly, take this time to relax. A-levels can be hard work so priorities relaxing, doing hobbies and focusing on things you may enjoy! There will be plenty of time during year 12 to build up your personal statement.
I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Central Lancashire)
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