At a crossroads rn, what sounds like the best course of action?

I only have 2 A-Levels and got a CD, my AS a C. So most universities i called rejected me on the basis i don't have 3 A-Levels, essentially meaning an E in A-Level is worth more than what i got in AS.

So I thought that instead of 'settling' for a uni I won't be happy in, I should try my hand at re-taking Maths A-Level and trying to pass now that I'm in a better headspace than I was until just July, and then get a job or some work experience maybe as an apprentice in the meanwhile.

But when talking to the lady on Reading's clearing line she did mention I could try at going through an 'International Foundation Year', basically 10 months of 0th year where I can then get into whichever course I want regardless of my A-Level 'handicap'.

So now people around me have differing opinions and I don't want my stressed and muddled opinions and personal biases to affect my future. Should I retake Maths and pursue an apprenticeship/job and THEN go uni, or simply go uni with a foundation year?

Because if successful then plan A will give me good experience. But if i fail to find someplace good or (heaven forbid) fail maths, then that's a whole year wasted that I could've used just studying in uni. But then again, I don't want extra debt. And yes, I'd commute if i went. And I wouldn't necessarily go to Reading if there's others I qualify for.

Hopefully I don't sound clueless and incompetent to the real ways of the world :P
Lowkey thought my teachers would help a lot more but barely anything was explained to me about this clearing stuff anyways.

Reply 1

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

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by =))

I only have 2 A-Levels and got a CD, my AS a C. So most universities i called rejected me on the basis i don't have 3 A-Levels, essentially meaning an E in A-Level is worth more than what i got in AS.
So I thought that instead of 'settling' for a uni I won't be happy in, I should try my hand at re-taking Maths A-Level and trying to pass now that I'm in a better headspace than I was until just July, and then get a job or some work experience maybe as an apprentice in the meanwhile.
But when talking to the lady on Reading's clearing line she did mention I could try at going through an 'International Foundation Year', basically 10 months of 0th year where I can then get into whichever course I want regardless of my A-Level 'handicap'.
So now people around me have differing opinions and I don't want my stressed and muddled opinions and personal biases to affect my future. Should I retake Maths and pursue an apprenticeship/job and THEN go uni, or simply go uni with a foundation year?
Because if successful then plan A will give me good experience. But if i fail to find someplace good or (heaven forbid) fail maths, then that's a whole year wasted that I could've used just studying in uni. But then again, I don't want extra debt. And yes, I'd commute if i went. And I wouldn't necessarily go to Reading if there's others I qualify for.
Hopefully I don't sound clueless and incompetent to the real ways of the world :P
Lowkey thought my teachers would help a lot more but barely anything was explained to me about this clearing stuff anyways.

Hi @=))

There are pros to both options of either a foundation year or retaking maths.

A foundation year would allow you to start uni as planned so you can continue with your studies. It can also mean you can find your feet on campus and build your confidence in your subject so you feel ready to continue onto the first year of your degree. You're right in that it's an extra year of student loans and typically you are then required to move onto first year at the same uni. So you want to be pretty confident that the uni is where you want to continue the rest of your degree.

Retaking the year would allow you to access more uni choices if you were to reapply for the next cycle with your new results, which you might find beneficial to allow you more choice. I think either option wouldn't mean 'wasting' a year, no matter the outcome, as both options will allow you to progress with your studies in some way or another. You just need to consider which option feels like the best option for you.

I personally did a foundation year, though not due to my results, but I found it was a great way to transition myself into uni life from finishing my A Levels while still working towards my studies so I had something to work towards.

Hope this helps and all the best with whatever option you choose! 🙂

Emily
Student Rep at BCU

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