university rejection and a-level fail

hey guys, so i got rejected from my number 1 university three times for 3 different courses, I also failed my A-levels, and I don't want to resit because this was me resitting and I still failed. I'm thinking of doing a foundation year, mainly because my parents are saying it's either a foundation year or resit, but at least my GCSE results are good. It's not the easiest situation, but I'm trying to make it work. Can someone tell me that it will get better, and failing won't matter later on in life, and I can make something of myself? I'm also really demotivated and just broken because I worked so hard for everything, and I put in my all, and still things didn't work out the way I hoped they would. I was so excited for university and now it feels like a fading dream... I'm open to suggestions as well. I've also taken a gap year before, so I'm not looking forward to that. I don't want to be too late with decision-making.

hey guys, so i got rejected from my number 1 university three times for 3 different courses, I also failed my A-levels, and I don't want to resit because this was me resitting and I still failed. I'm thinking of doing a foundation year, mainly because my parents are saying it's either a foundation year or resit, but at least my GCSE results are good. It's not the easiest situation, but I'm trying to make it work. Can someone tell me that it will get better, and failing won't matter later on in life, and I can make something of myself? I'm also really demotivated and just broken because I worked so hard for everything, and I put in my all, and still things didn't work out the way I hoped they would. I was so excited for university and now it feels like a fading dream... I'm open to suggestions as well. I've also taken a gap year before, so I'm not looking forward to that. I don't want to be too late with decision-making.

hey guys, so i got rejected from my number 1 university three times for 3 different courses, I also failed my A-levels, and I don't want to resit because this was me resitting and I still failed. I'm thinking of doing a foundation year, mainly because my parents are saying it's either a foundation year or resit, but at least my GCSE results are good. It's not the easiest situation, but I'm trying to make it work. Can someone tell me that it will get better, and failing won't matter later on in life, and I can make something of myself? I'm also really demotivated and just broken because I worked so hard for everything, and I put in my all, and still things didn't work out the way I hoped they would. I was so excited for university and now it feels like a fading dream... I'm open to suggestions as well. I've also taken a gap year before, so I'm not looking forward to that. I don't want to be too late with decision-making.

Don't give up! Life journey may be bumpy at times but the path you take may eventually be a blessing as you persevere on.
I have signpost your query to experienced TSR volunteers who are more well versed in international students. Do kindly wait for their response.

Can you clarify what "failed my A-levels" means? I assume you don't literally mean you achieved UUU, and are instead talking down grades which you're not happy with. What grades did you achieve, in what subjects?
Given that you applied for three different courses at the same university, would I be right in saying that the "status" of the university you attend is important to you, and that you're less interested in the degree subject itself? Or is it your parents pushing you towards one particular university?
What sort of courses have you been applying for? Have you checked what universities are offering those courses via Clearing. (Clearing is fully available to international students, although things like your visa status can complicate matters. See the Clearing guide for international students on the UCAS web site.)
Have you found any degrees with a foundation year which might be of interest, and where you meet the entry requirements? Are those for 2025 or 2026 entry?

Hi Kirsten, I'm sorry that you're disappointed with your A-level grades. It is so demotivating when you try your best and your grades don't reflect your efforts.
I can relate to your message. I did my AS levels (20+ years ago) and got a D, an E, and a U. I have a terrible memory and unfortunately in the UK we continually measure intelligence by testing memory... 🙄 My classwork was consistently A/B and... yeah. I was realy demotivated, quit college and got me a job. About a decade later I was bemoaning my life choices and knew that although I was intelligent I couldn't 'prove it' via grades and results. I ended up doing NVQs and assessed via observation and completing written reports, and used these qualifications to get into my local university to study Psychology (I was working with children at the time and rather fancied the jobs of the educational psychologists who I would sometimes be working with in the nursery). Thankfully uni assess beyond exams and I graduated with First Class Honours. In my final year of uni I realised I didn't want to work with children but with older people and I took a shop job for a year whilst I searched for the right MSc, then after that a caring role for a year whilst I crafted my PhD application.
Today I am Dr J and I have no A-levels. There are many routes to university - although A-levels are definitely the easiest route! What I am trying to say is not to be too linear in your thinking, do not allow yourself to become too dispondent (easier said than done at times though, right?), and there is no rush to push through uni. I would never have studied Psychology at 18 years old and my life experiences meant that when I did go to uni that I made a really informed decision.
Be kind to yourself and give yourself some space to reflect. Everything can come good in the end 😊

Hi there,
I would suggest taking a foundation year - it is not necessarily a bad thing! While it is another year, the year is designed to give you a good grounding for your degree. Also, have you checked clearing?
I am curious to know what you mean by failed your A-Levels, what grades did you get and in what subjects?
Secondly, regarding motivation, let me share my personal story.
I did my A-Levels in 2020, so never sat the exam due to the pandemic and was given grades by the government. I was given CDU in English Literature, Chemistry and Biology. This was way off of my predicted grades which was an A in English lit, B in Biology and C in chemistry. I genuinely felt like going to uni was robbed of me. I wanted to do a degree in Biology, how do I get in with a grade U? After a lot of explaining to my firm choice and the government eventually using centre assessed grades (grades given by my school and NOT what the government gave us), I eventually got in. I now have a first class in Medical Biology, with grades as high as 90% in my exams. it does get better and with the right support, you will thrive and do well.
When I studied for my A-Levels, I realized upon reflection I was not revising as effectively as I did during my degree, where my grades sky rocketed. As you have mentioned how hard you have worked, perhaps reassess how effective these methods are if you are putting in so much hard work and not seeing the results you want.
Also, the support I got while studying for my A-Levels was inadequate and I struggled, particularly with chemistry. With the right support as I said, you will do better and absolutely thrive.
Just don't give up on yourself. You are being taught resilience, a skill employers often look for. You cannot teach that skill, it is something you experience. Your story will make you stronger.
Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)