The Student Room Group

Looking for some Advice- Chances of getting a vacation scheme with low a level grades

So I didn't get the grades I had wanted for a levels, however being quite unsure as to what career path I wanted to take, instead of taking a gap year and retaking my exams, I accepted my insurance option to a non Russel group university and went along the 'normal, expected' route in fear of being left behind etc.

At first I thought I had made the right decision because I was at least attending any university and somewhat on track. However, considering I am studying law, after having done research and being rejected from internships etc I have been made to reflect more on my a level grades and been made to think this is the reason as to why I can't secure any type of work experience etc. I also acknowledge the fact that a career in law requires a strong academic background, hence my strong focus on my past grades.

I would like to get some advice on whether I should, as a student going into their second year of uni:
(a) stay at university, boost my CV by improving uni grades, work experience, extracurriculars and hope to get a vacation scheme that way
(b) leave university and retake my failed a level subjects, then do an apprenticeship.

Coming from a non Russell group university makes me feel more worried about this so if anyone is reading this after having attended one I would appreciate any advice or guidance you have on this :smile:

In any case, please let me know if my worries about a levels are trivial in the long term, thank you!

Reply 1

Original post
by user00682
So I didn't get the grades I had wanted for a levels, however being quite unsure as to what career path I wanted to take, instead of taking a gap year and retaking my exams, I accepted my insurance option to a non Russel group university and went along the 'normal, expected' route in fear of being left behind etc.
At first I thought I had made the right decision because I was at least attending any university and somewhat on track. However, considering I am studying law, after having done research and being rejected from internships etc I have been made to reflect more on my a level grades and been made to think this is the reason as to why I can't secure any type of work experience etc. I also acknowledge the fact that a career in law requires a strong academic background, hence my strong focus on my past grades.
I would like to get some advice on whether I should, as a student going into their second year of uni:
(a) stay at university, boost my CV by improving uni grades, work experience, extracurriculars and hope to get a vacation scheme that way
(b) leave university and retake my failed a level subjects, then do an apprenticeship.
Coming from a non Russell group university makes me feel more worried about this so if anyone is reading this after having attended one I would appreciate any advice or guidance you have on this :smile:
In any case, please let me know if my worries about a levels are trivial in the long term, thank you!

Hello,

Law is a competitive field, but many firms do not take into account your A-level grades. It might be worth checking whether they have any specific requirements on their websites when you apply to internships. Most also look at things contextually, so you should be able to say if there are any extenuating circumstances which affected your grades.

Solicitor apprenticeships are also very competitive. I would probably advise that you stay at university and try to maximise your grades now. University grades will always be weighted more heavily than A-levels. Focus on building your candidate profile with extracurriculars, virtual insight schemes and legal events. Many people from non-Russell Group universities do get training contracts - it is definitely doable!

Good luck,
Layla
SQE LLM student

Quick Reply

How The Student Room is moderated

To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.