I’m afraid of my future

Heya, I’m a year 13 student who aspires to take a BSc in Creative Computing next year.

I take IT, Physics and Math a levels (although I originally wanted to take English literature instead… does that make a difference?), and I did take the AS Level final exams last year. However, I have been constantly struggling with my mental health since before GCSEs, family issues, and I really lack of motivation to study efficiently (if not at all) for my as levels, which led to understandably devastating results. CEE (it, maths, physics respectively).

I was extremely upset and further demotivated by my results, and I moved to a different a level school that had better teaching (as part of the initial issue was the lack of attention some of our teachers paged to us, since my school was a secondary school that had only just recently opened a sixth form). My parents were dissatisfied with my grades, and so was the school — I needed to take either a UFP course or do and Accelerated course to cover for my mistake since my grades were really bad… I chose the latter.

As of now, even though I know this is my fault, I’m sometimes still struggling to juggle both AS and A2 subjects at once. Sure, AS isn’t as difficult, because I’ve done it before, but I did my AS levels as part of Edexcel, and the current exam board I am studying is Cambridge (international) so the difference is pretty daunting.

I’m mostly much better at IT compared to my other two subjects (I’ve always been decent at it and have always been interested in coding/gaming/etc), I always get a B or higher in any tests I write, while in Physics and Math tests I get a C or sometimes lower. I’ve always never liked math (and even my parents are aware I’ve never been exceptionally good at it), and I used to be god at physics until I started my a level course and realized it became a lot more math based than it used to be in GCSEs.

I’m also an artist, and do art and animation as a hobby on the side. I adore art with all my being, and I would go to animation school if I could but my parents didn’t want that for me in order to explore better opportunities. I did take art in GCSEs and got a grade 5 (I know what it looks like, I can explain in detail if anyone is curious), and took art as a portfolio subject during year 12. I also studied HTML and CSS in IT that year, so now I have a portfolio of all my art coursework from year 9-12 and a few sites I made for fun based on songs I liked.

I really REALLY need to pass — I’ve already written my gateway exams (mocks I think?) this month and I need at least three Cs for my school to sign me up for Cambridge exams with the confidence that I’ll be able to pass. But my term 2 report card grades weren’t great either (A*/E/E, IT/Physics/Math respectively), and although I immediately tried to lock in for my exams and didn’t find them that bad (apart from math pure 3) I’m still extremely anxious about failing. If I do, I’m being taken out of the system and going to uni in my home country, which does not offer the course I want to apply to, and I feel like my dreams and future aspirations will be shattered.

My mental state has already been deteriorated by academics, I won’t get into the nitty gritty of things but I’ve had anxiety attacks due to math classes alone, and my sister and the school is beginning to take notice, which is the last thing I want. I want to get counseling later on, maybe during uni, because this is my last chance and I really do not want to be a disappointment to my family and everyone who’s always been supportive of me. I’ve been getting extra tutoring from my teachers but I can’t help the gnawing feeling in my gut that’s screaming at me in fear of not passing or not trying hard enough.

I’m sorry if this is really wordy/and or venty, I’ve been contemplating for so long if I should even write this here because I am not looking for pity, but I don’t know what else to do before I wait for results day. Any advice or suggestions or study tips would be really helpful.

Thanks.

Have you sought help for your mental health? If you are able to I would speak to someone at school or speak to your GP as they may be able to arrange some support just to help you get through the next few months.
It is somewhat unrealistic to expect to do well if you are struggling massively with your mental health (been there myself). Do you know why you are getting the grades you are at the moment? Do you know what you need to do to improve your grades?

Heya, I’m a year 13 student who aspires to take a BSc in Creative Computing next year.
I take IT, Physics and Math a levels (although I originally wanted to take English literature instead… does that make a difference?), and I did take the AS Level final exams last year. However, I have been constantly struggling with my mental health since before GCSEs, family issues, and I really lack of motivation to study efficiently (if not at all) for my as levels, which led to understandably devastating results. CEE (it, maths, physics respectively).
I was extremely upset and further demotivated by my results, and I moved to a different a level school that had better teaching (as part of the initial issue was the lack of attention some of our teachers paged to us, since my school was a secondary school that had only just recently opened a sixth form). My parents were dissatisfied with my grades, and so was the school — I needed to take either a UFP course or do and Accelerated course to cover for my mistake since my grades were really bad… I chose the latter.
As of now, even though I know this is my fault, I’m sometimes still struggling to juggle both AS and A2 subjects at once. Sure, AS isn’t as difficult, because I’ve done it before, but I did my AS levels as part of Edexcel, and the current exam board I am studying is Cambridge (international) so the difference is pretty daunting.
I’m mostly much better at IT compared to my other two subjects (I’ve always been decent at it and have always been interested in coding/gaming/etc), I always get a B or higher in any tests I write, while in Physics and Math tests I get a C or sometimes lower. I’ve always never liked math (and even my parents are aware I’ve never been exceptionally good at it), and I used to be god at physics until I started my a level course and realized it became a lot more math based than it used to be in GCSEs.
I’m also an artist, and do art and animation as a hobby on the side. I adore art with all my being, and I would go to animation school if I could but my parents didn’t want that for me in order to explore better opportunities. I did take art in GCSEs and got a grade 5 (I know what it looks like, I can explain in detail if anyone is curious), and took art as a portfolio subject during year 12. I also studied HTML and CSS in IT that year, so now I have a portfolio of all my art coursework from year 9-12 and a few sites I made for fun based on songs I liked.
I really REALLY need to pass — I’ve already written my gateway exams (mocks I think?) this month and I need at least three Cs for my school to sign me up for Cambridge exams with the confidence that I’ll be able to pass. But my term 2 report card grades weren’t great either (A*/E/E, IT/Physics/Math respectively), and although I immediately tried to lock in for my exams and didn’t find them that bad (apart from math pure 3) I’m still extremely anxious about failing. If I do, I’m being taken out of the system and going to uni in my home country, which does not offer the course I want to apply to, and I feel like my dreams and future aspirations will be shattered.
My mental state has already been deteriorated by academics, I won’t get into the nitty gritty of things but I’ve had anxiety attacks due to math classes alone, and my sister and the school is beginning to take notice, which is the last thing I want. I want to get counseling later on, maybe during uni, because this is my last chance and I really do not want to be a disappointment to my family and everyone who’s always been supportive of me. I’ve been getting extra tutoring from my teachers but I can’t help the gnawing feeling in my gut that’s screaming at me in fear of not passing or not trying hard enough.
I’m sorry if this is really wordy/and or venty, I’ve been contemplating for so long if I should even write this here because I am not looking for pity, but I don’t know what else to do before I wait for results day. Any advice or suggestions or study tips would be really helpful.
Thanks.

Hi Dasagewitch,
I hope you're well! I'm Tee, an MSc Digital Marketing Management Student and Student Content Creator here at the University of Staffordshire
I'm sorry you've been going through a lot recently ☹️ I'm wishing you the best for your results🎉
It's great to see you have a lot of passion in what you do, and I want you to know that's an incredible trait to have!
I've had many struggles whilst studying, for example, issues in renting, finance, relationships with friends etc, and much much more - I was already at a low with my mental health before uni and this all threw me in much deeper...I reached out for professional support in the past year, and completed my course of therapy for anxiety and depression earlier this year.
Universities typically have a Wellbeing team on campus which can come very handy! I have been in touch with the UoS team on several occasions, and they've been nothing but supportive
I can't add much in regards to the computing side of things, so I have passed this on to a friend to add their thoughts too - however, I'm also an artist, so I wanted to add some perspective to that! I'm not sure if you're looking for an art-focused course, but I just wanted to drop you some answers in case.
I came to UoS through Clearing back in 2022 and recently graduated from my undergrad course in Illustration. I didn't receive the desired grades after completing my BTEC in Art & Design at college, and this nearly led to me giving up on coming to university. I had spoken to my college lecturer, and she'd told me about UoS and applying through Clearing (which I wasn't aware of at the time) and encouraged me to apply. Then all of a sudden, September 2022 came along, and I was sitting in my first class!
I previously made some more detailed posts about my journey and experiences whilst being here, hopefully this'll give you a better view of how I've found being a student in Stoke-on-Trent and also what the Illustration course has to offer, as I also wasn't sure on what I wanted to do career-wise!
What is it like applying to Staffs Uni through Clearing?
Career Opportunities for Illustration Students
University of Staffordshire: What is GradEx and the Degree Show about?
Just to ease your mind - it's completely normal to not know what to do, and there's plenty of others in the same boat.
Here at the University of Staffordshire, the Illustration course works alongside the Graphic Design students within a studio and share some modules (there's some collaborative opportunities throughout the course too). The studio is open plan with dedicated teaching and study areas, as well as some computers for working.
I applied to the course via clearing in 2022 and had my art portfolio viewed (a mix of my GCSE and college work, alongside some personal pieces) via email, as well as a phone call with the course lecturer, and I was lucky enough to have been offered a place within roughly 20 mins

Here's a few course links if you wish to look more at what we offer here

Some art courses that may interest you going off what you've spoken about!
UoS Animation BA
UoS Graphic Design BA
UoS Art & Design BA with Foundation Year
UoS Illustration BA
I want to include UoS Digital and Social Media Marketing BSc too, as I feel like this could be a great opportunity for you to mix your computing and artistic skills! Especially considering you've already dabbled in website design
I'm currently studying an MSc in that subject area, and I've got to say it's been great so far, and I came from an art background - they definitely go hand-in-hand!
I really really hope this is useful to you! Feel free to respond if you have any other questions✨
Best wishes,
-Tee, UoS MSc Digital Marketing Management Student & Student Content Creator💚

Update:
I received my gateway grades recently, which were ADD. Not ideal
My parents have been told by my teachers that they think I’m pretty dedicated and they think I can achieve at least Bs in my final Cambridge A-levels, which at least quells some of my impostor syndrome but this means I’m still expected to do much better than I am now.
Predicted grades at my school are also calculated based on overall attitude to learning, so I hope the ones they set up will be enough to get a few uni offers for a Bsc in Creative Computing.
Does anyone have any study methods to improve for people that struggle with procrastination/lack of motivation to study? Any advice on how I could build a portfolio for my digital art and web dev stuff would be appreciated too.
Thanks

Ahh no, I'm so sorry to hear that
In terms of portfolios, I'd recommend looking into where you want to go with your art, and see what other people are doing within those areas, and how they're promoting themselves!
Behance is a great place for portfolio examples, and if you're looking for advice within animation areas, I'd actually say have a look at YouTube and TikTok at creators - there are a lot of people who've worked for big companies (Cartoon Network, Netflix, Disney, etc) who put tips and tricks on the platforms
Some people I'd recommend watching on YouTube:
MewTripled (Animator - worked with Netflix)
Megan Weeks (Graphic & Web Designer)
Edgykatrina (Graphic Designer)
Hopefully this gives a bit of inspo!
Best of luck!
-Tee MSc Digital Marketing Management Student & Student Content Creator✨

Heya Tee,
I was considering using some of my more recent peices in my portfolio (if needed -- thought there isn't many since I'm less consistent due to a-levels).
I'll definitely check out the youtube recommendations though, thank you!