Stuck with career options bcz of bad a levels

Hi everyone. I am currently on a gap year i did my a levels last year and did really badly i got CCD because of struggles with mental health that are only being treated now. I feel really defeated because I was always a smart student and did quite well in GCSEs but the lack of support during a levels weighed down on me.

I wanted to do law but now I am just so unsure because my grades are so bad im not sure if i could even get hired. Ive searched many other career options too but i just dont know what to do at all, I want a job that pays a decent amount that doesn't care too much about a level grades or the uni you went to. If anyone could help id be really grateful.

Reply 1

TheUniofLawStaff

Official Rep

Original post

by mnbvowmv

Hi everyone. I am currently on a gap year i did my a levels last year and did really badly i got CCD because of struggles with mental health that are only being treated now. I feel really defeated because I was always a smart student and did quite well in GCSEs but the lack of support during a levels weighed down on me.
I wanted to do law but now I am just so unsure because my grades are so bad im not sure if i could even get hired. Ive searched many other career options too but i just dont know what to do at all, I want a job that pays a decent amount that doesn't care too much about a level grades or the uni you went to. If anyone could help id be really grateful.

Hi @mnbvowmv

I think that Law could still be an option for you if you're interested.

Firstly, there are plenty of universities that would take your extenuating circumstances into consideration before thinking about accepting you onto the course. The majority of LLB Law degrees have the same core modules (Black letter law) which is what's needed in order to go onto the Barrister or Solicitor route.

What I would suggest is getting into a university that you like the programme of and also the vibe of and then not only focusing on getting good grades during your undergraduate degree but also spending time getting legal work experience. This means applying for vacation schemes at law firms and/or mini pupillage's with Chambers.

Also spend some time going to free law events run by Leal Cheek & Lawcareers net, they give you opportunities to network with firms and run sessions on how to research a firm and tailor your applications.

And Lastly, build some commercial awareness. The two websites i mentioned above have a free newsletter that can help with this.

Grades at a-level are not the end of the world, if you put in the work at university both with studies and the career development side you could really increase your chances of securing a job.

It might be worth talking to a current student and getting their take, you can chat to ours here: https://www.law.ac.uk/students/unibuddy/

I hope that helps and if you want to know anything more let me know!
Mandi - The University of Law🎓️

Reply 2

Kit - UOS

Official Rep

Original post

by mnbvowmv

Hi everyone. I am currently on a gap year i did my a levels last year and did really badly i got CCD because of struggles with mental health that are only being treated now. I feel really defeated because I was always a smart student and did quite well in GCSEs but the lack of support during a levels weighed down on me.
I wanted to do law but now I am just so unsure because my grades are so bad im not sure if i could even get hired. Ive searched many other career options too but i just dont know what to do at all, I want a job that pays a decent amount that doesn't care too much about a level grades or the uni you went to. If anyone could help id be really grateful.

Heyo,

My uni offers foundation year degrees in law, where the only requirement is that you achieved 40 UCAS points at A-level (which you did ^-^). Law firms really no longer look at what uni you attended, and many really only care about your degree classification, especially if you do a postgraduate degree such as a master's. Also, the law course at Sunderland is amazing, and there is so much disability and well-being support here. My A-level grades were lower than I had hoped, as I was experiencing undiagnosed fibromyalgia and POTS at the time of taking them, and Sunderland has been really accommodating in helping me with these issues. And the way law is taught here is really friendly to chronic illness.