Uni drop out-How do I put that on my CV?

G_Model101

After I finished school I went to straight to uni having applied through clearing for a course that I thought I would like, I felt isolated living at home and it lead to me failing my first year. I had to take a year out to resit my exams where i worked part time at a pub. I then sat my second year at uni and failed again. Again I took a year out to resit only to fail my exams this time.
What I am saying is that after finishing school I spent four years at uni only to achieve very little.

I am now studying part time with the OU and have transferred my credit from passed uni courses over onto my new degree which I am enjoying.

Can anyone help me with my CV? Should I put down nothing wrt going to uni and failing and only mention it when questioned about it or should I be honest about my life?

Oldernotwiser

You must put down the time you spent at university but you shouldn't put any reasons for leaving - that would be true of any job etc anyway.

Just put in your chronological part of the CV, eg

2003 - 2005 University of Life

Be prepared to be asked questions about this at interview and to put a positive spin on your situation "using my time at university as a foundation for study with the OU now tha tI'm more mature/appreciative " kind of thing.

DVardysShadow

When you think that not putting it on the cv could lead to an assumption you were in prison or something, it is best to have something in place which covers the period and can be verified. This probably requires spin - in the sense that there must be a variety of factors besides the ones you mention - it is a matter of choosing the best.

Did you change subject for the OU?

G_Model101

DVardysShadow wrote: »

When you think that not putting it on the cv could lead to an assumption you were in prison or something, it is best to have something in place which covers the period and can be verified. This probably requires spin - in the sense that there must be a variety of factors besides the ones you mention - it is a matter of choosing the best.

Did you change subject for the OU?

My cover has been blown! :rotfl:
I did change subject, I was originally studying physical science now social science. However I do feel my scientific background does help me in being more analytical and certainly makes me more confident in dealing wiht all the stats!
I was thinking of just putting down "Uni XYZ- discontinued" and trying to play on the positives, thanks for the advice.

Skint_Catt

I would go with Oldernotwiser - it wasn't right for you at the time but you're putting the credits to good use at the OU where you feel you will excel now you're more mature.

DVardysShadow

You got yourself 2 positives out of that:

• Change of Discipline. It is always positive to stop doing something if it doesn't work for you and you find something which you are making a success of
• You walk away from the science with an ability to deal with stats, which is often lacking in social sciences. Definitely one to highlight

As for "Uni XYZ- discontinued", put the subject in, as you have made such a change it should not do you any harm, it will just highlight that you have made a fairly radical change rather than being afraid to move from the familiar.