Are Good Grades the Be All and End All?

extractor_fan

Having hit the ripe old age of 23 I've decided to go and study Dietetics at Plymouth University. I emailed the course administrator and he informed me that the university asks that students carry A' Level Biology and at least AS Level Chemistry.

I took Biology A' Level years ago and gained an E grade which I understand won't carry me too far! BUT (Here comes my question) assuming there are places left on the course on Clearing Day, if I can demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the subject and self-study from now to June would I be in with a chance of gaining a place on the course?

I've had a work experience placement at a hospital and have worked in a well known health food store where I gained 98% in their nutrition and physiology test.

I also carry other A' Levels- English Lit (A), History (A) and Economics (C) which I took a year after I passed Biology (That year I had a few personal problems, hence the low grade).

Last year I wandered off to America in September and wasn't able to enrol on an Access / A' Level Course and all the ones I've seen don't allow for a January start.

Distance Learning with the NEC is too expensive an option for me so I can't really try that.

I know that I could wait until 2008 to apply, but I don't really want to as I'm eager to get stuck in.

Can anyone offer me any words of encouragement, any advice?

executiverocker

well i think after the ripe old age of 21 , you are considered a mature student? I was 22 when i applied , and armed with only a D in Alevel IT i got onto a HND course which im doing v well in. If i get good enough grades this year I can transfer onto a degree for year 2.

Before i joined the course i had done an ECDL and some experience in network maintenance, which i believe helped me.

So i think contact the administation department of whichever uni you are interested in and talk to them about your options:) Have hope! I thought i had no chance, but potentially I could be on the way to earning a good degree!

extractor_fan

I wish you all the best with your course, it must feel rewarding to know you're stepping closer to your goals!

I'm chewing on thoughts of how I can reassure the admissions tutor at Plymouth. I suppose if I could demonstrate my enthusiasm and desire to work my cotton socks off, he may believe that I am capable of doing well on the course.

I understand the point of entry requirements, but it's a little frustrating watching 18 year olds applying for the same course and discussing it on other forums, seemingly without the work experience and passion I have for the subject- and being offered a place! Admittedly they hold entry qualifications that I don't have..

Perhaps however there is a chance for me.

I believe in hard work and charm

Blacksheep1979

I think what will matter is the difference between your grade and the grade they ask for. If they ask for a B/C then unfortunately they are probably more likely to take a student who has been recently studying and only missed out by 1 grade. Showing desire and working in something related is great and will help your case, but if you have only done that a month prior to clearing then it doesn't look as good as if you had been doing it the last 2-3 years.

Also if you don't have one of the courses (Chemistry) they may not consider you at all as they quite often will make arbatrary rules that x course is based on stuff studied at A level.

There views in my opinion are quite often wrong (I went back to Uni at 25) not having studied (properly) since my A levels and was accepted straight back due to grades. However I can't remember jack that I did at A level and my work in between study periods had nothing to do with my course. So were they right taking me back?

lellie

email the admissions tutor explaining your situation - she'll tell you more than we can. She might remember you when you apply too and put in a good word.

si1503

Ask them. They should be able to provide you some indication of your chances a lot better than we can.

apoorstudent

I think it would probably be better if you retook your Biology/do a Chemistry AS. Because you have As, Bs in other non-sciences, and you have an E in science... It doesn't look too good. They will see it as science being your weak area.

I checked the course profile on UCAS, and I see that they want 280 points... And they don't count key skills or general studies points, which usually indicates that it's a competitive course.

Ultimately you should email them, and ask if they'll consider you before you pay the fees to apply. You never know, admin tutors can be fickle!

painted_lady

I needed set grades for my course, I didnt get them and took another course with the same university, when I started it, I switched to the original course they turned me down for and ended up graduating with a 2.1. It is less strict when you already have your foot in the door.

Blacksheep1979

apoorstudent wrote:

they don't count key skills or general studies points, which usually indicates that it's a competitive course.

Or that its a 'proper' University .

extractor_fan

Hi, thank you all for your advice! It's very much appreciated.

I would like to take A level (Human) Biology again, however home study courses are very expensive when you add up exam fees. Do you think it's too late to get onto a course at college? I know courses began in September, but I'd be willing to work hard to catch up and do hours of self-study per day. I would however need my coursework to be assessed.

Going it alone is a costly business! Edexcel module fees are very high.

apoorstudent

extractor_fan wrote:

Hi, thank you all for your advice! It's very much appreciated.

I would like to take A level (Human) Biology again, however home study courses are very expensive when you add up exam fees. Do you think it's too late to get onto a course at college? I know courses began in September, but I'd be willing to work hard to catch up and do hours of self-study per day. I would however need my coursework to be assessed.

Going it alone is a costly business! Edexcel module fees are very high.

^I know that my local college is currently enrolling mature students for selected A level courses. I think it's something that you'd have to check with your local college... Because they vary. I think that if you can prove to them that you are dedicated, they may let you join in late. Though I remember doing my Biology A level, and they do tend to stuff a lot of material into one term... I loved it though, it was my most challenging A level because of the practical element of it; however, dissecting kidneys and cockroaches on a Friday morning with a stonking headache/hangover wasn't too fun!

Will you be eligable for government funding? Last year I had to pay for my college tuition (I did 3-years at A level after basically messing around in my first year), and I think it was around £300 to do the second year of the two A levels that I wanted to complete, plus £15 to enter the exams for each module. Looking back that seemed a lot... But in comparison with the £1000/term that I'm paying for uni, that was very reasonable for two subjects!

Good luck to you, I'm sure you'll find a way if you are determined enough

Blacksheep1979 wrote:

Or that its a 'proper' University .

Yeah, that's what I meant... I was trying to be subtle and not offend anyone :P

it's a little frustrating watching 18 year olds applying for the same course and discussing it on other forums, seemingly without the work experience and passion I have for the subject- and being offered a place! Admittedly they hold entry qualifications that I don't have..

Not meaning to be rude, but a lot of us 18/19 year olds have worked our absolute !!!!!! off to get the qualifications required... Surely that indicates some kind of dedication? There is a mature stydent on my course who is 46, and got onto the course with very little qualifications (the course requirements were AAB, and some of my friends didn't get in and they had the necessary qualifications)... And to me, it doesn't seem fair. I think mature students get the best deal of all students. I'm not saying that they don't deserve to enrol at uni, because I believe everyone should have that chance, but I don't believe that because of their age they should be allowed to bypass the system. Sorry if this offends, it is just my personal opinion on the matter.