University and Maths?

isualive

My son has a D in GCSE Maths, and has been accepted at various Unis.

My friend recently did a social work degree and she also had a D grade in Maths.

kr15snw

Depends completely on the university, but they may make you do some sort of key skills programme when your there if you havent got high enough GCSE's.

When I applied for my diploma at college they didnt care about your grades atall (was an art course), all they cared about was the portfolio. Then when I went for the degree they just looked at my diploma results and my portfolio again.

retepetsir

I'm sure you'll be fine, don't worry about it

Sus1e

I think unless you are doing a course that is maths based, you just have to have a pass grade at GSCE - this is anything over an E.

However, it may limit your job opportunities as some jobs require a C grade. A lot of Uni's have a maths support unit who will be able to help you with your course and may be able to assist you in resiting the exam/taking an extra course that will make up the difference as it were.

The best thing is to talk to that uni and see what they say about your particular circumstances.

Fruitloops

Thanks everybody! Great advice all round.:T

I've spoken to a few of the Unis and they do seem to differ slightly on their requirements... some say as I'm a mature student at 25, they'd look at my experience and and training or other qualifications. Some say I'd need a C in Maths regardless.

I think I might have to do the Access course, which is a year long and apparently will help me out if I don't have the GCSE C grade. Anyone done the Access course?

isualive wrote: »

My son has a D in GCSE Maths, and has been accepted at various Unis.

My friend recently did a social work degree and she also had a D grade in Maths.

Hey thanks isualive :T ... was your friend a mature student when she started her degree? Did she have to present a portfolio of volunteer or paid work experience or anything?

Oldernotwiser

Access courses are highly recommended, they prepare you for university study, not only in content but also in study skills. It's not just a question of getting in, it's coping with study at university level. If you don't have any relevant experience (paid or voluntary) you should start this ASAP. If you're planning to start in 2008, you'll be beginning on your UCAS form in 6 months' time. You'll need to be able to write about the experience you've gained and what you have learned from it. Voluntary work can take a while to arrange, particularly if you have to wait while your CRB is done. You may also find an Access course very intensive so I'd start putting in the hours before the course begins.

Mrs_pbradley936

The Open University have a course aimed slightly higher than a GCSE maths but if you study with them you need not have any previous qualifications. Although I would say do not be afraid of maths it is not difficult but if you miss certain steps you cannot progress. It is not like say English Literature, where if you missed one book you can just read a different one. If you miss out decimals or fractions you have to go back to them.

Mrs_pbradley936

I am not sure but I think muture students do not go through UCAS they apply directly to the university. That means a mature student could start this Autumn.

Fruitloops

Thanks guys :T .... pbradley, I might look into that OU course... I would probably do that if I decided to do some other home learning courses too. Thanks

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Access courses are highly recommended, they prepare you for university study, not only in content but also in study skills. It's not just a question of getting in, it's coping with study at university level. If you don't have any relevant experience (paid or voluntary) you should start this ASAP. If you're planning to start in 2008, you'll be beginning on your UCAS form in 6 months' time. You'll need to be able to write about the experience you've gained and what you have learned from it. Voluntary work can take a while to arrange, particularly if you have to wait while your CRB is done. You may also find an Access course very intensive so I'd start putting in the hours before the course begins.

Thanks Oldernotwiser, you're right :T
I've begun the application process for a few volunteer possibilites, hopefully I'll hear back from them very soon. I'm trying to get a job in some sort of related field too. But this is hard as its a catch 22 situation... I want the job to gain experience but all the jobs ASK for previous experience. I guess that's another reason voluntary work is a good idea!

Gingernutmeg

pbradley936 wrote: »

I am not sure but I think muture students do not go through UCAS they apply directly to the university. That means a mature student could start this Autumn.

I believe that a mature student has to apply in the same way as everyone else - ie going via UCAS. I know that's what I did when I applied. It might be a case of the UCAS form etc just being a 'formality', if perhaps you've done an access course through a college that's linked to a certain uni, but as far as I'm aware you still have to fill one in and send it off.

You could go to uni this Sept/Oct if you were willing to go through UCAS extra, but obviously your choice of course may be more limited than someone who's applied in the 'normal' way.