Advice on Grades

kawaii-lobster

So I had no idea where to start to thread, but seeing as this category seems to encompass training, I figured it'd be best to start here.

I badly need some advice, but I'm not entirely sure where to begin.
I'm 22 years old and currently enrolled in college following which I'll be applying to university. I'm actually in the middle of my application as I type, but I've discovered something that has both horrified and terrified me.

I didn't do very well at all in high school for reasons I'm not going to get into beyond the fact that I'm a high functioning autistic and little children can be monsters. I never went in to sit my exams and so by the time school was over I left with nothing. College wasn't much better, I was depressed, feeling hopeless about life and frankly I didn't know what the hell I was doing, however I managed to successfully achieve my GCSE's in English and Maths. Or so I thought.

The other night I emailed my college in order to receive confirmation of the awarding bodies who supplied my certificates (since I had lost mine in a move some many years ago) and to my horror I realised that whilst I had in fact attained my GCSE in English, what I had long believed had been GCSE maths was actually a completely different course entitled FSMQ Level 1 of which comprised two units in Using Data and Money Management. I am so scared because, being completely level with you guys here, I have no idea what an FSMQ is, what it's the equivalent to and whether or not it substitutes a Maths GCSE.

I know that English and Maths GCSE is absolutely essential towards progression into higher education, so I don't know what to do. Can anybody here provide some clarity on what an FSMQ is exactly and whether having two substitutes a Maths GCSE?

Mrs_Ryan

I think it's what I have by the sounds of it, a Functional Skills Qualification. I'm told its the accepted equivalent of a Maths GCSE but it depends very much on the uni and the course you're applying to do. What are you applying for?

kawaii-lobster

Japanese & Linguistics (although one of the courses is Japanese & TESOL). Obviously this is a language orientated course so I would imagine that maths is irrelevant, but it has always been stressed to me how important having at least English and Maths at GCSE level is.

I'm scared and I don't know what to do. I feel like if it's not eligible then I don't have much choice apart from putting down on my UCAS application that I do indeed hold GCSE Maths and just pretending to myself that I never found out otherwise.

It's extremely frustrating because despite my poor educational record I'm well aware that I'm an intelligent individual with a talent for language who can go far, and to be held back by something as insignificant as number on a sheet of paper makes me feel worthless. That I can be proficient in both Japanese and Korean written/spoken language but not hold a maths GCSE... I just feel so pathetic. If I want to advance in my chosen career I need to go to university. I'm extremely poor so for me there's no other means of progression. I can't even afford a bloody TEFL course on my own. Bleh.

Mrs_Ryan

I would go for it. Often applications from 'mature' students are looked on qualifications wise differently to those from school leavers as often they have equivalent qualifications. I was turned down for uni but I applied for nursing which is very Maths orientated. However for a linguistics course I would hazard a guess they would be more interested in English. I'm about to start an English degree myself but its through the OU - I'm like you in the sense my language skills are excellent but my Maths is poor. I don't have GCSE Maths either and despite what some people say it is NOT the end of the world. I would suggest be honest about your qualification and if all else fails why not contact the admissions departments of your chosen unis and ask them whether they would accept Functional Skills as an alternative to Maths GCSE.

Dunroamin

Assuming you're on an Access course or similar, speak to your course tutor who should be able for you to arrange to join an appropriate Maths GCSE course. If you do this now, you'll be able to put it as an exam you'll be taking in the summer on your UCAS application.

pauletruth

as you have learning disabilities speak to the unis disability adviser. they maybe willing to wave their requirements. however if your English is poor or maths then you may struggle.

paddyrg

Universities love mature students and will often take a very different approach with them than with kids direct from school. Be frank with them, see what they advise.

theoretica

FSMQ stands for Free Standing Maths Qualification. As other posters have said contact the university and ask - and if you need another certificate or to add more to this one you do have until September to get it.

agrinnall

I'm not sure that 22 can really qualify anyone as a mature student, just a wee bit older than most new entrants. I can't see why universities would waive entrance requirements on that basis, but they may well consider it for a learning difficulties approach.

theoretica

Apparently students count as mature from 21.

nimbo

kawaii-lobster wrote: »

Japanese & Linguistics (although one of the courses is Japanese & TESOL). Obviously this is a language orientated course so I would imagine that maths is irrelevant, but it has always been stressed to me how important having at least English and Maths at GCSE level is.

Englih and Mathes are important, but unless specifically stated in the course 'bumopf' i'd say there is a good chance that you won't need them...

I'm scared and I don't know what to do. I feel like if it's not eligible then I don't have much choice apart from putting down on my UCAS application that I do indeed hold GCSE Maths and just pretending to myself that I never found out otherwise.

there is a good chance that any university would ask to see certificates - mine did when I applied to do social work, for english and maths GCSE. (However these are defiantly essential)...

It's extremely frustrating because despite my poor educational record I'm well aware that I'm an intelligent individual with a talent for language who can go far, and to be held back by something as insignificant as number on a sheet of paper makes me feel worthless. That I can be proficient in both Japanese and Korean written/spoken language but not hold a maths GCSE... I just feel so pathetic. If I want to advance in my chosen career I need to go to university. I'm extremely poor so for me there's no other means of progression. I can't even afford a bloody TEFL course on my own. Bleh.

for social work - not my uni states Entry Criteria

A-level: ABB

General Studies: Accepted as one of the best 3 grades, if 4 A-levels presented

Preference: None

GCSE requirements: Social Work entrants must hold at least a GCSE grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or the Key Skills level 2 equivalent)

http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/social-work-ba-hons-l500/

for French (sorry they didn't have Japanese as an option) the same uni states:
Entry Criteria

A-level: AAB inc. French unless this is to be studied from beginners' level, in which case we require evidence of language learning ability. We normally expect three A-levels.
General Studies: Accepted as one of 3 A-levels
Key skills: Not included in offer
Scottish Highers: ABBBB
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 35 pts overall with 16 pts from best three HL courses
BTEC: DDD/DDM
Mature students: Applications welcomed from mature students who can provide evidence of language-learning ability. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
IELTS: 6.5


you could very well be fine without the maths - look at the entry requirements for the course at the universities you wish to go to....