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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I’m gutted. University related.

29 replies

GlitterGlassEye · 20/12/2017 23:52

I studied a NQ professional course and passed with a great mark. I’m now studying HND first year in this course and put myself forward for a Pathways (on the advice of head of my dept) which takes you straight into University at the 3rd yr. Most of my class applied and we’ve all just got emails telling us who got in and unfortunately I’ve not been accepted. I’ve 4 highers from an access course and some who’ve got nothing even from high school and have also had to resit exams throughout the year due to failing an exam (you get 2 strikes) got in. I haven’t had to resit anything at all. Why have I been declined?

OP posts:
DonnyAndVladSittingInATree · 20/12/2017 23:54

That’s really disappointing. I wonder if there has been an error either in the application or in the emails? I imagine it’s based on your results rather than a random lottery so it’s odd that people who didn’t do as well as you got in.

KeepServingTheDrinks · 20/12/2017 23:55

is there some sort of system for getting feedback?

Or an appeal system?

Sorry you didn't get onto your course.

Original poster
GlitterGlassEye · 20/12/2017 23:59

That’s what I don’t get. My head of dept made me apply and she knows my circumstances, don’t want to drip feed anyway because I passed amazingly despite my situation. I thought it was a sure thing and wonder if I should contact the university directly?

Just to see, would they tell me?

OP posts:
DianaPrincessOfThemyscira · 21/12/2017 00:02

I think it’s worth the ask.

If no one ever questions it they can’t correct things that go wrong - you definitely seem like a better candidate than the other person, maybe for some reason you both have the same amount of points and they are alphabetically before you? I’m making all that up because I have no idea, but you get my drift I’m sure!

AnathemaPulsifer · 21/12/2017 00:02

Ask them for feedback.

DonnyAndVladSittingInATree · 21/12/2017 00:03

Definitely ask. What do you have to lose by asking?

Smellylittleorange · 21/12/2017 00:09

Are you sure they are going straight into third year ..is it English higher ed ...sounds unusual to me...usually you have to pass FHEQ level 4 and FHEQ level5 ? Might it have been that they are going onto.another pathway that starts at yr 1 (FHEQ level 4)?

Smellylittleorange · 21/12/2017 00:09

Yes you.should contact them..they have to justify admissions decisions

RB68 · 21/12/2017 00:18

HND is a 2 yr course after a level or equiv and if you can get a transfer to a degree another year qualifies as degree. My sister did this

Original poster
GlitterGlassEye · 21/12/2017 00:21

It’s not English, it’s something else and it’s a definite pathway to 3rd yr at a certain university (we’ve had the presentation) . I already have English from 3 years ago ( plus English at school where I leapt a year) and it’s more advanced than what I’ve already studied as an outcome.

OP posts:
TrollTheRespawnJeremy · 21/12/2017 00:21

It's often a game of quotas. So many people from X area or from a background with parents that didnt go to University/no highers/is a carer etc.

I have seen some excellent candidates miss out on places due to these box-ticking exercises.

See if they offer a summer school or similar in order to speed up access.

HollaHolla · 21/12/2017 00:22

Sounds like the Scottish system - it's called articulation from the HND via an FE College, to L3 of a 4 year degree in University.

Without outing yourself, do you feel ok with telling us your subject area? (And area of the UK)
I might be able to shed some light....

Original poster
GlitterGlassEye · 21/12/2017 00:25

Yes it is a 2 year course but might not be available for applications next year.

That’s why we’re all applying now. And some of my class with no qualifications have got in, so why haven’t I?

OP posts:
Original poster
GlitterGlassEye · 21/12/2017 00:25

I am in Scotland.

OP posts:
Original poster
GlitterGlassEye · 21/12/2017 00:27

It’s Accountancy.

OP posts:
HollaHolla · 21/12/2017 00:32

Thanks OP. That one isn't in my area, sorry - but speaking generally.... ask for feedback, and where your application fell down.
It could be that you didn't fall into some of the widening participation areas.... it's so much more complex than just the top 10 highest scoring students now, unfortunately for you. There are lots of outcome targets to hit - so, age, sex, areas of social deprivation, those who have been in care, etc.
Not an answer for you just now, but ask the university you applied to for feedback, and where your application wasn't successful on this occasion.

HollaHolla · 21/12/2017 00:33

Ps. It's Napier, isn't it?

Original poster
GlitterGlassEye · 21/12/2017 00:40

Could it be my personal statement? That’s really the only thing I can think of?

It was personal and showed exactly why I love this course. It’s definitely not a class thing. I’m in a homeless flat with 2 dc.

OP posts:
Original poster
GlitterGlassEye · 21/12/2017 00:42

No it’s Caledonian.

OP posts:
HollaHolla · 21/12/2017 00:50

There's way less weighting given to personal statements than you think, in my experience.... I don't know the GCU process, but ask - tell them you'd take a waiting list place, show them you're keen, and you could be the first person they think of, should anything change.
Sorry to hear about your situation, but hugely well done on your FE achievements so far. You will make a success of things, I'm sure.

lauramcr · 21/12/2017 00:52

Possibly a personal statement issue yes

As an absolute last resort you can try reapplying in August during clearing, universities drop requirements to fill in the remaining places. You may have another chance if it is your current grades

TheHodgeHeg · 21/12/2017 00:57

There's surely no harm in asking them. What's the worst that can happen? Just send a polite email saying you're surprised and you'd like to understand where you could improve your application in the future.

I'm not clued up on the course you're doing but I am an accountant and know that you don't need a degree to get a job with a professional firm, you can start as a "school leaver". Is that something you could consider? You'd end up in the same place as a university graduate although admittedly it might take a little longer (possibly something you could negotiate with the firm on if you do well in your professional exams). Sorry if that's not relevant to you at all, like I said I'm not familiar with the course you're doing.

Original poster
GlitterGlassEye · 21/12/2017 01:37

I’m 33 so definitely not a School leaver. I was in a good job for 12 years but left due to redundancies, I hated it anyway but I love this. I’m not just good at it, I’m great at it hence the post in the first place!

Any firm that will take me on? Let me know, no joke. I’ve 2 kids and would love to earn right now and putting me through my exams would be amazing.

OP posts:
TheHodgeHeg · 21/12/2017 01:46

If I were you I'd start sending your CV around to firms along with a cover letter explaining how passionate you are, how you've done academically etc. You could try big four (KPMG, Deloitte, EY and PWC) but may have more luck at mid-tier or smaller firms (PKF Littlejohn, Grant Thornton, RSM, Mazars). It's pretty standard for a firm to sponsor your qualification and at the end of the day they're just looking for a committed and competent member of staff, the fact you're a bit older than the usual starter shouldn't hinder you once you find a place you click with.

Many accountancy firms are moving away from it being super important to have a degree anyway and tbh I don't know what they teach in accountancy degrees because, in my experience, within a couple of weeks those who'd done accountancy degrees had no advantage over those who didn't...

FireCracker2 · 21/12/2017 04:09

I would just do accountancy qualifications- a degree is irrelevant. The NHS put me through ACCA and gave me paid day release to do it.