To be slightly disappointed by my uni results

[Horsewithnoname97]

Hi all. Name changed for this. I'm a second year chemistry student, going to go into my third and final year in September. I am really enjoying the course although finding it challenging!

I just got my second year results back and, although I didn't do terribly at all, I cannot help but feel a little disappointed.

Out of five modules, I got firsts in three and a high 2:1 in another which I'm happy about. But unfortunately I didn't do very well in another module, only got 45% which is still a pass but only just. Because of this one bad grade I will be going into third year with a 2:1 rather than a first.

Since lockdown in March all of our classes had moved online to a virtual classroom. I found this tricky as I have a toddler DS (I'm a mature student) so could only catch up on lectures, study, and revise when he was in bed. I have also found the content itself to be much trickier than first year, but of course it's going to be!

I worked so hard this year and put myself under a lot of stress and worry, so to 'only' come out with a 2:1 overall is a little disappointing. I know a 2:1 is not bad at all, but it is a bit galling to know I could've gotten a first if it wasn't for that one shitty module!

I may still be able to graduate with a first if I worked my arse off in final year, but it'll be a close thing!

I don't know, my DH says I'm being silly and way way too hard on myself, but can anyone else understand my disappointment? I know a 2:1 isn't a bad grade, but I was so close to a first!

Apologies if I come across as trying to secretly gloat ect, I'm really not. I'm genuinely a little disappointed although I know it could've been a lot worse.

Thank you

Why do you want a First? Why not just focus on learning a subject which you’re obviously really interested in?

In a few years time nobody will give a flying fig what class of degree you got. But they will be interested in what you know, how you use your knowledge and what you can do.

I’m a senior professor and quite successful. I narrowly missed a First in my undergrad degree. I can honestly say that it has never come up in any conversation or job interview. I was always a high flyer and that was recognised even with “just” a 2, i. Because I clearly knew a lot and thought a lot about my subject.

@ItalianHat hi, thank you for the response! I don't know, I guess that so many people graduate with a 2:1 now (that's not to say they didn't work hard!) that in order to really stand out in the job market you'd need a first. Although I know that your grade alone isn't enough to guarantee you a job.

Interesting to know that's it's never come up in interviews though!

But yes, I love what I'm studying and definitely want to pursue it as a career!

What's the weighting of the degree for year two and three? Any chance of resit for that module?

Admittedly I graduated almost 30 years ago, but since then, I’ve been gainfully employed in my field, and the only time anyone was interested in the degree classification was when I was applying for a Masters course, which required a minimum 2:1. Don’t sweat it!

I got a 2:1 in my second year and a first overall. It’s the natural progression to get better as you go through the years isn’t it. So it’s still very achievable. .

Does your university not have a benchmark policy covering COVID-affected modules? Virtually all of them do and it will apply to those in your cohort when their degrees get classified next summer.

Don't the university have a COVID policy (ignore lowest 40 credits for example)

@Waveysnail it's 40% second year grades and 60% final year grades, so still doable! As far as I'm aware I can only resit a module if I fail, and even then resits are capped at a pass (40%).

I'm just about to start a PT degree and if I were to get a first I would definitely mention it on my CV

in order to really stand out in the job market you'd need a first

Honestly that’s not true. I get very frustrated with the focus on acedemic results . They are only part of the puzzle of things that employers look for.

Can u ask them to revisit ur grade for the shite one?

I graduated with a 1st but I was borderline. I was told I was on the cusp of a 2:1 and they rounded me up.

I assume u have a dissertation - I did shite on this but I chose the wrong subject. Find ur support tutor early and concentrate on that. Mine was worth 40% of my final year!!!

Oh and ignore those asking why u want one .. I too was a mature student and when u have such an upward struggle to get the degree, u want the very best one!!! TOTALLY get it

@sunlight81 No offence to any people on here who didn’t get a first then?!

Firstly, a 2.1 will likely be enough to get whatever job you want in the future, so don’t worry. Secondly, usually third year carries more weight than second year, so if you do well next year you’re likely to end up with a first overall. Do you know why you got a much lower grade on that one exam? Were there extenuating circumstances? Did you not work as hard? Was it particular content you struggled with/didn’t enjoy? Or was that the only one affected by Covid? If you know hopefully you can avoid a repeat next year (unless of course it’s lockdown related in which case that’s out of your control!)

What I will say though (to counteract my first sentence!) is that I have a high 2.1 and always slightly regret I didn’t work a bit harder and get a first - for no reason other than my own pride! My dad feels exactly the same (about his 2.1, not mine!) If I’d really put my all in I think I probably could have got a first - but I spent a lot of time drinking and doing sport. I don’t regret that necessarily...but I do wish I’d got a first!! So I understand where you’re coming from.

@MrsGrindah

imo my post wasn't offensive... I can't control what u find upsetting.

In my experience U get what u put in and having kids and doing a degree is more way difficult that being a regular 18-21yo student. When something is infinitely more difficult, u want to ensure that u get the very best result u can. OP is obviously capable of a 1st and wants her result to reflect that

Can u ask them to revisit ur grade for the shite one?

This isn't the US where you can demand your professor change the grade. Students are not able to appeal academic judgement, only a failure to follow process.

As a couple of us have already said, the university will most likely be applying a benchmark to ensure that modules affected by Covid do not affect the final degree classification.

I’m not upset! I just thought you sounded a bit inconsiderate.

Hi @modgepodge, thank you. Yes I did find the 'bad' module quite tricky. A lot of my cohorts failed it so it must have been difficult! I did genuinely revise and try hard so to only get 45% was very disappointing.

I recruit a lot and honestly you don’t need a first. A decent degree from a decent uni, in a proper subject (not geography) and a well rounded cv is way more important than a first. The stand out candidates do though tend to have post grad qualifications which is more important than under grad degrees.

I ended my second year with a 2:1 and finished my degree with a 1st. My third year was similarly weighted to yours and everything just clicked for me: picking the right modules and getting a 1st for my dissertation. Although I’m very proud to have achieved that grade, and I worked bloody hard for it, in all honesty, it’s not had a major impact career wise. Once you’re in the door, no one remembers what degree grade you achieved - just that you’re good at your job. A 1st is certainly not out of reach if you achieve the necessary grades next year.

@Twickerhun thank you, I hope Chemistry is considered a decent subject! I am planning to do a MSc afterwards, which incidentally I 'only' need a 2:1 to do.

Chemistry is an excellent subject!! Inorganic chemistry is my favourite
If you qualify for and get a Masters degree your 2:1 or 1st won’t matter

You can still pull it back if you do well this year, I wouldn’t worry.

I got a 1st in both my degrees, but I really don't think it was a particular advantage for job interviews. Don't stress, just do your best.