I want to tell people I have a 1st class even though I don’t?

[plieddried]

It bothers me so much to see my actual degree classification. On my cv I don’t even bother to write my degree classification but I still feel embarrassed. I want to start telling people (and myself) that I graduated with a 1st class honours even if it’s not true. It makes me feel happier to tell myself I got a first class. It also makes me feel more confident and secure in my ability to work. It makes me feel accomplished. Wondering if AIBU?

I didn't realise, until this thread, how prevalent Firsts now are. Probably why I thought it understandable as a 'thing of pride' for some. Not such a big deal now, it seems.

That's ridiculous you shouldn't lie.

Who even looks?

I got a first but beyond my first graduate job no-one has ever mentioned it.

I don't even include "Dr." in my email signature, and sometimes get asked about this. I reply that the moment I do this is the moment I write something exceptionally bone-headed in an email, making the embarrassment all the more acute given the juxtaposition with this supposed-to-be-oh-so-clever title.

I use it in everything these days. I use the family name I've used since birth, regardless of marital status, and am sick to the back teeth of being addressed as 'Mrs' when I've repeatedly asked not to be.

OP, it's very unlikely anyone will even ask. In academia, hierarchical credentials are still in place which revere those from Russell Group universities more than others, however strong or poor their research may be. In reality you're only really as good as your last publication, measurable impact activities, or most recent grant capture.

If you tell people you have a 1st Hons and they find out otherwise, you are going to look a real chump.

@cam22 is that in response to me? I'm afraid I'm quite ancient

If this is accurate they are a lot more common now

But you haven't. So you can't.

That's Funny I have never been asked what I achieved in my degree...who asks you that often?

[quote KeyboardWorriers]@cam22 is that in response to me? I'm afraid I'm quite ancient[/quote]
No. Just a general comment.

Well done on your genuine Firsts.

The fact is, you were given what your submissions were worthy of.

You might think you're brighter, smarter, worthy of more, but at that moment in time, you weren't.

This could happen frequently in life. And feeling you deserve more is going to set you back in the future significantly more than not achieving a first.

Accept it. Be humble. Move on.

www.newstatesman.com/politics/2019/08/the-great-university-con-how-the-british-degree-lost-its-value

If one goes back to the 1970s, the distortion is even more stark when compared to current times.

I was one of the few people on my course to get a First, most of them earn more than me now though.
No one has ever asked me about my degree classification in either a professional or personal conversation. It's a total non issue, unless your degree classification is specifically preventing you from getting a job.

Oh please. you can't tell people you have something you don't! Besides, what's the point in lying, any degree is proof of your hard work and commitment.

This topic seems to be taking up rather a lot of your thinking time.

I left uni 15 years ago and not once, in the entirety of conversations from that time to this, have I ever been asked what classification my degree was.

@plieddried

I understand, I just feel like I’m smarter than what my degree classification shows. I don’t believe it’s representative of me and my academic ability. It’s not an excuse (although it kind of is) but I was going through a lot of things at the time of my degree and it messed up my accomplishment. If I had sat the same exam I would have gotten a first. I wish I submitted extenuating circumstances at the time because it’s stayed with me since then.

Seriously, if you feel you're smarter than the result you got, go back again and prove it to yourself rather than pretending you've achieved something you haven't.

I wouldn't dream about looking down in anyone for a 3rd or a fail, but I wouldn't think much of someone who lied about getting a first because they felt they should have got one!

You're on another planet!

Who gives a shit? Get a hobby.

O....K
Maybe you need to go back to uni and do a postgrad or something. You cannot lie, that's just weird. You got what you got.

I think you have done brilliantly to achieve your degree, especially if you were under a lot of external stress at the time. You have a lot to be proud of. I wish you could see that.

I understand where you're coming from OP. My sibling died in traumatic circumstances the summer before my final year at uni.
As this was the 90s, I didn't even tell my personal tutor. I got a 2.2 and felt traumatised all over again. However, the 2.2 hasn't affected my life in any way, although obviously my brother dying has.

Superb username @MarieIVanArkleStinks

I'd rather swallow razor blades than drink with you

When I was at university in the early 80s I think I knew of two students who achieved Firsts. Incredibly rare. Now most of my nieces and nephews have First Class degrees. My friends’ offspring are mostly Firsts.

No one has ever asked me the classification of my degree (Phew!) The value of my education was how much I learned, how I learned to learn and how my mind was opened. More importantly I met people who I would never have crossed paths with otherwise who are now world famous media people, journos, politicians, authors, showbiz personalities, charity leaders, sports people, business leaders- many of whom I’m in regular contact with. For someone coming from a remote Scottish island, that’s an experience you can’t buy and worth way more than a First Class honours.

Definitely don’t lie- it’s not only sad and immoral but you run the risk of not being able to remember who you’ve said what to and having to pretend that you can’t remember what degree you got, like Grant Shapps and his A levels. Telling the truth makes for a much easier life.

@OllyBJolly

Now most of my nieces and nephews have First Class degrees. My friends’ offspring are mostly Firsts.

What universities did they attend?

Don't tell lies. You may think it's boosting your confidence but really it's not. Otherwise you've wouldn't have posted here. No-one cares what your result is!

When people start papping on about degree classification it makes people switch off. Nobody is i interested OP and employer's don't like a liar.