2016 Uni first years-the first exams

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How did it go for those who took their first Uni exams in Dec/Jan? And how much does it matter if things didn't go well ?

My DD's exams were in December before she came home for Christmas, and will count towards her final grade. Luckily, she did fine!

I think though that, for many, the first year exams don't count at all, apart from as a kick up the backside if they didn't do as well as they expected/hoped for.

No exams as such for DS who is doing a design related degree, but he had to hand in his portfolio covering the whole of the first semester on 3 Jan. Got the assessment result back last week, 2:1, with the comment that if he continues to make good progress he should be on track for a First. He also passed his Photoshop exam (which apparently is something he can put on his CV as it is a professionally recognised qualification). I dont think their first year work counts, though, towards their final degree, but he was pleased with the feedback, as has found model making and learning architectural drawing techniques quite challenging, and it gave him confidence that his design ideas were good.

DD had exams in Physics and Maths, plus lab work. Still waiting for the results of the exams, but got a good 2:1 on the lab work, so was very pleased. She felt that the Maths exam went very well and the Physics exam OK, so we will wait and see. I dont know whether these count towards her overall first year result (I think not) or her degree - she is doing a 4 year Masters in Theoretical Physics.

General feeling of relief all round that we got through the first term OK, and both have signed up for rental properties for next year (which was the other big challenge once they got back to uni after Christmas)

Sounds like they have both done well. Dotty!

Hi Op. from what I understand from my 2 DDs, they generally have to pass every module (min 40%). If they fail one, then they can retake in August. If they fail in August, then they have to leave the course or retake the year - although I have seen the odd posting where people have been allowed on to year 2 but still need to retake the failed exam in year 2.
DD2 thinks her exams were ok and she has also had several assessments including 1 piece of work that she had workshops on everyday last week. DD1 had her last exam today and is hoping she has passed them all but not certain. I think she will have done enough.

DS1 also doing 4 year MPhys in Theoretical Physics, just had 1 maths and 1 physic exam. Which I don't think even count towards his first year, certainly not final degree.

He's only just starting lab work this term, so nothing there.

Although the first year exams don't usually count for the final degree, I think it is worth noting that in some subjects they are still important. For example for my Ds studying Law now in his second year many work placements and internships will only consider students who finished year 1 with a 2:1 or higher.

DS needs a 2:1 or above for a placement year but things the exams went badly so isn't hopeful.

He's usually the voice of doom though regarding exams so I'm going to be optimistic and hope he's done enough.

Can he redeem himself in the summer (if he has done badly), Fanny?

He can do resits if he hasn't passed the year but I don't know if he can resit if he just wants a higher mark.

I'm trying to be positive but will be glad when they results are out so he knows what he's doing.

DS had exams in each module this month. He was very nervous as he felt unsure how uni exams would compare to A levels and he adopted a completely new method (for him) of revision. No results yet but he thought they went ok. They don't count towards his final degree but they still matter in other ways. They have all been told that many employers now look at first year exam results.

Dotty am I right in thinking your DD is at York? All York UG courses discount the first year from final degree calculations, but if they were summative assesessments they will count towards her first year results.

My DD was really panicked about mid year exams but she heard last week she passed! Hurrah.
She passed with similar % to her friends so at last she believes she is worthy to be on the course.
All I can say is phew, at least till the next panic....

Well Done to her, Peace!

Raspberryripple - your DS is on the same course at York as my DD: I wonder if they know each other! She was very pleased with her exam results, but will be disappointed that they dont count towards the final degree

Sorry, he's not at York Dotty. It was his insurance and he would have been more than happy to have gone there.

I'm glad your DD''s results are good. DS is still waiting to hear, they have a mentor appointment when they are told apparently.

DD2's exam results were fine. DD1 doesn't get hers until 2nd March........

DS passed all of his too, thank God after thinking they all went terribly.

DS had exams in Jan and a coursework project to submit. He didn't exactly knock himself out on the work front over Christmas but has come out with mostly 2:1 (one paper was 2:2). They don't count for the degree but there is a minimum requirement to continue to the second year and you won't be considered for semester abroad with less than a certain average grade/attendance. He's happy with the results, it gives us some reaaurance that he is actually doing some work. If he pulled his finger out who knows what he might achieve