What do we do now?

[PrimroseButtercup]

DC took a Foundation Year last year, with the full intention of staying on at that University. Unfortunately, on getting their results, they were absolutely shocked to find that although they have passed the year, its not with high enough marks to stay on, after being assured they were doing well and expected to progress.

We've explored options with their current Uni and there's no chance of progression (very competitive Uni with more applicants than places), and resits cannot be done. Their insurance has been showing as pending now for three weeks; they've sent a screenshot of the results over but it's still just sitting there. We've now got access to a draft transcript so we're not sure whether we need to send that? To get a full transcript apparently we need to pay? DC is thinking that they don't want to go to their insurance anyway - it's in our home town, and was put down in the first term when home sickness was in full swing.

So where do we go from here? I'm aware that the embargo starts again soon. Do we pay for the transcript, is it normal to pay for a copy of exam results? Should DC decline the insurance offer, so that they can move quickly on A level results day if anything comes up in clearing, or if it's showing as pending still, does the Uni have to release them? DC's feeling is to take a gap year and reapply next year rather than to rush and accept something we've never seen, so is it better just to withdraw now, or keep hold of the insurance in case once the grieving is over, they decide to go? How long do offers stay on UCAS?

And regarding the DSA assessment - fortunately we've not arranged delivery of the software or arranged the training, but will we have to pay the cost of the assessment back?

Any help or advice much appreciated!

My view is the same as DC. Do a gap year. Then be realistic about choices. Maturity helps and it won’t be rushed. You then get more time to look at unis, check out accommodation (which could now be full) and get everything sorted out.

I’ve no idea about your other questions but others will. Would the result be ok to go elsewhere? What about an apprenticeship? Work out if uni is the best route.

My DH works at a university and says to go through clearing - which will open a week today when exam results come out.
In fact if they find other courses they like they don't have to wait until formal clearing: as your DC has their results they can contact the course leader directly and discuss a place.
This is a small window in the summer "holiday" when course leaders can take holiday, so there might be an out-of-office email or if DC rings they might need to ask who else to speak to. But persistent failure to reply is a sign that perhaps that university is not as responsive to student needs as they should be, so maybe a sign that they'd be better 'looked after' elsewhere.

One tip is to look at which universities do well in the Teaching Assessment Framework, not just rate highly for research. It depends on what you want from university.

Good luck with all this. There are v g people out there who will highly value a student who has committed to, stuck at and passed their foundation year. Few do, and it shows courage. The right university will cherish your DC.

What was the insurance offer? Has your DC met those conditions?

I agree that DC should not be rushed. They need to feel enthusiasm for their choice of university; not to do so is very demotivating.

However Clearing is open at the moment. Possibly because of a decline in Overseas take up, a surprising number of generally strong degree programmes, including some Russell Group programmes I haven’t noticed in Clearing for a while, are there this year. It wouldn’t hurt for DC to take a quick loom right now.

@scarecrow22 has given you some good ideas. Best wishes to DC

Thank you all. It's massively demoralising for DC to have the rug pulled from under their feet, so your kind words are appreciated. We've looked in clearing (and approached a few who all said the Cert HE counts for nothing), so we'll perhaps look on A Level results day, otherwise have a gap year and a plan for next year.

I'm not sure if your DC has A Levels/equivalent or not prior to foundation year. Could they do an Access course and then look to start at Uni again next year ?