Did your essay marks improve with each essay at uni?

[colie]

Hi
Just got my first assignment back, an essay, and I got 44%. I didn't time manage very well, so in a way am pleased I passed, but now feel does this mean I will fail in my second and third year?
We were told essays get harder in subsequent years, so feel if I just scrape by in year one, what are my chances after this. Also am pregnant at mo, due in Jan, so thinking, will I end up with even less time.
I am going to approach uni for help with essay writing but just feel that I possibly am not cut out for academic study, cant spell it, so just not bright enough. Sorry to be on a downer here, just really worried that if I get such a low mark on my first one, then what really are my chances of ever being able to write a decent essay.
I knew my referencing was pants. Ran out of time. That was in my feedback, also that I oversimplified at times and should try to keep referring to the essay question.

If you's could kindly share your stories then that might help me decide what to do. ie. take 10 years out after baby comes

It'll be fine. Essay writing is a skill to be learned. Your feedback didn't say you hadn't understood the work, but that you didn't present it in the right way. As long as you pay attention to the comments when you do the next one, your marks should improve.

Don't be too disheartened - a pass is a pass, first of all. Also I don't know your particular circumstances but lots of people haven't been taught how to write essays even by the time they reach university. So read the feedback thoroughly, relating what's been said to your essay where you can so that you're absolutely clear about what they're suggesting for next time and if you aren't clear approach your tutor for help and do try to find out if there is a generic essay skills workshop/seminar you could attend. Finally yes, you will get better - you're there to learn, don't give in!

Colie, do you have something like CfAP (Centre for academic practice) at your Uni?They will be able to help you!
I am planning on starting a degree course in OT next year, and because I haven't done anything studywise for so many years and because when I did my Nursing I did it in Germany and it was nothing like what would be expected when doing a degree, I was adviced to do a Study Skills for academic success course. This course is truely great as it teaches you how to write an essay, how to build an argument, etc....it teaches you all the stuff you need to know about referencing, how to access information in the library/from the Internet.
I have just done my first essay (ever) and it went really well, and I know wihtout doing this course, I wouldn't have known where to start.
link to CfAP of Northampton University
Linked to there, so you could have a look around and there are also some downloadable workpacks, etc.....!

Oh, Colie, and if you don't have a CfAP, have a look even at the hardcopy workpacks, as I might be able to get hold of them for you, or I could copy my stuff, would be happy to send it to you. Just let me know!

Thanks 3andnomore. I am trying to get onto an essay writing skills workshop at uni but don't think it will be anytime soon. Have dowdloaded some stuff on essay writing from the uni site so will get on with that for the moment.
Thanks for your offer of sending me stuff, might take you up on it in a few months if my stuff here doesn't work.

Pleased to hear you decided to do ot. I remember you weren't sure. Congratulations on doing well in the course you are undertaking at the moment.

There were 3 in my class that failed the essay, one got 28%, to be fair he has been out of education for a few years. Although there were also a few who got marks in the 70% bracket. I am quite friendly with one of the ladies who got over 70%, so might ask her if I can have a read of hers and see if that gives me any pointers.

Thanks everyone for replying. I will just have to work harder, that takes me back to school days!!

Colie, honest, it wouldn't be a problem to get stuff to help you.They are really friendly and helpful there.
What sort of things do you have problems with?

I would say it's not that uncommon for a first assignment to get a low mark. When I did my undergrad degree I really struggled, but now I realise you just have to "play the game", ie do what they tell you to do. It doesn't matter if your essay is interesting and well-written - if it doesn't meet certain criteria, it can't get a higher mark.

There will be lots of support available to you at your uni. For every assignment you do, you should be able to access the mark scheme and assignment brief (ask your tutor/lecturer if you don't know where these are) - I now do some uni teaching and marking, and my biggest piece of advice is to pay attention to these documents and do what they tell you to do. Tutors don't want you to fail - go to them for advice (it's what they're paid for!), and ask for some examples of past students' work to see what is expected of you.

I can help you with this

OP wrote this thread in 2007!

I can say for myself that they have improved in a good way. After all, when I asked to check my paper and I could write a good written work. Thus, it helps me to turn in my essay on time and get good grades for it.