Resit Students: University Acceptance And The Road Ahead

Whether or not a university will accept a student who has resat their exams is a question that many prospective students ask. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the university and course in question. While the majority of universities in the UK, including those in the Russell Group, do accept A-Level resits, some universities, particularly those in the Russell Group, may be less likely to accept students who have resat their exams. Additionally, certain courses, such as medicine, may not accept resits, or may only do so under special circumstances. Ultimately, each university will have its own specific requirements and policies regarding A-Level resits, so it is important for prospective students to research the universities and courses they are interested in to determine their chances of acceptance.

Russell Group universities and resits

Russell Group universities are a self-selected association of 24 public research universities in the United Kingdom. They are widely considered to be the UK's best universities, but this perception has been disputed. The group includes institutions such as the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, and the London School of Economics. These universities have high academic standards and are globally renowned for their research contributions.

Russell Group universities are known for their rigorous academic requirements and high admission standards. While they do not have exclusive requirements for resit students, they generally prefer applicants who have achieved the required grades on their first attempt. However, resitting exams to improve grades is not uncommon, and almost all universities in the UK, including those in the Russell Group, accept A-level retakes.

When considering applications from resit students, Russell Group universities may take a closer look at the retaken A-levels and the reasons for resitting. Some universities, such as Oxford, may ask for an explanation in the UCAS personal statement or during the admissions process. Providing a compelling reason, such as extenuating circumstances, can strengthen an application.

The impact of resitting on admission chances can vary depending on the university and the course applied for. Some highly competitive courses, such as medicine, may be less receptive to resit students, while other universities within the Russell Group, such as Nottingham and Bristol, have been known to accept students with multiple resits. It is important for applicants to carefully research the specific requirements and policies of their chosen university and course.

While resitting exams can demonstrate dedication and a commitment to improvement, it is essential to consider the potential impact on your application. Achieving better grades in the resit can enhance your application, showing resilience and determination. However, if your performance in the resit is worse, it may weaken your application relative to other candidates.

Medicine courses and resits

Medicine is a highly competitive course, and while some universities do accept resit students, others do not. It is important to carefully research the requirements of your chosen universities before applying.

Some universities, such as Bristol, Sheffield, Southampton, and Exeter, accept resit students. Others, like Manchester and Hull York, welcome applications as long as certain grades are achieved, for example, BBB or ABB. Some universities will consider your application but may raise the bar for retakers, such as Newcastle and Liverpool, which ask for A*s rather than As in subjects retaken. Keele requires that you secure your retake grades first and then reapply; you cannot apply based on predicted grades in your retake year.

There are also universities that do not accept resit students for medicine courses. For example, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) does not accept qualification resits. Similarly, the University of Cambridge expresses concern about an applicant who is retaking large numbers of exams unless there are extenuating circumstances.

If you are considering resitting your A-Levels and reapplying for medicine, it is important to be aware of the challenges and that achieving the required grades does not guarantee a place. It is also crucial to carefully research the requirements and policies of your desired universities, as these can vary and change over time.

Retaking A-levels: pros and cons

Retaking A-levels is a common path for students who want to improve their grades and increase their chances of getting into their preferred university. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of retaking A-levels to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of retaking A-levels:

• Improving your grades and university acceptance: Retaking A-levels can give you a second chance to achieve better grades, which can make it more likely that you will be accepted into your desired university or course. An improvement of even a single grade can make a difference in the highly competitive university admissions process.
• Familiarity with the exam: The questions in A-level retakes are often similar to those on the original exam. This gives you an advantage over first-time test-takers because you already understand the amount of work required and the types of questions to expect.
• Demonstrating resilience and dedication: Retaking A-levels shows universities and employers that you are committed, motivated, and determined. It indicates that you don't give up easily and are willing to put in the extra work to achieve your goals.

Cons of retaking A-levels:

• Delay in university application: Retake exams are only offered at certain times, usually in the summer, which can delay your university application and admission by up to a year. This delay may impact your overall educational and career timeline.
• Increased stress and strain: If you are retaking first-year A-level exams, the retake will likely coincide with your second-year exams. This can put extra pressure on you and reduce the time available for preparing for your second-year exams.
• Cost: Retaking A-levels can be expensive, with fees varying depending on the exam board and the number of exams. There may also be additional costs for private candidates, such as arranging for an invigilator or sending exam papers securely.
• Negative impact on confidence and mental health: Retaking exams can be stressful and cause anxiety, especially if you do not see the improvement you were hoping for. It is important to consider the emotional toll that retaking exams may have and ensure you have a supportive network in place.

In conclusion, the decision to retake A-levels depends on your individual circumstances and goals. While it can provide an opportunity to improve your grades and demonstrate resilience, it may also come with delays, additional costs, and increased stress. Carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision, and remember that universities consider a range of factors beyond just your grades, such as your personal statement, extracurricular activities, and references.

Extenuating circumstances for resitting

When it comes to exam resits, each university will have its own specific requirements and policies. However, the majority of universities in the UK, including Russell Group universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, will accept A-Level resits.

Some universities, such as Oxford, ask students to provide a reason for retaking exams in their UCAS personal statement. Other institutions will require applicants to speak with the admissions officer when submitting their application. Providing extenuating circumstances for resitting exams can be very helpful. Universities will consider reasons such as bereavement, significant disruption of education, and grave illness.

The University of Cambridge has stated that there "would be a concern" about the potential of an applicant to succeed if their application showed a need to retake numerous exams. Similarly, some universities will not consider resits for certain courses, such as medicine.

Resitting A-Levels may affect your chances of getting into university, as the universities you apply to will be aware that you have retaken that A-Level. This is especially true for more prestigious universities, which tend to have higher entry requirements and are more selective.

However, resitting exams can also demonstrate that you are hardworking, committed, and dedicated, which may give your application a boost, especially if you needed to resit due to extenuating circumstances.

How resitting affects university applications

Resitting exams is a common practice among students who feel they could achieve better grades the second time around. While almost all universities in the UK, including those in the Russell Group, accept A-level retakes, it is important to consider how resitting might affect your university application.

Firstly, the decision to resit exams can be challenging, especially given recent changes to the education system. The A-level and GCSE exam systems have transitioned from modular to linear structures, meaning students must now resit all exams rather than individual modules. This can be a more time-consuming and intensive process.

Secondly, when applying to university, admission boards will scrutinise retaken A-levels. While there are no exclusive requirements for resit students, Russell Group universities are known for their high standards. The programme you are applying to also matters; competitive undergraduate programmes like medicine and engineering have stringent requirements that favour applicants who achieve the required grade on their first attempt.

Some universities, such as Oxford, require students to provide a reason for retaking exams in their UCAS personal statement. Other institutions may request that you speak with the admissions officer when submitting your application. Providing extenuating circumstances, such as bereavement, significant disruption to education, or grave illness, can positively influence how a university views your retake.

Resitting exams during a gap year can demonstrate your dedication and passion for achieving your goals. It indicates a resilient mindset and a strong work ethic, which universities may view favourably. However, it is essential to consider the potential costs and how retaking exams might impact your application and future plans.

In conclusion, while resitting exams can affect your university application, it is not uncommon, and many universities accept A-level retakes. The impact of resitting depends on the university, the course, and your performance and reasons for resitting. It is crucial to research the universities and programmes you are interested in and carefully consider your options before making any decisions.

Frequently asked questions