A-Level Results Clinic

11:55

Sky News:

Hello everyone

Thursday August 14, 2008 11:55 Sky News

11:56

Sky News:

Can you start off by introducing yourselves and saying what you do.

Thursday August 14, 2008 11:56 Sky News

11:57

Chris:

I teach Economics and Business Studies.

Thursday August 14, 2008 11:57 Chris

11:57

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

My name is Tom Mursell, I'm 19 and run www.notgoingtouni.co.uk. NotGoingToUni is an information portal for students feeling pressured into University and those who are unsure University is for them. We are soon to launch a jobs board bringing careers and training schemes tailored for GCSE and A-Level students.

Thursday August 14, 2008 11:57 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

11:58

Chris@OSL:

Thursday August 14, 2008 11:58 Chris@OSL

11:59

Chris@OSL:

I am Principal of Oxford School of Learning. We specialise in getting pupils grade A - usually after less than 4 weeks of study. Sometimes after just 4 hours.

Thursday August 14, 2008 11:59 Chris@OSL

11:59

Chris@OSL:

Website: www.osl-ltd.co.uk

Thursday August 14, 2008 11:59 Chris@OSL

11:59

Sky News:

What do you think about today's results everybody?

Thursday August 14, 2008 11:59 Sky News

11:59

Chris@OSL:

I also run conferences for schools - revision sessions - all the fee goes to charity. www.oxford-conferences.com

Thursday August 14, 2008 11:59 Chris@OSL

12:00

[Comment From gulshangulshan: ]

hello i m gulshan n i m indian, n english is my second language..

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:00 gulshan

12:00

Katie@UCAS:

Hi I'm Katie, a Customer Service Adviser at UCAS

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:00 Katie@UCAS

12:00

[Comment From gulshangulshan: ]

i jst got my results... n i m not happy wid them

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:00 gulshan

12:00

[Comment From HamelHamel: ]

Hello My name is Hamel Malde.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:00 Hamel

12:00

[Comment From gulshangulshan: ]

i got 2 ds and 1 c

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:00 gulshan

12:00

[Comment From HamelHamel: ]

One of my friends didn't get the right grades to do the course

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:00 Hamel

12:00

Chris@OSL:

Teachers have become much more skilled at knowing the specifications and the means by which pupils can be trained to pass.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:00 Chris@OSL

12:00

[Comment From HamelHamel: ]

I am not sure

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:00 Hamel

12:00

[Comment From gulshangulshan: ]

i am not happy with that

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:00 gulshan

12:01

[Comment From tauseef hussaintauseef hussain: ]

well i only got 2 a/s levels and whole gcse and i want to go uni in the north west or yorkshire, quick talk to me

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:01 tauseef hussain

12:01

[Comment From HamelHamel: ]

The course was dentistry

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:01 Hamel

12:01

Chris@OSL:

2 AS levels = 1 A level

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:01 Chris@OSL

12:02

Sky News:

Gulshan, did you have any plans for after A-levels?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:02 Sky News

12:02

Chris@OSL:

Phone the Admissions Officer immediately and try to plead your case. But do you have just the one GCSE? and what grades for the AS levels?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:02 Chris@OSL

12:02

[Comment From tauseef hussaintauseef hussain: ]

they to seperate A/S levels

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:02 tauseef hussain

12:02

[Comment From gulshangulshan: ]

what can i do now

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:02 gulshan

12:02

Katie@UCAS:

Hello Tauseef, why not visit our website, www.ucas.com, and and take a look at the clearing vacancy list. It would be worthwhile contacting universities that you're interested in to see whether they can offer you a place with the grades that you have

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:02 Katie@UCAS

12:03

Sky News:

Katie, how many people get places in clearing? Is it quite competitive?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:03 Sky News

12:03

[Comment From gulshangulshan: ]

yes i want 2 do hotel management

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:03 gulshan

12:03

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Yes, have a look at the courses free for clearing and see if anywhere else does your course.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:03 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:03

Katie@UCAS:

Last year over 38,000 students throughout the UK accepted clearing places last year

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:03 Katie@UCAS

12:03

[Comment From gulshangulshan: ]

but now i hve jst done as levels..

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:03 gulshan

12:03

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Have you looked at other ways into Hotel Management other than uni?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:03 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:03

Chris@OSL:

Go here and talk to experts after 1pm: http://educationtalk.guardian.co.uk/WebX/.77609faf?50@171.usjEclzCGkj@

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:03 Chris@OSL

12:04

[Comment From tauseef hussaintauseef hussain: ]

thank you, i have tried a few but they said i got too less grades i dont know what to do :(

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:04 tauseef hussain

12:04

[Comment From JamesJames: ]

I don't know what to do. I got the wrong grades to do Dentistry. I got 2 B and 2 E for AS, and Dentristry need Bs,

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:04 James

12:04

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Have you thought of re-taking?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:04 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:04

[Comment From DaisyDaisy: ]

Katie, do you agree with the governments initiative that 50% of all people should attend university?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:04 Daisy

12:05

[Comment From gulshangulshan: ]

yes there are some courses as well

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:05 gulshan

12:05

Katie@UCAS:

Keep trying Tauseef and maybe try to be more flexible with your choices, it might be worth while considering a foundation course or something slightly different.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:05 Katie@UCAS

12:05

[Comment From JamesJames: ]

Well, If I retake, then it would look bad on the CV

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:05 James

12:05

[Comment From tauseef hussaintauseef hussain: ]

yh i agree

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:05 tauseef hussain

12:05

Sky News:

Tom, how easy is to get job without going to university?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:05 Sky News

12:05

Chris@OSL:

retaking may bore you, it will take a lot of time and may cost you a lot of money

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:05 Chris@OSL

12:06

Chris@OSL:

you could try taking other exams =- fresh subjects, greater interest. Take them in Januayr and meanwhile pick up work experience

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:06 Chris@OSL

12:06

Sky News:

Tom, are there lots of companies recruiting people with only A-levels?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:06 Sky News

12:06

[Comment From gulshangulshan: ]

i hve already retaken 2 units

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:06 gulshan

12:06

Katie@UCAS:

James, have you taken your A levels yet or do you only have your AS grades?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:06 Katie@UCAS

12:06

[Comment From JamesJames: ]

So what career could I look at, I did, Maths, Geography, Bio and Chem

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:06 James

12:06

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

It obviously depends on what industry/job you want to go into. There are a whole raft of opportunities for A-Level students yet not enough done to promote them...we seem to think that you need to go to uni to get a good job which is wholly wrong.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:06 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:07

Sky News:

How did you do James?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:07 Sky News

12:07

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

James - what interests do you have?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:07 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:07

[Comment From JamesJames: ]

AS grades today Katie

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:07 James

12:07

[Comment From JamesJames: ]

I got b in maths and geog and rest ES

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:07 James

12:07

Chris@OSL:

you could do both i.e. go to uni and work. some full-time courses are in fact about 1 day a week. as an example a Masters in Education is 3 evenings a week. when I did my degree it wa sless than 10 hours a week so I held down a full-time job at the same time

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:07 Chris@OSL

12:08

Sky News:

James, have you got any idea of what field you want to go into? Or is the world your oyster at the moment?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:08 Sky News

12:08

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Yes, Chris is right, plenty of employers sponsor you to do a part-time degree, thus you are earning and learning.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:08 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:08

[Comment From JamesJames: ]

So what career can I look for? Dentristrty requires B in 2 sciences

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:08 James

12:08

Katie@UCAS:

James you may want to contact the exam results helpline on 08081008000, they may be able to offer some valuable guidance.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:08 Katie@UCAS

12:08

[Comment From JamesJames: ]

I have had my heart on Dentistry

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:08 James

12:08

Chris@OSL:

have you spoken to the professional association trepresenting dentists?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:08 Chris@OSL

12:09

Sky News:

Chris, do you think it's possible to do Dentistry without going to uni?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:09 Sky News

12:09

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Re-take your exams, go for what your heart says mate

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:09 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:09

Chris@OSL:

would a local dentist take you on as a volunteer part time whilst you studied the rest of the time?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:09 Chris@OSL

12:09

[Comment From gulshangulshan: ]

how many grades do u need 2 enter an university

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:09 gulshan

12:09

[Comment From JamesJames: ]

But then universities might not accept me, because it would say on my CV, retaken AS levels

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:09 James

12:09

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

There could be a technician role you could go into into Dentistry - check locally.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:09 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:09

[Comment From JamesJames: ]

I have been having work experiance..

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:09 James

12:10

Chris@OSL:

you can do foundation coursse at uni with no A levels and then progress from these internally set and marked exams to the uni itself (or elsewhere)

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:10 Chris@OSL

12:10

Sky News:

UCAS, are there dentistry places in clearing?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:10 Sky News

12:10

Katie@UCAS:

It really depends, Gulshan. Different universities have different entry requirements. You can find all of the entry requirements on our website, www.ucas.com.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:10 Katie@UCAS

12:10

Sky News:

What work experience have you done James?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:10 Sky News

12:10

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

James - whilst you may re-take them and it may show on your CV, it will also show an employer you are dedicated and motivated to get into Dentistry.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:10 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:10

Katie@UCAS:

Applicant can check for vacancies on our website, www.ucas.ac.uk.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:10 Katie@UCAS

12:11

Chris@OSL:

why not ask the british dental association? http://www.bda.org/

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:11 Chris@OSL

12:11

Sky News:

Katie, tell us a bit more about clearing process...do you get quite a wide choice of universities to choose from?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:11 Sky News

12:11

[Comment From gulshangulshan: ]

ok thnks

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:11 gulshan

12:12

Chris@OSL:

candidates should ask themselves WHY universities have those spare places

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:12 Chris@OSL

12:12

Katie@UCAS:

Absolutely. There are many universities throughout the UK all advertising vacancies. Any university which hasa place that they want to offer in clearing will be advertised in the vacancy list at www.ucas.com

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:12 Katie@UCAS

12:12

Sky News:

Katie, we've got some facts here from "Edge" - who did a survey. They said 54% of people found clearing stressful. Do you think that's fair?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:12 Sky News

12:12

Chris@OSL:

be careful not to jump into the first uni that would take you - it might not be the course you really want. make a mistake now and there's less chance you'll undo it in later years

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:12 Chris@OSL

12:13

[Comment From c11c11: ]

what number do i ring to go into clearing??

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:13 c11

12:13

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

13% of students are unhappy with their clearing choice...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:13 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:13

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Call the Uni's direct after finding a course.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:13 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:13

Katie@UCAS:

If students are in any doubt about a particular vacancy, or if they feel a university may have a vacancy that isn't advertised, then we would suggests calling that particular university to discuss it with them.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:13 Katie@UCAS

12:13

Chris@OSL:

maybe better to focus solely on the exact course you wnat and if it takes longer to get there then sobeit. In later years an extra year now will seem like nothing

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:13 Chris@OSL

12:13

[Comment From DaisyDaisy: ]

I think sometimes the tougher,more traditional courses are less popular, Chris, could it be not a disfavourable uni but a disfavourable course?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:13 Daisy

12:14

Katie@UCAS:

Hello c11, if you need to apply for clearing then contact our customer services department on 08714680468

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:14 Katie@UCAS

12:14

[Comment From tauseef hussaintauseef hussain: ]

right the problem is some of the uni's have said they need quite a few points for a foundation year, am really stressted

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:14 tauseef hussain

12:14

Chris@OSL:

Daisy - yes. I wa ssimply suggesting you should think WHY there are course vacancies. Maybe the course is rubbish; maybe the uni is rubbish; maybe the entrance standard is very high; maybe there's a spate of stabbings in that area - there could be many reasons

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:14 Chris@OSL

12:14

[Comment From Bob CarolgeesBob Carolgees: ]

I got three As. Ded chuffed

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:14 Bob Carolgees

12:14

[Comment From c11c11: ]

if i have not a applied to go to uni am now thinking that i want to what to i do?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:14 c11

12:15

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Congrats Bob!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:15 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:15

[Comment From RickRick: ]

I got 7 A levels.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:15 Rick

12:15

[Comment From JamesJames: ]

So do you think I should Retake my As?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:15 James

12:15

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

What would be the advantage of attending university after A-levels?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:15 Adam

12:15

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

c11, what are your interests? Do you have any idea what you want to do?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:15 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:15

[Comment From RickRick: ]

Im gonna be rich

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:15 Rick

12:15

Chris@OSL:

hussain - with some places you need a) a chequebook and b) IELTS about 4.5 to do a foundation and then get a GUARANTEED Uni place. Pass marl for foundation si an average of 40%. It take sone year and of course teachers know the exam well in advance and iun my experience either give huge hints or just give the exact questions

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:15 Chris@OSL

12:15

Katie@UCAS:

Tauseef you may benefit from speaking with one of our dedicated advisers. Call 08714680468 for some help and advice.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:15 Katie@UCAS

12:15

[Comment From JamesJames: ]

But unis will say to themselve, he got an E

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:15 James

12:16

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

James, personally I do if you want to get into Dentistry, do what'll make you happy, who cares if it's only a year out!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:16 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:16

Chris@OSL:

(No, not naming the colleges)

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:16 Chris@OSL

12:16

[Comment From RickRick: ]

LOL

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:16 Rick

12:16

Katie@UCAS:

Well done to Bob! Congratulations!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:16 Katie@UCAS

12:16

Sky News:

UCAS, will employers look down on people who have been through clearing? Will they even know? That's open to you to Chris.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:16 Sky News

12:16

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

I would like to be involved in the stock market, currency futures etc

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:16 Adam

12:16

[Comment From c11c11: ]

psychology

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:16 c11

12:16

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

How wold university be beneficial for me in the global markets?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:16 Adam

12:16

Chris@OSL:

One of my students, with only average A levels and not being a native speaker, blagged her way into a college and now teaches A2 Economics and A2 Business - and she's never even studied the subjects. She gets £21 an hour

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:16 Chris@OSL

12:17

[Comment From TerryTerry: ]

"Teachers have become much more skilled at knowing the specifications and the means by which pupils can be trained to pass." What this means in practice, chris@osl, is that the teachers are having to teach the exam, not the subject. The net result is that the students learn to deal with a specific approach to a subject, rather than a broad spectrum of knowledge. This does not make them any cleverer, and it certainly doesn't prepare them for Uni...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:17 Terry

12:17

Chris@OSL:

employers really only know what you tell them.....

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:17 Chris@OSL

12:17

[Comment From DaisyDaisy: ]

Chris do you think it's a shame that the uptake of more academic subjects such as maths is lower than it used to be? Do you feel this is a detriment to our society?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:17 Daisy

12:17

Chris@OSL:

people may not get the grades for a variety of reasons - rmeemebr with some boards you can end up taking 3 A levels in 1 day (i.e. three papers) with other boards you may have a week between papers - it makes a big difference

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:17 Chris@OSL

12:18

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Stock Exchange - Uni is your main route, economic degree?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:18 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:18

[Comment From c11c11: ]

is it possible to get into uni this year without having applied??

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:18 c11

12:18

Chris@OSL:

if you do go through clearing then you're likely to get a quick answer PLUS by now, with your resulst, you may make a different choice of course to one that you wnated a year ago

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:18 Chris@OSL

12:18

Katie@UCAS:

Clearing is simply an extension to the UCAS application process. 38,000 students entered higher education through this service last year to gain places on full-time undergraduate courses. The end result is still the same.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:18 Katie@UCAS

12:18

Sky News:

Tom, how many of your friends are not going to uni? Is it roughly 50-50?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:18 Sky News

12:18

[Comment From RickRick: ]

I meen, Lookt at me mate,Take a good look at me, Jeeze, Im flyin mate, I got the gold chains, The cars, Yea yea, I got it all.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:18 Rick

12:19

Chris@OSL:

Terry - I agree completely. How else do you think students can pass an A level after 4 hours (in total) of tuition?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:19 Chris@OSL

12:19

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

yes, but you only need a degree if you want to be employed..what if you would like to be self-employed?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:19 Adam

12:19

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

No acutally, only 2 of my pals went to uni of about a dozen.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:19 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:20

Chris@OSL:

Daisy - unis often complain about low maths standards. Papers such as the Daily Mail often moan too - but they tend to be referring to 'basic maths' i.e. being able to add up a shopping bill.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:20 Chris@OSL

12:20

Chris@OSL:

c11 - yes. some unis have an intake in Jan

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:20 Chris@OSL

12:21

Chris@OSL:

I am a Fellow of the Institute of Executives, by the way...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 Chris@OSL

12:21

Chris@OSL:

me £27

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 Chris@OSL

12:21

[Comment From tauseef hussaintauseef hussain: ]

hellllooooo which intakes?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 tauseef hussain

12:21

Chris@OSL:

it cost me £27

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 Chris@OSL

12:21

Sky News:

Sorry Tauseef, can you ask the question again about intakes?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 Sky News

12:21

[Comment From tauseef hussaintauseef hussain: ]

tell me bit more

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 tauseef hussain

12:21

Chris@OSL:

sometimes a professional exam can count more th the equivalent of a Masters degree - by taking professional exams. years later i decided to take a Uni degree.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 Chris@OSL

12:21

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Perhaps it would be more beneficial if I were to get an apprenticeship involving some sort of trading which would have far more experience in real life than listening to lectures about commodities etc in an university..do you agree?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:21 Adam

12:22

[Comment From tauseef hussaintauseef hussain: ]

i want to know what this intake thing is about?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:22 tauseef hussain

12:22

Chris@OSL:

Adam - experience counts for a lot. You can always do Open uni - an excellent instoitution

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:22 Chris@OSL

12:22

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Adam, what industry do you want to go into?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:22 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:23

Sky News:

Can anyone help Tauseef about the question over intake?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:23 Sky News

12:23

Katie@UCAS:

I'm not really sure what you're referring to exactly Tauseef

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:23 Katie@UCAS

12:23

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Trading in futures, shares etc

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:23 Adam

12:23

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

And do you want to work in the City?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:23 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:23

Sky News:

Chris, can you tell Tauseef a bit more about January intake?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:23 Sky News

12:24

Chris@OSL:

I am not sure what the question about intakes is...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:24 Chris@OSL

12:24

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

I'm not 100% sure on stocks im afraid, but initial thought is an economic degree. Not sure if there is an apprenticeship relating directly.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:24 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:24

Chris@OSL:

ry intake - Buckingham for example

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:24 Chris@OSL

12:24

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Well, I don't mind where I work...It would be an experience to work in the city

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:24 Adam

12:24

[Comment From tauseef hussaintauseef hussain: ]

what do you mean by intake?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:24 tauseef hussain

12:24

Chris@OSL:

some unis have a January intake - Buckingham for example

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:24 Chris@OSL

12:24

Chris@OSL:

intake - people can start their degree in Jan

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:24 Chris@OSL

12:25

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Adam, why not get some work experience in the markets? Will give you a better idea of everything, how to get in etc and look good on CV?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:25 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:25

[Comment From DaisyDaisy: ]

Chris, I feel at a younger age, the social and sports aspect of university is pertinent in the experience. Do you think open university could provide this?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:25 Daisy

12:25

Katie@UCAS:

Some institutions have courses that start in January but this does not apply to all institutions and courses. For more information about when intakes are, visit www.ucas.com or contact the institutions directly.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:25 Katie@UCAS

12:26

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:26 John

12:26

[Comment From BillyBilly: ]

oi i got 3 ds wot can i do/

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:26 Billy

12:26

[Comment From johnjohn: ]

I just got my As results and I am not happy with them.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:26 john

12:26

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Well, that would be very good and I would prefer to do that. However, do you agree that this alternative is better than obtaining a degree in an university?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:26 Adam

12:26

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Katie, just out of interest, with more and more people going through Uni, so you think the value of a degree will diminish?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:26 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:26

Sky News:

Hi John, have you got your results?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:26 Sky News

12:26

[Comment From DaisyDaisy: ]

as an aside Adam, my friend started uni and didn't like it, got chatting to a guy in the pub who gave him a job - now he's a broker in Paris! Pretty unusual but still...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:26 Daisy

12:26

Chris@OSL:

No Open Uni itself cannot but there are plenty of non-uni social clubs etc. Uni si not the sole provider of social and sports. There's plenty of drugs and booze at uni - just as htere is in society

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:26 Chris@OSL

12:27

[Comment From rooproop: ]

i achieved BCE, would like to do physiotherapy at brunel but they want 260 points instead of the 220 i acheved. anyone help?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:27 roop

12:27

Sky News:

Do you think there is something to be said for good old fashioned winging it then guys?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:27 Sky News

12:27

[Comment From tauseef hussaintauseef hussain: ]

do you know if bradford university do a intake in jan?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:27 tauseef hussain

12:27

Chris@OSL:

Hussain - why not ring them?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:27 Chris@OSL

12:27

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

I don't think either way is better, it really depends on the industry, and the markets is something Im not too sure of, im afraid. As Daisy just said, it is possible without a degree. I would advise speaking to someone in the industry. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:27 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:28

[Comment From johnjohn: ]

I got three d's and 1 u. Do you think I should reatke this year again?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:28 john

12:28

[Comment From tauseef hussaintauseef hussain: ]

good point

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:28 tauseef hussain

12:28

Chris@OSL:

subjects?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:28 Chris@OSL

12:28

Chris@OSL:

long term aim?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:28 Chris@OSL

12:28

Katie@UCAS:

Hi Billy. If your grades were not what you hoped for you can contact the exam results helpline on 08081008000 for some useful information. If you have not managed to secure a place at a university because of this you can also look at the clearing vacancy list at www.ucas.com.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:28 Katie@UCAS

12:28

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Personally I wouldn't 'wing it' when it comes to important exams such as A-levels

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:28 Adam

12:28

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

John, what do you want to do after? Uni or work?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:28 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:29

Sky News:

Sorry Adam, I meant getting your first job, not A-levels. What are you planning to do next?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:29 Sky News

12:29

[Comment From rooproop: ]

i achieved BCE, would like to do physiotherapy at brunel but they want 260 points instead of the 220 i acheved. anyone help?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:29 roop

12:29

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

..but I did use to wing all my mocks :P

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:29 Adam

12:29

[Comment From BillyBilly: ]

Thanx Katie

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:29 Billy

12:29

Sky News:

Did you say stock markets before Adam?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:29 Sky News

12:29

[Comment From johnjohn: ]

Mathematics-D, Physics-D, Economics D and critical thinking-U

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:29 john

12:29

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Roop - call Brunel and see if they will let you in

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:29 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:29

[Comment From JoeJoe: ]

I got 3 A's - what's all the fuss about? Uni is great!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:29 Joe

12:29

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Give them the gift of your gab!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:29 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:30

Katie@UCAS:

Hi Roop. If you have been entered in to the clearing process you can search for other physiotherapy places that you can apply for. If Brunel haven't changed your status to unsuccessful yet it could be worthwhile contacting them to discuss your grades. If in any doubt, contact one of our advisers on 08714680468.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:30 Katie@UCAS

12:31

Sky News:

To the panel: do you think employees place high-importance on A-levels or does work experience count more?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:31 Sky News

12:31

[Comment From rooproop: ]

i did, they said no, but on the C and E i achieved, they were very close. any chanc ei can convince them. their system crashed. can't get through

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:31 roop

12:31

[Comment From johnjohn: ]

Will my AS grades affect my universit application?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:31 john

12:31

Katie@UCAS:

The clearing vacancies are listed at www.ucas.com, and are constantly updated and maintained by the institutions.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:31 Katie@UCAS

12:31

Sky News:

*Sorry that was supposed to be employers

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:31 Sky News

12:32

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

Will my AS grades affect my application to uni?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:32 John

12:32

[Comment From KayoKayo: ]

Hello, i am in my first yr a levels, will be applying to uni next yr. Want to apply for Medicine. Does UCAS look into GCSE grades?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:32 Kayo

12:32

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

A-Levels as a stand-alone qualification should be thought of in higher regard. At the moment people seem to think they are a stepping stone to uni.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:32 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:32

Chris@OSL:

sorry for absence Firefox problems

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:32 Chris@OSL

12:33

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Employers do count them as there are many A-Level set schemes, although more should be done to help school leavers, not pushing them through UNi.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:33 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:33

Sky News:

UCAS, can you help Kayo?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:33 Sky News

12:33

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

Are actual As grades important or predicted grades to a uni?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:33 John

12:34

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

I want to do law but got two B's and a D. I'm not sure what to do...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:34 Amy

12:34

[Comment From rooproop: ]

john, your AS grades help when predicting your grades, so in a way they are important

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:34 roop

12:34

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Actually grades, it's more about the points although some courses do look at actual grade too.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:34 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:34

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Amy - do you want to go through UNi?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:34 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:34

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

There are other ways into Law.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:34 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:34

Katie@UCAS:

Hi Kayo. You need to include you GCSE grades on your UCAS application. We pass all of this information to the institutions that you choose to apply to, and they take all of this information in to consideration.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:34 Katie@UCAS

12:34

Chris@OSL:

Amy - if you're heart is set on law then retake OR do Institute of Legal exec exams OR do both OR work in a law firm and study p-time

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:34 Chris@OSL

12:34

[Comment From SarahSarah: ]

Hi. I just got my AS results back, and they are not what I expected at all. They are also not the wanted grades for the university. Would the university accept me if i am one grade below what they wanted?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:34 Sarah

12:35

Chris@OSL:

best thing is tro ring them NOW

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:35 Chris@OSL

12:35

Chris@OSL:

their course may be undersubscribed

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:35 Chris@OSL

12:35

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

I know there are other ways but I feel the degree it the best way, I'm aware of ILEX and don't think it's something I'd like to pursue.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:35 Amy

12:35

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

So if I got low As grades would you advice me to retake AS again and will retaking AS affect my application?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:35 John

12:36

Chris@OSL:

the best thing - always - is to talk to the admissions officer if that's the place you really want to go

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:36 Chris@OSL

12:36

Katie@UCAS:

Hi Sarah. It's not just your AS level results that will be of interest. There are a wide variety of entry requirements so it's definitely worthwhile doing some research in to your chosen courses. Visit www.ucas.com to see entry profiles and also visit the universities own websites.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:36 Katie@UCAS

12:36

Chris@OSL:

Amy - oif you're sure of Law then retake because ina few years time, having graduated from Oxbridge or whatever youy'll look back and not see the extra time as wasted

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:36 Chris@OSL

12:36

Sky News:

Hi Amy, what fields are you interested in?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:36 Sky News

12:37

[Comment From KayoKayo: ]

In my AS results i got A in Bilogy and A in Chemistry and B in economics. When you say UCAS takes everything into consideration, do i have any chance of doing Medicine since my GCSE results were not as good as my AS level results?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:37 Kayo

12:37

Chris@OSL:

pupils who retake AS levels usually improve their grades - that's why A* is not necessarily a higher mark than a grade A (in future years)

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:37 Chris@OSL

12:37

Chris@OSL:

Kayo - do you have a grade A in Maths/English GCSE?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:37 Chris@OSL

12:38

Katie@UCAS:

It's not UCAS who take your results in to consideration, it's the institutions that you choose to apply to. Check out there entry rewuirements at www.ucas.com or do some research with the institutions directly for some further information.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:38 Katie@UCAS

12:38

Chris@OSL:

you could always do voluntary work - there's a very deserving charity called the Dystonia Society

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:38 Chris@OSL

12:38

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Fields of law interested in.. human rights it would have to be. I might look into retaking my A Levels.. but there's no way I'd go to Oxford.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:38 Amy

12:38

[Comment From JJ: ]

loving my gradesss!!!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:38 J

12:38

[Comment From SarahSarah: ]

I am applying for medicine, so i dont think they will be undersubscribed. HELP please!!!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:38 Sarah

12:38

[Comment From KayoKayo: ]

I got A in GCSE maths and C in GCSE english and the rest of the subjects i got B's

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:38 Kayo

12:38

Katie@UCAS:

*Sorry, should have been their entry requirements

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:38 Katie@UCAS

12:38

Chris@OSL:

amy - why no to Oxbridge?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:38 Chris@OSL

12:38

Chris@OSL:

do voluntary work eg for Oxfam and get real life experience and also study p-time?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:38 Chris@OSL

12:39

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

If I got low As grades would you advice me to retake AS again and will retaking AS affect my uni application even if I got 4A's when soemone else got 4A'S first time around in the same subjects?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:39 John

12:39

Chris@OSL:

sarah - if you're dead set on this and A leevls are the only route then retake and add on an extra one for interest - Philosophy for example

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:39 Chris@OSL

12:39

Chris@OSL:

John - As retakes nearly always gain. it's the most recent grade that Unis are interested in

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:39 Chris@OSL

12:40

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Well, Chris.. I'd have to say it's because I don't feel I'd fit in with the crowd at Oxford.. just because it's Oxford doesn't mean it will be the right place for you to study.. even if it is the best. I'm thinking more Manchester.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:40 Amy

12:40

Chris@OSL:

ne way of fiddling UCAS is not to put down the Jan take for AS levels. Only decide 'later' to take them (which is why they are left off UCAS) that way Unis do not know you've taken AS level in Jan until the final result

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:40 Chris@OSL

12:40

Sky News:

Hi John

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:40 Sky News

12:41

Chris@OSL:

Amy - I was talking Oxbridge but I guess oyur comments apply there too - though it's not as snooty as it used to be plus it's relaitvely easy to pick up p-time jobs tutoring at £30 an hour - which all helps your finances!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:41 Chris@OSL

12:41

Sky News:

It's quite a technical question, and I think Chris's advice is right. It's for the admissions tutor. Do you know what university you're interested in or job field?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:41 Sky News

12:41

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:41 John

12:41

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

Hello

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:41 John

12:41

Katie@UCAS:

Any certificated qualifications will be sent to UCAS to pass on to institutions, so it is important to volunteer this information when applying.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:41 Katie@UCAS

12:42

Chris@OSL:

Amy - Manchester then. If that the best place for you then retake and get high grade As plus do something else that will interest the uni. Voluntary work, part-time work, an additional A level etc

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:42 Chris@OSL

12:42

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

John - you will need to work harder at A2s to bump up the points. Many people re-take AS'.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:42 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:42

Sky News:

Katie, in your dealings with universities, are they ever flexible on required grades?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:42 Sky News

12:42

Chris@OSL:

yes certificated qualifications will be passed on but at the time of filling in the UCAS you may not have decided whretehr or not to take in jan

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:42 Chris@OSL

12:42

[Comment From KayoKayo: ]

I got A in GCSE maths and C in GCSE english and the rest of the subjects i got B's

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:42 Kayo

12:43

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

I have a feeling if one were to attend Oxbridge/Cambridge you would have to pay people £30 an hour to tutor you to make sure you pass.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:43 Amy

12:43

Chris@OSL:

also professional exams - which can be taken in parallel with A levels - are NOT passed on to UCAS and thus if you fail them you tell no-0one

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:43 Chris@OSL

12:43

Chris@OSL:

Amy - nooo the lecturing is good and the coimpetitive atrmosphere is high

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:43 Chris@OSL

12:44

Chris@OSL:

(poor typing - doing at speed - sorry)

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:44 Chris@OSL

12:44

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

What if I took completely different subjects in As again?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:44 John

12:44

[Comment From KayoKayo: ]

I did do some research looking into Institutions req and only say what grades i need at A-level, doesnt say abt GCSE grades

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:44 Kayo

12:44

Chris@OSL:

how would that help demonstrate your focus?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:44 Chris@OSL

12:44

Katie@UCAS:

If an institution wants to be flexible with the entry requirements then they can be. This does happen, they advertise their entry requirements on our website which is www.ucas.com. It is always worthwhile contacting the institutions to discuss the grades that you have.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:44 Katie@UCAS

12:44

Chris@OSL:

Kayo -usually you need high grades at GCSE Maths/English

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:44 Chris@OSL

12:44

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Kayo - best to ask Katie@UCAS about GCSEs

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:44 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:45

[Comment From TarquinTarquin: ]

One is going to Oxford- hurrah!!!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:45 Tarquin

12:45

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

John - why would you want to take different AS levels?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:45 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:45

Chris@OSL:

As Katie said, Unis are often flexible. Remember, they really want students - some spend £000s on marketing - especially to foreign (high paying) studnets

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:45 Chris@OSL

12:45

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

And they advertise in the nationals...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:45 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:45

[Comment From KayoKayo: ]

Thank you for your advise.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:45 Kayo

12:46

[Comment From TarquinTarquin: ]

Thank God, daddy is paying for me!!!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 Tarquin

12:46

Chris@OSL:

Tarquin - go to www.dailyinformation.co.uk now and advertise your services as a tutor - should be able to earn about £200 a week part-time, maybe more.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 Chris@OSL

12:46

[Comment From singh is kingsingh is king: ]

a levels are not getting easy

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 singh is king

12:46

[Comment From SarahSarah: ]

Does my AS results go on the UCAS form. Because the retakes are after the form has been sent off for medicine. And also, If i want to apply for anything other than medicine, do i send off the UCAS form in January or in October?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 Sarah

12:46

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Hmm agree with what Cris is saying

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 Amy

12:46

Chris@OSL:

singh - how would you know?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 Chris@OSL

12:46

[Comment From ShadShad: ]

I got strraight A's, but still upset!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 Shad

12:46

Katie@UCAS:

Some institutions do have GCSE requirements whereas others do not

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 Katie@UCAS

12:46

[Comment From TarquinTarquin: ]

Thanks Chris- I shall do that!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 Tarquin

12:46

Sky News:

Why are you upset Shad?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 Sky News

12:46

Chris@OSL:

in the 1980s (in Oxford) I was on £1000 a week tutoring so if you put yourself about you could earn more than that now

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:46 Chris@OSL

12:47

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Chris why are you so focussed on the money side of it.. have you not heard of student loans??

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:47 Amy

12:47

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

I think the new thing is paying someone for a copy of their essay!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:47 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:47

Sky News:

Chris, do you think the debt is worth it for university?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:47 Sky News

12:47

Chris@OSL:

amy - yes \I have heard of stduent debt.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:47 Chris@OSL

12:47

[Comment From ShadShad: ]

Oxford Uni wouldn't allow me in becuase I didn't take Further Maths to do an economics course

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:47 Shad

12:48

Chris@OSL:

Tom - yes!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:48 Chris@OSL

12:48

Sky News:

Sorry Shad, that's a tough deal! What are your plans?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:48 Sky News

12:48

Katie@UCAS:

Hi Sarah. Any AS results that are certificated will be passed to UCAS from the exam boards and then sent to the institutions that you have applied to. For medicine applications the deadline is 15th October. You can choose whether to include your alternative choices when you submit your application in October or you can add more choices at any point up until 30th June, however they must be added before the 15th January ideally in order to meet the 'On time' deadline.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:48 Katie@UCAS

12:48

Chris@OSL:

debt - worth it - it depends on the reason for the debt (textbooks, booze) and the course follows

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:48 Chris@OSL

12:48

[Comment From singh is kingsingh is king: ]

a levels are appearing to be easy BECAUSE OF THE MODULES. YOU CAN PEREAT AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT. SO U EXPECT A'S.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:48 singh is king

12:48

Chris@OSL:

ell you a story...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:48 Chris@OSL

12:48

Chris@OSL:

go i met someone who for 10 years had spent all her money on booze and fags. she had a huge student loan and credit cards etc etc

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:48 Chris@OSL

12:48

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

As have I, but I'm saying that you know you're going to go into debt when you apply for university so why worry about it.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:48 Amy

12:49

Chris@OSL:

...she went bakrupt, wiped off all her debts, went to mexzico and taught English, came back., went ona teacher training course and now she earns £25000 a year teaching Maths!

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:49 Chris@OSL

12:49

[Comment From David JohnDavid John: ]

Well done

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:49 David John

12:49

Chris@OSL:

singh - absolutely right - and a grade A is an average of about 14/20

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:49 Chris@OSL

12:49

Chris@OSL:

average remember

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:49 Chris@OSL

12:50

Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk:

Cheers everyone, contact me if you want thruohg www.notgoingtouni.co.uk

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:50 Tom @ NotGoingToUni.co.uk

12:50

Chris@OSL:

amy - you don't necessarily go into debt. some people keep their full-time job and still go to uni; some work part-time etc etc

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:50 Chris@OSL

12:51

Sky News:

Thanks Tom for your advice. Tom is off to go on Sky News TV, so look out for him at 1:10pm.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:51 Sky News

12:51

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

£25,000? That's not a lot at all..

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:51 Amy

12:51

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Yes but you're talking to 18 year olds here I doubt they have a full time job.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:51 Amy

12:51

[Comment From Gary NewellGary Newell: ]

I went through UNI and came away £720 in debt. Having said that I didn't have to pay the tuition fees

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:51 Gary Newell

12:51

Sky News:

Apologies for that delay, just saying thanks to Tom.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:51 Sky News

12:52

Chris@OSL:

Amy - true but they can work p/time

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:52 Chris@OSL

12:52

Chris@OSL:

anyone off to oxford, read this: http://blogs.osltraining.co.uk/economicsandpolitics/2008/04/can-teach-does.html

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:52 Chris@OSL

12:52

Chris@OSL:

Gary - what did you study?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:52 Chris@OSL

12:52

[Comment From Gary NewellGary Newell: ]

In my line of work industry accreditation is far more important than any degree

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:52 Gary Newell

12:52

[Comment From Gary NewellGary Newell: ]

Software engineering

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:52 Gary Newell

12:53

Chris@OSL:

I'd put professional exams above most degrees...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:53 Chris@OSL

12:53

[Comment From Gary NewellGary Newell: ]

Even then a Microsoft or Oracle accreditation is being watered down because in India they seem to give them away in packets of cornflakes

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:53 Gary Newell

12:53

Chris@OSL:

when I ddi my degree, the weke before the exam we were told to read two journal articles as they were in the exam, also we worked through 'past questions' and they were all in the exam...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:53 Chris@OSL

12:54

Chris@OSL:

Gary - the key is skills, not ECDL etc

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:54 Chris@OSL

12:54

Sky News:

Katie, do UCAS offer any advice on financing uni/debt? Is that on the website?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:54 Sky News

12:54

Katie@UCAS:

One of our advisers, Craig Fish, is running a blog throughout the week on www.ucas.com. He's covering all of the frequently asked questions that we are receiving, and giving general guidance to those hoping to go to university this year. It will be up and running from tomorrow evening.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:54 Katie@UCAS

12:54

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Well, I think degrees are worth it personally

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:54 Amy

12:55

Chris@OSL:

UCAS advcie on debt is: http://www.ucas.com/students/studentfinance/managing_money/

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:55 Chris@OSL

12:55

Sky News:

One of the areas where there seems to be not enough advice, is managing debt after university. Is that covered too, or is that one for banks etc?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:55 Sky News

12:55

[Comment From PeterPeter: ]

Reading all of the students who seam to think that A-level is the be all and end all seams to sum how bad the situation is! i got DDE in maths, computing and physics (respectivley) as well as a mickey mouse D in genral studies and yet i got into the 3rd best engneering school in the UK on the BSc now looking to go into my last year on the BEng of the course the exams just mean nothing once you have got into uni

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:55 Peter

12:55

[Comment From Gary NewellGary Newell: ]

Job Agencies look at accreditation and qualifications first, then on experience. If you can get your CV past the agency you are well on your way to the job.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:55 Gary Newell

12:55

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

I'd not consider going into law through any other route because you will be looked down on be co-workers for not having gone the academic way.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:55 Amy

12:56

Chris@OSL:

this si good for money too: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:56 Chris@OSL

12:56

Katie@UCAS:

We don't offer advice on the financial aspect of Higher Education but there is some general information at www.ucas.com. There is also lots of useful info at www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:56 Katie@UCAS

12:56

Chris@OSL:

Peter - and how full-time is your course?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:56 Chris@OSL

12:56

Chris@OSL:

hings...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:56 Chris@OSL

12:57

Sky News:

So to the people who have just taken A-levels...do you think £14,161 debt is reasonable for a degree (that's the national average according to Push.co.uk)

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:57 Sky News

12:57

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

There's nothing to know really pay it back when you're earning over £15,000. And don't blow money on going out getting drunk..quite simple really.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:57 Amy

12:57

[Comment From Gary NewellGary Newell: ]

Managing debt should be taught at school as should dealing with taxes. They should run a degree with filling in a tax return

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:57 Gary Newell

12:57

Chris@OSL:

Amy - the academic way does not have to be full-time study and nothing else though

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:57 Chris@OSL

12:57

[Comment From PeterPeter: ]

20 houres a week in uni, first year 20 houres out ,second year was 40 houres out a week this year i was studeing in denmark on a erasmus then working at a companey in the UK now going back to uni soon to do my last year were i am expected to do 60 houres out as well as the 20 houres in uni

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:57 Peter

12:57

Chris@OSL:

Gary - and claiming benefits...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:57 Chris@OSL

12:58

[Comment From KimKim: ]

Hello there, I applied for biomedical sciences at sheffield uni and manchester uni, however due to family reasons something happened the day before i took my summer a levels, im not sayng this is the principal reason but may have been a reason. i ended up with b d d in biology chemistry and french. I would still like to stay in either of these regions probably, or should I retake A2 again

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:58 Kim

12:58

Sky News:

Chris, any advice for Kim? What about compassionate circumstances?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:58 Sky News

12:58

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

lol claiming benefits

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:58 Amy

12:58

[Comment From Gary NewellGary Newell: ]

£15000 for 2 years of training is great value for money. A one week training course ran privately can run into thousands alone.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:58 Gary Newell

12:58

Chris@OSL:

if you're 100% set on a course and location that you cannot now do then re-take as in later uyears the extra year now will appear to be nothing

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:58 Chris@OSL

12:59

Chris@OSL:

in terms of the family reasons, surely the school put in a special report to ask for lenient marking?

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 Chris@OSL

12:59

Sky News:

Ok guys we're going to have to call things to a close.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 Sky News

12:59

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Kim you should have contacted the universities when the event happened.. let them know.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 Amy

12:59

Sky News:

Many thanks for all your comments

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 Sky News

12:59

Katie@UCAS:

Good luck everyone.

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 Katie@UCAS

12:59

Sky News:

A big thanks to Katie from UCAS, Chris from OSL and Tom from notgoingtouni.co.uk

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 Sky News

12:59

Chris@OSL:

Gary - very true. I run training courses - teachers pay £250 a day...

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 Chris@OSL

12:59

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

What a shame. Hope you sort it out Kim, thanks everyone. xx

Thursday August 14, 2008 12:59 Amy

1:00

Chris@OSL:

don't forget - FREE tuition at www.osl-ltd.co.uk

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 Chris@OSL

1:00

Sky News:

We have another webchat tomorrow at 12:30 - be sure to come back and join the fray!

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 Sky News

1:00

[Comment From KimKim: ]

yeh I sent a letter off attached to the exam boards and they gave me a small percentage extra

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 Kim

1:00

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Chris stop pluggind your company

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 Amy

1:00

Chris@OSL:

and don't forget the blog

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 Chris@OSL

1:00

[Comment From alfiealfie: ]

ive got no gcses im 16 and i have a job that pays 200 a week and im joining the army in january and it wasnt that hard to get its just office work

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 alfie

1:00

[Comment From KimKim: ]

o dear, thanks anyway

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 Kim

1:00

Katie@UCAS:

Remember to go to www.ucas.com for clearing vacancies and you can call us on 08714680468 for guidance.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 Katie@UCAS

1:00

Chris@OSL:

amy - plugging FREE tuition - is that so wrong?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 Chris@OSL

1:00

[Comment From PeterPeter: ]

see chris lots of work there just seam to show you that a proper degrey makes you studey hard!

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:00 Peter

1:01

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Not if Chris is here trying to sell his tutoring skilld...

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:01 Amy

1:01

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

oops skills*

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:01 Amy

1:01

Chris@OSL:

amy -did you not see the word FREE

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:01 Chris@OSL

1:01

[Comment From rooproop: ]

does your as level results count towards your total points tariff?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:01 roop

1:01

Chris@OSL:

yes

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:01 Chris@OSL

1:02

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Nothing is free Chris.. NOTHING.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:02 Amy

1:02

[Comment From rooproop: ]

so if i got a C in pe foR AS level, and dropped it for A2, and carried on with bio, chem and ict, do i include my pe grade?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:02 roop

1:02

[Comment From KimKim: ]

is there anyone I can ring to help me, my head is a total mess... i wasnt expecting it to be like this at all

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:02 Kim

1:02

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

I apologise Chris..

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:02 Amy

1:02

Sky News:

Ok, I'm afraid that's it guys. Please get in touch with our panel if you need any more advice. Remember to contact UCAS as well if it's about university procedure. See you tomorrow!

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:02 Sky News

1:02

Chris@OSL:

wrong I am afraid - visit the site see the enwspaper cuttings and see repeatedly that the tuition was all free and they avhieved a grade A after a few weeks

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:02 Chris@OSL

1:02

Katie@UCAS:

Chris you're quite right, AS results can count towards the tariff score, however they only count if they have been certificated and have not been continued to A level.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:02 Katie@UCAS

1:03

Writer: Julian @ Sky

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