A level resits?

Just got my results for a levels today and as expected didn’t perform as well as I wanted to. Missed out on my Lse offer as I got BBB when I was predicted A*AA. I have gotten my insurance choice for Bath accounting and management but I feel I can do a lot better if I resit (had severe extenuating circumstances while taking my exams). Is Bath accounting and management still good enough to get into IB since it is a semi target and has good placements or should I consider retaking my a levels?I’m also worried my grades will impact my ability to apply to IBs since some have min a level grade requirements (eg citi).

12 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice regarding your situation:

Considering Bath Accounting and Management:

  • Semi-Target Status: Bath is considered a semi-target university, which means it has a decent reputation and good placements in investment banking (IB).
  • Placement Opportunities: Bath has been mentioned alongside other semi-targets like Nottingham and Durham, which have strong placements in IB.

Resitting A Levels:

  • Improving Grades: If you believe you can significantly improve your grades by resitting your A Levels, it might be worth considering. Higher grades could open doors to more prestigious universities and potentially better opportunities in IB.
  • Extenuating Circumstances: Given your severe extenuating circumstances, resitting might also give you a chance to perform under better conditions and achieve the grades you were predicted.

Impact on IB Applications:

  • Minimum Grade Requirements: Some investment banks, like Citi, have minimum A Level grade requirements. Resitting and achieving higher grades could help you meet these requirements and strengthen your application.
  • Alternative Pathways: Even if you decide to go to Bath, you can still break into IB by leveraging internships, networking, and possibly pursuing a finance-related master's at a target or strong semi-target university later on.

Additional Considerations:

  • Investment 20/20 Program: During your gap year, consider programs like Investment 20/20, which offer trainee positions in asset management and could provide valuable experience and improve your chances for spring weeks and internships.
  • Networking and Internships: Regardless of your university choice, actively network and seek internships at boutique IBs or other financial institutions to build your resume and gain relevant experience.

Summary:

  • Bath Accounting and Management: A solid option with good placements in IB, but consider the impact of your current grades on IB applications.
  • Resitting A Levels: Could improve your chances of getting into a top university and meeting IB grade requirements.
  • Alternative Pathways: Utilize gap year programs, networking, and internships to strengthen your profile.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your confidence in improving your grades and your long-term career goals.

Sources: Screwed up my A Levels, what courses can I go for to still make it in IB?, Accounting major, can't seem to break into IB, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/ibd-sa-after-graduation?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/should-i-do-a-phd-at-an-ultra-target-university-if-i-want-to-be-an-ib?customgpt=1, Target schools for IB

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

really depends if you’re willing to take an extra year to study a levels again.

bath obviously compared to lse is a lot more difficult to break in but still possible- bath also have an excellent placement year programme so also take that into account.

basically for BBB, bath is the best choice you have, if you recruit well you have a chance. but if you reapply you may get better grades but you’re banking on an offer from a target that may not arrive as i think at elite unis resits are looked down upon(i could be wrong about that)

 
Most Helpful

I would say resit them if its within your means, i.e., family living situation / finances etc. 

I did not do the best first time around as I didn't study properly. I ended up resitting 2 years later after having gone to a lesser university for a year. Cohort sucked, job placements sucked and I knew I would struggle with any meaningful job. Ended up at a top target and the story went over very well with banks. I ended up at a top BB as a graduate before moving into PE

A-Levels are one of the ways firms screen candidates and can even come up when recruiting out of IB. Good luck! 

 

Does Citi have a minimum grade requirement? First I'm hearing this.

 

I read previously it was AAB or around that. Don't remember if it was auto-ding when filling out applications.

 

Just got my results back and got ACC.

Even though Durham accepted me I knew my grades would hinder me as I wouldn't meet the  banks requirements.

So.. if it helps you wouldn't be the only resitting haha

 

I'll apply to a different course. I did Accounting & Finance but this time round I think I'll apply to Politics & Econ or something like that.

I just enrolled to a distance learning provider which will provide me with a UCAS reference and predicted grades, it was like £1.2k for 2 subjects.

 

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