University of Nottingham, philosophy
Just about to start at the university of Nottingham studying philosophy with a foundation year. A Levels are weak for finance being BBD. I have 3 weeks of work experience at three seperate firms: NatWest, PwC and Deutsche bank. Will I struggle to get into IB or AM as a result of my weak a level grades and degree choice or will my work experience be able to pick up the slack . All responses are appreciated thank you.Edit after some responses- My plan is to start my foundation year and judge the workload. If it is not too bad I will resit my lowest A level as a private candidate whilst doing my foundation year. If the workload is too much I will drop out and focus on that one a level. Thank you for all the honesty and responses it’s all appreciated.
Not really the answer that you want to hear but retake your A Levels instead of doing a foundation year!
The majority of firms require a minimum of AAB in order to pass screening.
Also what motivates you to study philosophy if you're interested in finance, why not econ, finance etc?
Good luck.
I applied to study PPE but I missed my offer, so philosophy was the best option available for me in terms of options. I did consider resitting a levels however I decided to take the foundation year. From what you have said it’s going to be near impossible this way but I had such a terrible a level experience that I didn’t wanna resit. I don’t know if firms would care but I had extenuating circumstances during my a levels I doubt this would solve auto screening though. I see IB as a complete write off with my a levels. Without resitting a levels what do you think my best course of action is. Try and get a good role in nottinghams finance society and try get an insight day or two whilst in my foundation year?
Edit*- just a follow up question. Obviously with my A levels BB/EB are ruled out but do you think there is potential for MM banks if I can get experiences or still just automatically screened out?
Similar to above, you're likely to be screened out with BBD.
Disagree with AAB A Levels though, that's on the higher end. ABB should be sufficient, but the higher the better.
Thank you for the response, IB seems like a write off completely with my a levels. Thank you for your honesty. I really do not want to resit a levels as I had a pretty poor experience with it. To maximise chances for AM how should I utilise my foundation year? Try to gain a position in the finance society and get insight days or something else?
Very simply, you will be wasting a huge amount of money to do a foundation year as you will not get any looks with those A Levels. Resitting your A Levels is your only option if you are truly serious about getting into finance
Hey, what a-levels did you study and what did you get a D in?
I went through a similar dilemma and will try help direct your retake. As everyone says, a foundation year doesn't really put you any better position - best to spend that 9.25k tuition + 1 year's accom, food etc. on resitting.
Hi I studied Economics, Geography and maths. I got B’s in the first 2 and the D in maths. I think my thought of doing the foundation year is I still have a guaranteed place at a semi target the next year and I’m not sure my parents would stomach me dropping out of university as they are unaware of my new plans to resit my maths a level. It would be super interesting to hear your experiences if you went through a similar circumstance and I would love to hear more. Thank you for your reply and your honesty it’s very much appreciated.
Sed ipsam et repellendus rem. Quia dolorem sint et maiores nihil iure. Fuga molestiae ut officia et eos. Ratione molestiae aut culpa ducimus doloribus. Voluptas dicta voluptas sint alias distinctio eligendi. Nostrum nostrum eveniet sapiente ad.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...