REVISION

Hi guys!

I'm almost done with my first week of the Easter holidays and my revision is underway. It doesn't seem like 2 minutes since I was revising for January modules but these are the last A Level exams!

I have 5 this May/June - 

 - 1 Economics resit and 1 A2 Economics exam
 - 1 History resit and 1 A2 exam and 
 - 1 English Lit exam.

Unfortunately, study leave is not until the end of May and by then I will have already done my resit exams. So I've been sorting out all of my notes for my resits and making new ones for my new exams. I just want to fast-forward to July when they're all over...

Exam timetables never really work for me - I always make one but never fully follow it through. I usually sit down in a morning, do an hour, have a 10 minute break or so (I'm currently on one now!) and then get back to it. Rewards are a good way to stay motivated - an hour of this topic and then I play on Hay Day or Temple Run. Its impossible to sit for hours and stay concentrated... I know some say they wake up at 6am and work solidly until 6pm; this just doesn't work for me. Take breaks and don't burn out! 

Starting revision is always the hardest part and I have to force myself to sit down and start - I think its the thought of it that's so hard! First, I take the syllabus from the exam board (which can be found on their websites) and go through that, making notes on each topic. Then condensing it to revision cards and posters for my walls.

I use revision cards for definitions, diagrams and quotes and also post-it notes which go all round my room and bathroom so I can read it when getting ready in the morning. 

I try to do all past papers, questions and essays that I can find - again, all found online. Although if you are on a more recent A Level course, this may be hard to find. And I try to time myself doing a past paper too.

Good luck to everyone doing exams this summer! And especially to us Year 13's who are doing our last A Level exams!

Clara x

P.S. Update on UCAS - I've already said I've firmed and insured, now its the task of Student Finance and accommodation to sort out! They're on my to-do list for today :)

Decisions = Made!

Hello again!

I haven't posted since January results came out - was that only a week ago? Wow! And a few things have changed in the past week:

1. I went on my final Applicant Day on Wednesday and I loved it! The department was great, the University seems lovely and I really like the accommodation too. We had a general academic talk and a folder which contained personalised information about the course, such as the modules on offer study abroad information. Next was refreshments and an opportunity to talk to current students and lecturers - the students all seemed to really enjoy the course, which was positive. (Although, everything should be taken with a pinch of salt, as the students are probably paid for it!) Next was a tour of the Student's Union and library and then a tour of the accommodation. Everything was very impressive and so...

2. I replied to my offers on UCAS Track. You can reply to your offers anytime up until the 8th May, I believe, but I made my mind up and wanted to reply now. So I have declined 3 offers, insured 1 and firmed the last. Very exciting!! The insurance choice was one with lower entry requirements than my firm, but I really wouldn't mind either! This also means I can start applying for University accommodation and has given me extra motivation for this year. Fingers crossed I get the grades!

3. I started Student Finance. This is the body all applicants have to go through to receive the loans for Tuition and Maintenance and the Maintenance grants too. Loans are to be paid back when you start earning, grants are not.TSR break down S.F. really well, I shall link it here. The closing date to apply for 2013/2014 entry is 31st May and I've read that its best to get it sorted sooner, rather than later - or else you may not have anything to live on come the start of term! I still haven't finished it, as you need to put in your parent's combined household income and answer a lot of questions, but I hope I get it done soon.

That's it for now! I'm on the home straight with Easter holidays starting next week on 22nd March and then I leave school for study leave on 24th May. Still can't believe I'm so close to finishing! Work is still piling up - next week is my final deadlines for both English and History coursework so I'm focusing on that for now... and then revision will start all over again!

Thank you for reading,

Clara x

January Results!

Hi guys,

So today was module results from January exams and I have been so worried about them! I couldn't sleep last night and I was up really early this morning so I was in school early to collect them.

I knew that I hadn't done brilliantly as none of my exams went that great and my results were so-so... I'm still on track to get the grades I need for my first choice University, which is the main thing! I've been calculating what UMS I need to get the grades I need in August, so it should all work out. Hopefully... 

If you got results today, I hope you got what you deserve! Remember that its just a module, and you can resit in June, so don't worry if you haven't done as well as you'd hope. Also, if you are in AS year, they are a big jump from GCSE so don't be disappointed and use this as a wake-up call for June! If you are in A2 like me... you can be disappointed with me ;)

Make sure you look at the UMS and not the grade, as that's what is added together to make your final grade. UMS grade boundaries can be found online on exam board websites, although your teachers will have this information too. 

I hope today went well for you all! Not much has been happening with me... mainly coursework and homework and starting the last unit of A Levels! I have my last applicant day next week and then I will make my choices on UCAS Track :)

Thank you for reading,

Clara xx