University Offers

[Shadyxx]

Hi I’m new here. Hope you are all well.

I need some advice. I have been offered a place at Sheffield Hallam university at the condition that I pass my diploma and functional skills. I passed my diploma with 21 distinctions and 21 merits. I passed my English functional skills level 2 and entry maths level 3. I still need to enrol again for functional skill level 2. I’m worried they will decline me starting this year because I don’t have the level 2 maths. I have emailed them with no reply. Has anyone been through this before and have universities made a discretionary decision before? I’m in my 40s and just feel like I need a chance before I’m too old. Thanks

[ClareTG0ld]

It's not unheard-of for universities to accept people who don't quite meet the entrance requirements for a conditional offer, but in the long run only the university can decide.

It may also be that they're still waiting on other parts of the annual admissions process to run, which would seem to be after A-level results in mid-August.

https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/apply/undergraduate/confirming-your-place

Best I can suggest is that you hang tight, and hope that they get back to you asap -- if you are still worried, then email them again at some point this week, but perhaps you will need to wait until the dates above to have some resolution.

For what it's worth, though, even if you need a little longer to get to the required standard, it's by no means too late. Firstly, merely trying this hard and caring this much suggests that you've got the drive you need; and secondly, people well into their 70s have sat and obtained first-time degrees -- the case I know of personally went to Open University, rather than attending anywhere full-time, but the principle still holds. It's never too late!

[Shadyxx]

Thank you so much, feel a little better now xx

[Electrochem]

First of all, welcome to The Answerbank.

I think ClareTGold has given you a fantastic answer and I would just like to wish you good luck. Sheffield Hallam is a very good university. I left school with very few qualifications then went on to study part time for five years to get good qualifications.
You are more than capable of achieving this!

[Buenchico]

I suspect that the university is likely to consider the relevance of maths skills to the subject that you're seeking to study when coming to their decision. If, for example, you've applied for a science course or, say, one in economics, I'd say that you haven't got a moggy in Hades chance of being accepted without being able to prove your ability in maths. However if, say, you've applied to study mediaeval English literature or the history of art, the university might be far more likely to accept you.

As has been said, Sheffield Hallam is a fine university. (I studied at Sheffield City College of Education, with my degree being awarded by the University of Sheffield. However City College was later absorbed into Sheffield Polytechnic, which became Sheffield Hallam University. So my loyalties are split between Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam!). Sheffield is also a great city to live in. I hope that you get in!

[Tuvok]

You may not get an answer for a few days as the embargo period for confirming results and allocation of places may still be in effect.

[Shadyxx]

Thank you all so much for your positive and realistic replies. I’m hopeful and fully driven to do this. Xx

[Shadyxx]

I got in!!

[anneasquith]

Excellent. You are NEVER too old .

[ClareTG0ld]

Congratulations!!

[bednobs]

well done. we dont know each other but i'm so glad for you!

[MargoTester]

Great news, well done you :-)) I hope you enjoy the course