Should I Mention Dropping Out of Previous Uni on UCAS Form??

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone one has any comments or experience about starting a degree in a different subject matter after dropping out of a previous one, and whether or not it should be mentioned in your UCAS application?

I started a degree course in 2006 in Equine Studies but had to quit before the end of year one due to depression and stress. (Sounds really feeble, I know, but it was hell!)

My thinking is that if I mentioned it on my UCAS form it could show that I am aware of the standard required for uni work (I never had a problem with the assignments) and the commitment required. Also that I have a wide range of interests and that I wasn't just bumming around at home doing nothing for a year.

On the other hand, I am concerned that a university might see it as a reason to decline my application because they may think I won't be able to handle it any better the second time around, although I am taking steps to make sure I will be able to. (I should mention that I am hoping to do an Access course at college - along with my distance learning A-Level English - this year so I'll have some evidence of applying myself to learning.) And will my reason for leaving - ill-health - be likely to affect their decision?

It's a worry of mine so I'd love some constuctive remarks!!

Thanks,

Felicity

Hiya hun,

Before being accepted to start Midwifery this coming September, I dropped out of a teaching degree last June. I did complete the first year but I dropped out because it just wasn't the right course for me.

I did mention it to UCAS and on my personal statement, only because, they will know anyway due to your name, and student loans when you come to apply to them. There is a question on UCAS about having a previous ucas number etc. I would defintely mention it. If you tried to hide it, they may find you out anyway and then you'd be in trouble :P

Also, I believe it worked in my favour due to the first year in university mainly being about how you cope in uni, workshops etc. In my interview I mentioned this and how it will help me be better prepared for this degree as I know the work load, I know what is expected of me etc!

Don't think of it as a negative, it was just the wrong choice for you and no you have come to realise what you want to do! There can only be positives from being accepted onto a uni course before!

Hope that helped a little haha!

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I have no experience of this so bear with me..

What I would always say is tell the truth, I am sure lots of people have had to leave a course (sounds better than dropping-out) for many, many reasons and this should not affect your application. But that is only my opinion, and it is of course up to you what you do.

It is always best not to hide or try to hide anything as a uni has a right to ask you to leave if you withheld any info they may deem to be important (not that this is really, but you know what I mean)

just my thoughts

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i think the very-pc terminology these days is 'stepping off' ...so i would mention it as i think you need to but call it stepping off, explaining reasons why if you need to....
goodluck
x

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Site Administrator, Student Mentor Scheme Manager

STMW 2nd year - no, really!

The first time I was unsuccessful it was mentioned in my feedback that I hadnt mentioned in my ps why I had left my nurse training halfway through.

I dropped out of uni in Birmingham where I studied Geography.... definitely be honest about it! It could act in your favour. In the interview I just said that I wasn't happy and I couldn't see a career for me in that area, and it made me really think about what I really wanted to do. From learning from my mistakes, I was absolutely positive that midwifery was the right career for me.

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3rd year Student Midwife

I agree - I dropped out of a degree course which I started straight from school because I hated it and as one of the other posters has mentioned I couldn't see me making a career of it. (incidentally I am still in touch with 2 people who did complete the course and I know I made the right decision). I think the experience of dropping out has helped me firstly know I am making the right decision now and secondly being aware of the amount of work needed to study at university level.

That's how I'm going to sell it anyway!

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'Do or Do Not. There is no Try.' Yoda
Applying to UWS Hamilton Campus for 2009 entry!

I know this may not be any help but i was rejected this year, when i phoned for some feedback i asked if i should mention that i got through to the interview stage this time but failed to gain a place.

The woman told me not to mention it as she wanted the applications to be as fresh as though she had neve r seen us before ???

Really confusing as a friend of mine who applied to a diff uni was told to use the experience in her ps to show how she has improved on her last application ???

It really is up to you what you do as we have just seen someone win a six figure job on the apprentice when he lied on his cv !!

It doesnt send a very good message to those of us who are trying to be honest.

But IMOA i would use the 'stepping off' terminology as this softens the fact that you dropped out.

Also you can -as you have mentioned, say that you have direct experience of degree level study so that cant be a bad thing can it ??

XXX

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HAS JUST SUBMITTED UCAS FORM !!!! ( 22/10/08)
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind......Gandhi.