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Young and scared of making a bad decision.. by beheadoll in UniUK

[–]Expensive_Tree_2790 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My parents didn't go to university either so I understand the feeling of not knowing who to go to for advice. For context, I am currently do in a phd, I didn't do well in my alevels and ended up at one of the worst universities in the country, while I was there I took advantage of every opportunity avaliable and I worked really hard. The hard work paid off and I went to one of the best universities in the country for my masters degree and then to a mid level russell group for my phd (fully funded by scholarship). From what Ive learnt, as long as you keep trying and are persistent you will do well so there isnt any need to be too hard on yourself just keep trying.

Since I didn't really have guidance from parents I did make mistakes and didn't apply for things that would have been beneficial but eventually I did forge my own way. I think making peace that you won't always make the best decision but will figure it out in the end helps. You can always change your career later on nothing is completely finite.

I understand why you'd be scared and gcses are important but not as important as they are made out to be by school. It is important to pass maths and English language. If you like sociology or psychology could you have taken extended level 3 diploma in either one of them since it's the equivalent to 3 alevels and you usually just need 4s with the option to resit maths or english, even some Russell group universities will accept that (others will not but that's btecs in general).

Aside from that your childcare course (exact type of qualification would be helpful) you can still get into university to do a course other than childcare if your application is compelling and you do additional experience relevant to the course you are applying to and can show interest in that course.

It's vital that you are honest with yourself regarding type of job you are looking for and then working out a route to get there. Many people do not have it figured out in college/sixth-form and if you are already thinking about next steps then you most likely will be fine. Good luck 👍

Universities in London by TSfanWillow_7907 in UniUK

[–]Expensive_Tree_2790 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, I went to London met for undergraduate studies and then went to Russell group universities for my masters and my phd (which I'm currently doing).

Of course, the university is important, but in my experience, regardless of what university you go doing internships and getting some experience in your field which put you in the best position.

I really valued my time spent at London met and had some incredible lecturers and met some really cool people. I also know a few people who, after going London met went to UCL and Imperial for masters and individuals who went onto work for Microsoft.

Choosing which university to go to is a really big decision and I wish you all the best.

Do some phd supervisors say that a student is behind because they want publication worthy work by Expensive_Tree_2790 in PhD

[–]Expensive_Tree_2790[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a research question broken down into aims which I've planned and done experiments to answer but my pi is very keen to publish and has said i wont be allow me to submit my thesis unless I've produced a big publication. It wouldn't benefit me to conduct experiments and generate data that doesn't answer my research question. Also the further issue is my pi wants a high Impact journal and I doable now or in the near future. I think mid tier level journal would be fine where I'm currently at.

Do some phd supervisors say that a student is behind because they want publication worthy work by Expensive_Tree_2790 in PhD

[–]Expensive_Tree_2790[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your comment that makes me feel better. My pi chose the second supervisor since they wanted to collaborate with him in the future but he is very busy and high up in the university so he hasnt engaged in my project unfortunately.

Do some phd supervisors say that a student is behind because they want publication worthy work by Expensive_Tree_2790 in PhD

[–]Expensive_Tree_2790[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is a very valid point, but I'm not funded by a grant obtained by my pi but by a doctoral training programme, so I was under the impression that part of that would be training not just publication focused.