Afraid I'll Have To Drop Out Of College

Rahl

I have already posted this in the College forum but am hoping I may get some useful advice here also, I hope that's ok, as this is a personal issue of sorts, but I know there's people with far more serious problems than me here.

I'm a third year IT student in LIT. I had to repeat two exams a week ago as I failed them in the summer and got the results today, I'm afraid I failed them again

I had a lot of family problems this year, which made studying very difficult at times, but still managed to pass three out of my five subjects. My attendance was good (around 80%) and all my projects and practicals were submitted. I guess what I'm trying to say is I wasn't lazy by any means and made a good effort.

Trouble is, I've been relying on the grant to keep me going since I started College, as my financial situation is difficult. I'm assuming that I won't get the grant again to repeat the year, so that means I'll have to drop out.

I'll be contacting my course leader in the next day or so to see what my options are, although I've a feeling my prospects don't look good.

I just wanted to see if anybody here has been in a similar situation and may have any advice? Has anyone ever heard of a College allowing a student to repeat exams a second time, or carry on the exams and do them again at Christmas, next summer, etc?

Nevyn

They might let you pay a fee and repeat the exams the following year and then start back the year after and in the mean time you may be able to work and save.

shellyboo

Hey Rahl, I've been in your situation once as well. I had to repeat a year in college, and you're right, you won't get your grant for that year -- but worse still, you won't be eligible for free fees either. In my case, I got a bank loan to cover the fees (which were around €5k five years ago) and went ahead and repeated.

Definitely go see the appropriate people in college and talk to your SU as well. They may be aware of financial supports you can avail of. However, if all else fails, it's highly likely the college will allow you to defer repeating the year, which will allow you to take time off, work and save as Thaed says. Truly, the college will want to help you find a way to complete your degree as not only does it affect their rankings to have fewer dropouts, but in these times they actually need the fees as well.

Best of luck and don't get disheartened! Having to defer and repeat is really common, and the college will be helpful.

Galway K9

Yes within a degree course you are allowed to carry modules over to another year and repeat a high number of times(unsure how many) however you can repeat subjects externally payign 30approx for subject and you have year completely free to work or receive state benefits as your nto a registered student when repeating externally.


Things arent as bad as ya think from where im standing. Contact your college counsellor who will advise on everything possible

Rahl

I contacted the head of the IT department today and have a meeting arranged. Apparently, I can simply pay a fee and sit the two exams again, rather than have to repeat the whole year Prob would mean I would enter 4th year next September. What harm, it's a small price compared to having to drop out

Just wanted to say thanks for all your help guys, really appreciate it.