Unconditional offers into University

More universities in the UK are giving students unconditional offers into their universities. These are some of the top universities in the world. Unconditional offers are made based on predicted grades even before the students even sit for their A levels. “Last year, more than 50,000 students were offered unconditional places, raising fears universities were using the practice to secure student fees of more than £9,000 a year, to the detriment of some pupils”, The Independent quoted.

This system might not be efficient or feasible in the long run. It has negative implications for both the universities and the students. Students who have not performed well in high school but well at the A levels may be deprived of a place. The student who is given an unconditional offer may not be motivated to perform his best at the A levels. Unconditional offers can also undermine the excellence of universities since offers are based on high school grades which are not nationwide and standardised, whereas the GCE A level is a standardised test bed for students.

Moreover, this can have negative consequences if employers take GCE A level grades in to account for hiring. While exam results are not everything, students can get complacent and not even acquire the analytical skills necessary for working life later. Skills and knowledge need to work in tandem. Anthony Fok Education Advisory (AFEA) emphasises the acquisition of both skills and knowledge. AFEA prides itself on instilling the right mindset and attitudes towards self-improvement, skills upgrading and nurturing unique talents in children so that they will be ready to embrace the future.

 

You can read more about the article here:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/unconditional-offers-alevel-students-ucas-university-places-clare-marchant-a8239351.html

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