• Hey Guest, Have an interview coming up? We’ve opened new mock interview slots this week. Book here
  • TCLA Premium: Now half price (£30/month). Applications, interviews, commercial awareness + 700+ examples.
    Join →

Dropping out of university and reapplying

alexfdz

New Member
Mar 9, 2026
1
0
Hello,

I am currently a first year undergraduate doing LLB law at University of Exeter. I plan on dropping out at the end of this year as I don't enjoy the atmosphere and think I could be a more serious applicant in the future if I take a gap year and reapply. Over the gap year I am aiming to complete some work experience (in-person and online), volunteering (nationally and internationally) and complete the LNAT in September. I would like to apply to Warwick, Bristol or UCL.

My A-level grades are:
A* - Sociology
A - Law
A - Spanish

My GCSE's are weaker, with mostly 5s and 6s, but I will retake English and Maths to make myself more competitive.

I will likely achieve 2:1s and 1sts in all my first year modules at Exeter.

Does this seem 1) plausible to enter another university as a first year undergraduate and 2) a viable path to improve my chances of achieving a TC in the future?
 

FM302989

Legendary Member
Junior Lawyer
  • Oct 16, 2020
    332
    1,256
    Personal opinion, and perhaps bias also as an Exeter grad, but no this does not seem plausible at all.

    There is no added benefit to your academic or professional journey from dropping out out of a Russel Group university and effectively setting yourself back two years.

    Equally, firms will not be scrutinising GCSE results, although some firms may have a minimum A-Level expectation which you've clearly smashed. Please do not re-sit GCSEs

    None of what you're suggesting is sensible or adds any benefit to securing a TC in the future. I apologise if this comes across harsh but you've come so far in your first year that I don't understand why you'd choose to give up and have a gap year now?

    Work and study hard to keep your grades high, understand the profession and practice areas you may want to work in, get involved in societies and sports teams if that's what is making the atmosphere less pleasant and continue building up your profile before applications open up for you
     

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Get Our 2026 Vacation Scheme Guide

    Nail your vacation scheme applications this year with our latest guide, with sample answers to law firm questions.