Why do British high schools have such a huge impact on the performance of students in university?

[Anonymous]

I am studying in a UK top university as an international student who went to a public school. I feel that I have to work much harder than my classmates for lower marks, as I am always tired, I have less time for extracurricular activities. My marks are decent, but my classmates who went to private schools get higher marks with the same amount of effort.

[MaazHussain]

There are several possible reasons why students who attended private schools in the UK may perform better at university compared to those who attended public schools. These reasons may include:

• Teaching quality: Private schools may have more resources to attract and retain highly qualified teachers, who can provide students with a more challenging and rigorous education.
• Curriculum: Private schools may have a more academically rigorous curriculum, which may better prepare students for the demands of university-level work.
• Academic support: Private schools may provide more individualized academic support and resources, such as tutoring and study skills classes, to help students excel academically.
• Networking opportunities: Private schools may offer more opportunities for students to network with alumni and other professionals in their field of interest, which can lead to internships and job opportunities.
• Cultural capital: Private schools may instill in students a sense of cultural capital and confidence, which can be advantageous in academic and professional settings.

It's important to note that these factors are not exclusive to private schools and that students who attended public schools can still succeed academically with hard work, dedication, and support. If you're struggling, it may be helpful to seek out academic support services at your university, such as tutoring or study skills workshops, and to communicate with your professors about any challenges you're facing.

Here are some tips to increase performance and score better in university:

• Set goals: Set realistic goals for yourself that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This will help you stay motivated and focused on what you need to accomplish.
• Manage your time: Develop a schedule that allows you to balance your academic responsibilities with your other activities, including extracurricular activities. Prioritize your tasks and try to avoid procrastination.
• Attend classes and participate actively: Attend your classes regularly and actively participate in discussions and activities. Take notes and ask questions when you don't understand something.
• Review and revise: Review your notes and readings regularly and revise them before exams. Make summary notes to help you retain information better.
• Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to seek help from professors or tutors when you're struggling with a particular subject. Join a study group or get a study partner to help motivate you and keep you accountable.
• Practice active learning: Active learning involves actively engaging with the material you're learning, rather than just passively reading or listening. This includes things like taking notes, summarizing information, asking questions, and practicing problems. Active learning has been shown to improve retention and understanding of the material.

Regarding extra-curricular activities, here are some tips to help manage your time:

• Prioritize: Decide which activities are most important to you and focus on those. Don't spread yourself too thin by trying to do everything.
• Schedule: Develop a schedule that allows you to balance your academic responsibilities with your extra-curricular activities. Make sure you have enough time for both.
• Be efficient: Use your time wisely by minimizing distractions and focusing on the task at hand.
• Be flexible: Be willing to adjust your schedule as needed, but make sure you're still meeting your academic and extra-curricular goals.

[Jessica405]

It is all down to motivation, having a good memory, and understanding what you are doing at every level. You must be willing to forego virtually all your social life.

[Asker]

I don't have much social life. I have a friend or two. I have a good memory, but how does it help you with writing essays?

[Jessica405]

You should have no distractions. Keep working at what you are doing. Go over it. Edit it. Keep doing research into the topic.

[boggboss]

Welcome to a class base system

[Jessica405]

That is not my experience of 7 years at two universities. I went to a bog standard average comprehensive school in UK.

[boggboss]

What unis did u go

[boggboss]

And equally what courses as that could make a difference

[Jessica405]

I did computer science, but the subject is irrelevant. You just have to know your subject.

[boggboss]

Thats not true lol the subjects have clear differences in level of difficulty its why the top universities have higher acceptance rates from kids that have gone to private school then public that dont mean u can't excel if ubdidnt go to a better school but to claim thats irrelevant is just not true

[Asker]

I do philosophy and I think it is which school you went to influences this degree more than computer science

[Asker]

I think which school we went to*

[Jessica405]

I am saying the subject is irrelevant once you have chosen it. You then only get out of it what you are willing to put in.