I received my A2 results yesterday and as expected didn't do extremely well in Physics (I have no idea why I took it). Although I achieved an A* in Computing, the field I wish to progress in - why I am here - it seems to count for nothing.
The educational system seems to be in shambles but that's a rant for another time. My exact grades were A*/B/D (computing/maths/physics). I was aiming for a Computer Science course at Bristol University despite knowing the chances of me getting in with my Physics grade were pretty low. I've been through the clearing process and received a verbal offer from Staffordshire University; there is so many courses it's amazingly hard to sift through them all to find something you're looking for.
Honestly University has never really appealed to me, the only thing about it that has appealed is getting away from home. I don't drink, or plan to, and I'm not the most social person to exist. I don't quite know what to do and I'm just asking for help from anyone that knows what they're talking about or has any sort of relevant opinion to share.
Should I go to University, attend Stafford and see what it's like - what's dropping out like (is it a viable option), does anyone know? Are there any apprenticeships for programming (my main interest is games programming, haha you all say, although programming in general has always been a passion)? I've been programming for so long I can't even remember when I started, I used to make DJ panels back when everyone played Habbo and now I've been doing a mixture of C++/C# for the last two or three years with a little Java in-between.
I'm not good at having a final result. I've never finished a game aside from basic pong or something that had glitchy physics (that word again). I've worked on several projects, Source mods, games using Ogre, tried to create my own engine, make a 2D game. Never finished anything though which is really a problem for me.
Please, if anyone could spare some help, advice, information, anything, I'd gladly appreciate it - I really don't know what to do and don't have long to make my mind up.
Have you been to Staffordshire University for a visit? I too am interested in this area and I applied and got a place (as insurance) for games programming at Staffordshire University, however will not be going this year due to the fact I can't afford to go.
If you don't think University is right for you, don't jump into it you can take a gap year and search around for places as a Junior software developer or something similar while you decide what to do. You got a B in A-Level maths that helps a lot when looking for this kind of thing. I know it feels like you need to go this year, but you don't so I'd wait until you're 100% you get the course you want, doing what you want.
I did as it was one of my five choices, but didn't set it as firm or insurance. I didn't really like it, but quite a few people have recommended it as a good university.
Thanks for the advice, I'll take a look at places offering junior software developer positions/apprenticeships, that really helps!
I graduated from Staffs a couple of months ago. It's good, apart from some of the design modules which I hated but that's because I did Design & Programming like an idiot.
Going to uni can give you time to figure out what you really want to do, as well as time to work on any side projects (which will help you land a job).
I wouldn't worry too much about your AS/A2 results; I did much worse than you, but worked hard in uni, got a 1st, and now have a job lined up too.
Again, thanks for your reply. I think I'm leaning towards the possibility of just going to Stafford and seeing what it's like. Dropping out is always an option to continue onto a year of thinking if it comes to it.
In North America, if you want a job in the programming industry, they want you to have graduated from university or a trade school. Or to have a credible enough portfolio to show you aren't incompetent.
I would recommend going to university to at least get contacts/make connections. Also it's fun. Just try to balance school work and recreational time aha.
[QUOTE=Nerr;37291082]Again, thanks for your reply. I think I'm leaning towards the possibility of just going to Stafford and seeing what it's like. Dropping out is always an option to continue onto a year of thinking if it comes to it.[/QUOTE]
If you honestly think you might drop out then, take a gap year first. If you drop out Student finance will ask you to pay it all back straight away and considering the fees are now 9000 + maintenance loans its not something you want to mess about with.
My best advice (for your situation) would be take a year out and look for programing jobs, truth be told you wont be getting a game programming job any time soon specially without a degree unless you startup a company yourself or you have some small companies in your area.
That said if you get a good job you can just move out of home without the need of uni.
When I and my group finished college I went to uni, I am now starting my second year.
Well a friend of mine who just went and looked for a job straight away is now working as a programmer for some banking company making around 20k, ye that is a lucky strike but its not to say it cant happen.
That said in the long run having a degree would probably be more beneficial but if the only reason your thinking about uni is to leave home then your best off just getting a job and finding a place of your own.
[editline]17th August 2012[/editline]
[QUOTE=NovembrDobby;37290995]I wouldn't worry too much about your AS/A2 results; I did much worse than you, but worked hard in uni, got a 1st, and now have a job lined up too.[/QUOTE]
Nice where about are you going to be working if you dont mind me asking?
Thanks for both of your replies.
Thanks for the recommendation about making contacts, that does seem like an extremely viable reason to attend university, atop the others.
I didn't realise you had to pay the full thing, if so then my previous plan does seem like a total disaster. Maybe a year out would be a better idea then, thank you.
[QUOTE=Richy19;37291452]Nice where about are you going to be working if you dont mind me asking?[/QUOTE]
meh, probably shouldn't say until I get the details/start there.
[QUOTE=NovembrDobby;37291927]meh, probably shouldn't say until I get the details/start there.[/QUOTE]
Ahh fair enought.
Is it a games tools development job? :P
In the end I decided to go with Staffs and have been accepted there for Computer Science. Going to compare modules and take a look at both Computer Science and Computer Games Programming, but I wish to ask those who are at Staffs which is better if anyone knows?
Just thought I would offer some insight... although I too enjoy working on programming games, etc I have chosen to take computer science over games computing, purely because it isn't as specialised as games computing and therefore allows me to go into a games related career or leave my options open to other programming jobs out there.
tl;dr computer science is not as specialised, therefore other job opportunities are out there :)
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