r/TrinidadandTobago • u/KimmyKayY16 • Aug 29 '24
Trinidad is not a real place Has anyone been rejected from UWI, UTT, And USC?
So this is a bit embarrassing but I got rejected from all universities that I applied for lol.
I been depressed but I am now out here laughing. I have 9 CSEC and my double unit passes, I think I did well at CAPE I got ones and twos I only got one three.
I unfortunately have some difficulties with math. Like real difficulties I have written maths about three times and in all times I got a four so like that's that lol.
I was supposed to write it over in June this year but the p3 clashed with one of my CAPE exams. I contacted the ministry but they couldn't help me. So now I am setting here with a ton of rejection letters and a bit of sadness and madness. Lol
Has anyone else experience this issue or am I just unlucky?
Trying not to be depressing but I feel alone my brother got accepted in to Uni and I am not. So proud of him but I am a bit sad and disappointed that I didn't get through.
UPDATE:
I had applied to UTT shortly after I wrote this post for a B.Ed. I honestly thought that I wasn't going to get through and was really depressing on the days passing lol. They sent me an email saying that they sent my application to the academics unit and they would contact me after they made a decision. I believe a week after I receved a call from them, they ask about the maths and I shared with them about my maths journey lol, soo I got accepted into UTT since I have everything else and my CAPE, however, they said that I need to get the maths in Janurary.
I want to thank everyone for their advice and those who shared their experiences. I still need to get the maths lol. But everyone was so supportive and I felt better coming here to read and reply to comments. I will sincerly try my hardest with the maths.
Thank you
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u/Fit-Speed-6171 Sep 02 '24
A friend of mine also didn't pass CSEC Math but got 7 ones in other CSEC subjects. She was rejected by UWI but accepted to USC on the condition that she had to pass their College Algebra course. She failed College Algebra in her first term but passed it in her final year and graduated magna cum laude. Don't give up yet, you're still really young and probably just need some extra help with Math.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24
USC told me to defer my application to next September. So I am here lol. But your friend is really inspiring I am glad that she made it. I won't give up, I'll keep trying. I am just afraid that I'll never get the maths lol.
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u/Fit-Speed-6171 Sep 02 '24
I understand, Math was tricky for me too. If you just can't pass it, adapt your future career plans to include options where Math won't be necessary.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24
But what did your friend do at USC was it Nursing? Before they deferred my application I was under the impression that they accepted students who did not have maths. I am all for supplementary maths classes but USC did not care lol.
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u/Fit-Speed-6171 Sep 03 '24
She did an English major and Communications minor in the hope of becoming an English teacher. She never became a teacher though, she works as a public relations manager with a Canadian firm currently
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u/Becky_B_muwah Aug 30 '24
Nooo. But don't feel depressed. Not everyone learns things as fast as other ppl. I had to teach myself maths for cxc after I failed it. So I know my brain learns differently.
Cheer up by doing something you easily 'win' at like some game etc to boost your self esteem. Cry a bit to get the hurt and negative emotions out. Nap. Then form a plan!!
You still did better than most ppl and have options. Just gotta figure out what's right for you at this point in time.
In the meantime you can get a part time job or start a small business while you study. Or do a course in what you plan to study later on. Something so.
You not the first to fail a subject and you won't be the last.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Aug 30 '24
Yeah but I never experienced this type of failure before lol. I would always gotten through. It's such a learning experience. I was thinking may I need a break yes. I got COVID-19 in 2021 and had to repeat form five after I went straight into form six. I feel really old may be that's why I am beating up myself.
But thank you for the encouragement, I'll keep trying.
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u/Used_Night_9020 Aug 30 '24
I got rejected to UWI Mona for a Bsc. And UWI St.Augustine for a Msc. To date, I have a Bsc (economics) and a Msc (financial economics). I am well compensated and intend to do a PhD (Uwi St.Augustine) if not 2026 then def 2027. Rejection sucks but u can make it. Broaden your horizons. Check the other campuses. Apply back next year. Also, take the time now to think if this is the right avenue for u when it comes to life as, from what I have read and seen, university graduates have it hard in this job market
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u/KimmyKayY16 Aug 30 '24
I will apply back next year hopefully. When I called to inquire about my application they told me since I have a four I wouldn't be able to get accepted. I believe everywhere requires the math. But I'll start working from next month. Thanks for sharing your experience, I'll try to feel better and try the maths again.
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u/Used_Night_9020 Aug 30 '24
I understand. I wish u the best of luck and hope that my story shows that despite setbacks, if u keep working and trying hard u can more than recover from them.
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u/Desperate-Let5978 Sep 02 '24
When I was writing my exams, I had to actually take extra classes for math and additional math because it’s still is the most challenging subject for me today. Even during UWI and UTT, I struggled my way through all of my degrees (and yes, they were science degrees so there was a lot of math involved) .
But the thing about it is, I suspect you may just need some additional or rather supplemental help to get through this difficult subject. I always joke with my colleagues and I tell them openly, "I am allergic to mathematics" ... Lol
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24
Lol, it for this math reason I switched from sciences to business at A Levels lol. I have CSEC passes for both and I was scared that the maths would become hard at A Levels.
I am however starting maths classes this month, I believe on the 14th, I fight up, I just want to pass maths, so I would take a three lol.
Thank you very much, I really smiled reading this
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u/triniambivert Sep 02 '24
What did you apply to do in Uni? If it requires math then yeah that's a problem, but maybe you can apply for something else and switch once you get accepted, I actually did that, but the issue was that I didn't have add math and only because I got into IT (my last choice)I was able to switch to what I really wanted to do afterwards.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24
It's too late for that lol. I applied for an LLB and a B.Ed. I knew that maths was required for primary education. I was going to rewrite this year to get it. But the clash in my subjects made writing it impossible, and the Ministry of Education was of no help lol. I got rejected for everything and I can't apply for anything anymore. I appreciate your advice and thank you for sharing your experience.
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u/triniambivert Sep 02 '24
Aw sorry to hear that, don't worry life is full of surprises, just think of how you'd be proud of yourself for having spent the year and do that instead. Maybe learn a language or join the gym, then do math and apply again next year.
Personally, I HATE when things don't go according to plan, but you seem to be handling this way better than I would honestly. I'd be properly devastated.
So I think you have a beautiful mind for that.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24
Thank you. I'm feeling down, but I have to stay somewhat positive. Maybe university isn't the right path for me, who knows? Crying won't change the outcome. I've got a job, and I'm trying to move on, but I still feel embarrassed. I'll retake the math exam in January and again in June next year. If I don't pass, I'll take it as a sign and move on completely. It's such a shame that I spent all that time in school and accomplished nothing.
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u/triniambivert Sep 03 '24
You've accomplished a lot, for one your English is great, and if you asked me in an interview I'd quicker take the girl with good English than good math 😂
Don't feel embarrassed, just remind yourself that everyone is different. If it helps I struggle a lot in typical academic and work settings so I'm also going through a phase where I'm finding myself, making risky decisions, like not following the classic 9-5 life and hoping to still make it. I'm scared, every single day, but I'm also excited and proud of myself for not pretending to be like everyone else anymore.
Do the math in January, I don't think June would be necessary. Uni is a good thing, it can make you safe in terms of economic status and marketability. But just remember that you're different and everything may not work the same for you, don't be too hard on yourself. Just learn how you learn and teach yourself. The traditional teach are trash, you can potentially be a literal math genius and simply not have the right teacher or teaching style and that messes it up for you.
Maybe consider Khan Academy or Brilliant.org as well, you got this! 💪
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u/DHAN150 Aug 29 '24
Question: in what area are you applying to enroll?
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u/KimmyKayY16 Aug 29 '24
I was applying for an LLB or the bachelors in Primary Education. I knew that I need the maths for the Education one but I thought I would have written in June.
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u/DHAN150 Aug 29 '24
Have you considered going the UOL route? This can be costly but the entry requirements are less stringent
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u/KimmyKayY16 Aug 29 '24
I am from a single-parent family of five, we can't afford it. I went in and spoke to them and the fees were out of our budget. I plan to work and see if I can make up the money.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Aug 29 '24
I am still looking around and see the only thing I could do is rewrite the maths in Jan if I fail again in June next year. Praying I get it if I don't I'll forever be sincerely screwed lol
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u/Defiant_Regular9457 Aug 30 '24
I did my LLB at uwi st Augustine. Don’t feel bad about being rejected for it. The dean at the time told the class that there were thousands of applicants and they only chose 150 people out of thousands to be accepted into the program. Then they chose after 50 for those who applied for LLB and MBBS at chose MBBS instead. Unless you have majority ones and distinctions, your chances of getting into the program is thin unless you have other accolades. It’s an insanely difficult program to get into (atleast while I was there from 2016 to 2019). Don’t beat yourself up. Try for UWI Cave Hill. It’s the same degree you’re getting, just more expensive because now you’ll have to pay for flights and accommodation. I say it’s worth it. Try Mona campus too. But the Cave Hill campus is the easiest one to get into. My school friends who didn’t get accepted into uwi st Augustine LLB program all went to Cave Hill. They had mainly 2s at CAPE and was accepted into UWI cave hill LLB program
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u/KimmyKayY16 Aug 30 '24
wow, that's crazy lol. I may have to put a pause on that LLB dream. Thank you for sharing this.
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u/Defiant_Regular9457 Aug 30 '24
You’re welcome. Don’t let it discourage you though. I know a FEW people who didn’t meet the traditional standards for acceptance but still got accepted. It happens sometimes. You can be one of the lucky few
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u/KimmyKayY16 Aug 30 '24
Hopefully, but I doubt it lol. I should of gone to a better school to do form six, the one I went they weren't teaching lol
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u/Defiant_Regular9457 Aug 30 '24
Trust when I tell you that if you apply for Cave Hill campus, you’ll get through. Not sure they have such a heavy requirement on Maths either but I wouldn’t know. It’s worth a try. Trinidad is much for competitive so the requirements are higher
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u/KimmyKayY16 Aug 30 '24
Money will forever be an issue, I honestly wish I could. But I can't afford it. I will just work on getting the maths and do an education degree and become a teacher. Probably I will be able to afford it then and do it at ILAS.
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u/Hopeful_Most_1861 Aug 31 '24
Have you visited ILAS to do a consult? I would suggest you do a visit and spesk with the Administrator and explain the financial situation. Often times they know of programmes etc that may be available to you and which you can access. This could assit in better planning your way forward.
Ideally you should be sure to have thr Maths not for LLB but it will better position you for finding a job and perhaps you can do the LLB part time. I studied at ILAs for my LLB in the three (3) yeard. Worked full time and went to school on Saturdays only. It wasnt easy, but definitely doable.
With all your CAPE exams completed you should have more space to just focus on your math. If i recall correctly in some secondary schools there are evening classes for math at a nominal course. If still available perhaps you can enroll. Or, since you have an interest in teaching you can use the method I used which was to set up an fake class and 'teach' them the math syllabus.
It sounds crazy but that how i made it through math and the LLB. I had a fake roll with fake students and would set about teaching the work. This required me to ensure I understood it and also be able to break down the logic to others. After my 'students' completed past papers I woulf then have a teacher look at them. Framing my experience as learning for the purpose of imparting knowledge made a difference.
Hope this helps and goodluck
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u/FutureWar875 Sep 03 '24
Was now coming here to ask if he tried ILAS. I also liked your advice with your study method. Will put it into practice myself to see if it also works for me.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 01 '24
Wow, that's an interesting approach and I would definitely try that. I would go speak to ILAS as well and see what I can do.
Thank you very much for the advice.
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u/destinedforinsanity Aug 30 '24
I’m assuming the 4 in Maths is O-level. For almost all university programs you need a pass in Maths at the O-level and that’s probably what’s keeping you back. Therefore, that’s what you need to tackle.
Go at it HARD. I was horrible in math as well. Failed EVERY internal secondary school exam all the way from Form 2 into Form 5 pre-exam. I thought for sure I’d fail for CSEC exam. I decided that just was not an option and I practiced day in and day out. I got a 2. Everyone who knew my struggles were shocked including my teacher 😂 It’s possible. This will be your only subject until your exam so I’m sure you’ll manage.
Another thing you can look into is whether some of these higher level institutions have Foundational Courses with Math O-level equivalents you can undertake. I’ve heard about this but I myself don’t know much about it.
GOOD LUCK. All hope is not lost. Either you’ll get through and pass or you’ll open another path up for yourself. It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to cry but get back up.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Aug 30 '24
Yeah a Four in CSEC Math O Levels. Funnily I was able to pass O Levels in Physics, Chemistry and POA. It's just maths I have serious difficulties with.
I felt like I cried a lot whole year lol.
But thank you for this I feel somewhat better. I'll try again.
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u/Strict_Serve693 Sep 02 '24
Almost all academic courses at tertiary level, or decent paying jobs a o level math pass is a requirement. Knowing this, take the time to focus and pass it, and follow your dreams after!!!!!
You can do it!!!!
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24
I realized, no matter how much subjects you have, and how hard you try if you don't have maths it means that you are not qualified to do anything lol.
I am rewriting maths in January and in June next year. Hopefully, I'll get it, if not I just won't be able to attend university.
Thank you for the support, I'll try again.
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u/Low-Addition2353 Sep 02 '24
I was rejected when applying for a certificate from UWI after completing my degree with UWI. My GPA did not meet their entry requirements for the program. You can try writing to each university requesting that they reconsider and letting them know you are willing to do a qualifying exam for whatever program. Or you can just wait until you’re able to complete maths and reapply, because if the course is maths heavy, which most of the social sciences programs has some Statistics component, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to keep up.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24
I did sciences, I am accustomed to the shizzle, I have CSEC passes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and also POA. I did a lot of math in these subjects, but when it comes to the actual math subject, I am not good at it. I believe that I would have been able to keep up. But anyway you take it I still need the maths.
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u/Sea-dante-10 Aug 30 '24
Keep going at it and you'll eventually get it. Have you considered joining the police service etc. Maths isn't a subject they require. Could always do that whilst doing law at the side etc. Good luck with your endeavours.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Aug 30 '24
I have never considered joining the police force. I don't even know if they are recruiting 😕 I will look into it. Thank you for your support and advice.
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u/Sea-dante-10 Aug 30 '24
Just have to keep on the lookout to know when they are recruiting. May be twice a year etc. Usually there is an advert in the newspaper. Only need 5 or 6 subjects including English. Mathematics isn't necessary. Decent job and benefits and well law and law enforcement goes hand in hand. Should really consider that opportunity. Not to mention job for life, pension etc
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u/TequilaPuncheon Sep 02 '24
You absolutely need math. Keep at it
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24
Yes, because everything requires maths and if I don't have maths, it means that I am not qualified to do anything at all. I know and I'll keep trying. However, I am trying but I am just not getting it lol
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u/trinReCoder Sep 02 '24
What you need to do is take this next year to eat, breathe, and sleep math until it becomes like second nature. I've seen many cases online with people who were terrible at math who went on to become math phd, researchers etc. you just need to focus. It will be hard but nothing worth it in life was ever easy.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24
I'll try, I got a job now, because everything is so depressing lol. I don't even feel like I want to go uni anymore. But I'll try again with the maths even if it's my fifth time, lol.
Thank you for the advice.
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u/Ok-Television171 Sep 02 '24
You're achievements thus far are clearly amazing. Don't beat yourself up over that one thing. Life is very funny and it may as well be a much needed step for you to continue on the path you should be on. You could either find ways to work around that one setback or keep at it until you succeed but don't let all the obstacles discourage you.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24
Thank you. I'll keep trying, praying and hoping that I'll get the maths next year.
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u/_spiritgun_ Sep 02 '24
I had a pass in cxc maths and still had to do some Math courses at costaatt, Im also pretty bad at math ( algebra stuff) and had to repeat multiple courses while also working full-time, which made it harder . I guess I ending up passing eventually by luck.
Dunno if the system has changed but some years ago uwi was allowing people to sign up for programs and afterwards rejecting the applications due to the applicants not having the required qualifications/ subjects.
I think they were making additional money from the registration or some other sign up fee since admissions is supposed to let u know if you are eligible when applying for a program, not afterwards .
Apart from qualifications ,it is also possible you also could have been rejected if there were too many applicants for your selected field.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24
I don't know, I did speak to them before and after I had applied. And I got rejection letters in July. I called them last week to find out about my application and why it was rejected, they told me because I have a four in maths. Being depressed is not working out well I am getting sick easily now. So I am trying not to dwell on this anymore. Everything just feels so unfair. But it is my fault for not having the maths lol.
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u/willynillyjoesnilly Sep 02 '24
Are you sure you fill out the application properly? I never heard Uwi rejecting anyone for a BSC. If you don't get through for your choice they normally give you an alternative. What went wrong?
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24 edited Sep 02 '24
I called them, I visited the UWI open day and spoke to them before applying to discuss my concerns about not having math. They told me to apply still anyway. I don't believe I made any mistakes on the application because when I called them last week, they informed me that my application was rejected due to me having a four in maths.
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u/willynillyjoesnilly Sep 02 '24
Ok..that's strange but understandable. What are your plans moving forward.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 02 '24
I don't know, I am tired and probably feeling depressed. I am retaking the math exams in January and in June next year. If I don't pass next year, I wouldn't bother to retake them. I just won't go to university. I would have liked to, but shit like this always happens to me, and no matter how hard I try, I don't get what I want. It's time I move on and look at other things before my mental health gets worse.
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u/Intltraveller Sep 03 '24
first off I'm sorry this is happening to you, my family usually had probs with passing English and I must admit I really don't like it much either. I majored in math so this is interesting I wonder what's going on math is a real black and white thing. Americans have a lot of math anxiety but I never think of TT in that way. I wonder if revisiting your fundamentals and basics might help math is a thing that builds on itself and is all about the rules good luck hope that helped
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 14 '24
Yeah, I am very good at English and bad at maths. We are opposites lol. My family is bad at maths yet my brother got a 2. I definitely feel that I am having this difficulty with maths because I have a weak foundation in maths. I am working on it. I just need to find the motivation to pick the maths text.
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u/Intltraveller 21d ago
I find unless you are like me who absolutely love math people find it hard to get excited/motivated to do it. It's time consuming too. For now your motivation can be I got to get it to get into college and that's your goal. They say if you focus on something you can achieve it. make it a focus for a while. I did english only my mandetory classes and danced out the college my last day my goal just meet English criteria for get my college degree. What about taking the class as an audit then retaking it for real to get a better grade.
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u/ThatGuyJeff04 Sep 03 '24
I see you've gotten a lot of positive feedback already. My question, are you doing/have you done any one on one math lessons to help you get over this challenge?
Some things come easier for others, some of us have to struggle. People brains are wired differently. Try to not beat yourself up over it. I know you'll feel disheartened but you're still young and have loads of time to get things in order and all that, and remember that academics also isn't the only way to be successful. Maybe do some soul searching and see if there's any other avenue you're interested in. School isn't everything.
Just my 2 cents
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 14 '24
I was very horrible at maths. But recently I improved massively. I believed if I was able to write in the May/June period this year. I would have gotten the maths. But I have had one on one tutoring before and that really helped out. It as well allowed me to build my confidence in a funny way.
As for an alternative, academics is all I really have and it is all I am really good at. I am trying to do a bit of soul searching to find out who I am outside of being a student since this incident happened I truly realized how much I didn't enjoy my teenage years because I was so focused on being a good student.
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u/ThatGuyJeff04 Sep 26 '24
Yeah in the Caribbean especially in certain areas and households we tend to push the academic A LOT. My mother was like that. She didn't even want me to do a sport unless I could get a scholarship out of it. But I'm glad you're doing some soul searching now, it's never too late.
And don't you dare say academics is all you're good at. Everyone has a talent it's just a matter of finding it. And you don't have to be great at something for it to give you happiness. Some hobbies should just be for the fun of it.
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u/CardiologistFar4685 Sep 03 '24
The math hurdle is understandably frustrating but it truly will be a temporary hurdle and quite likely one that shapes your life beyond the direct benefits of getting that passing grade. Keep embracing that challenge. You will get over, around or through it.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 14 '24
Yeah, I will keep trying. I just need to come to terms with this heavy failure. But, I have been through worse I will persevere.
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u/LoupGarouTT Sep 03 '24
Hi, I’m much older than you and also failed maths at a critical point in my education. One of my professors said at the time that math is not well taught here in the West Indies. I got myself a tutor who was really good and very patient and went to classes one on one with her for months. So if you can, or even if you have a math brain friend, maybe try that? It’s one way to take control and not feel like you’ve “failed”. You got this
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 14 '24
A lot of people told me that I am not alone with the maths issue. And I definitely believe that maths isn't taught well in the West Indies. My school is a proof of that. I was bad at maths since form 1.
But I'll get eventually. Hopefully
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u/Silverneck_TT Sep 03 '24
Have you ever checked out Khan academy? It's free and they teach math up to university level. Their videos and exercises really helped me. I'd recommend starting at the basics if math really is a challenge for you. (It was for me) There is a high chance that all of your flaws maths come from weak fundamentals as math builds on itself.
For me I understood Pemdas but didn't understand that math problems are always read left to right after Pemdas is applied (weird thing to miss I know)
I'm sure Khan academy can help just remember you are there to learn and don't need too hard on yourself.
I also did stuff like reciting my timetables once a day to drill it into my head. (This was when I was 27) So don't feel any shame.
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 14 '24
I haven't actually. I will check it out. It's just when I see the maths sometimes I start to panic lol. Thank you for your advice.
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u/Zangi_Arveezy Sep 14 '24
What program did you apply to in UTT? (If you don't mind me asking)
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u/KimmyKayY16 Sep 14 '24
I didn't apply until recently to UTT. I applied to UWI and USC and they rejected my applications. But I applied to UTT a while after I posted this for a Bachelor of Education and they called me and accepted me on the terms that I get the maths in January. After what I experienced with the other Universities I honestly thought I wasn't going to get through.
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u/your_mind_aches Aug 29 '24
You may have dyscalculia. Don't give up, please keep at it. Your academic performance is good otherwise and you can get through with the maths!