Does first year count? Grades, progression and using your summers

You may hear that 'first year doesn't count'. Sometimes that is true for your final degree class, but it is never true that first year does not matter. This lesson explains how first-year marks work in different systems and how to use your summers to build skills and experience.

In the UK: often not in the class, but always for progression

• At the University of Bristol, first-year marks do not contribute to your degree classification, and all other years do.
• Loughborough says the same: first-year marks will not contribute to your final degree classification.
• But you still have to pass. Loughborough requires at least 40% in a module to gain its credit and at least 100 credits to pass each year of a bachelor's degree, with extra rules on some courses such as engineering.
• Failed modules can often be reassessed, sometimes with the mark capped at the pass mark, but the number of attempts is limited and failing too much can stop you progressing. Check the exact rules in your own regulations.
• Rules differ between universities and courses, and some do count first-year marks. Read your own programme regulations in your first term.

In the US: every semester goes into your GPA

• US universities usually calculate a grade point average (GPA). At UNC, grade points (A = 4.0, B = 3.0 and so on) are multiplied by credit hours, added up and divided by the graded hours attempted.
• The University of Missouri says the cumulative GPA is based on all of its courses completed with A to F grades, so first-year grades are part of it from the start.
• Missouri also notes that a very low GPA is used to decide academic probation and eligibility to continue.
• Worked example (Missouri's figures): 3 hours of A (12 points) + 3 hours of B (9) + 3 hours of C (6) + 5 hours of C+ (11.5) = 38.5 points over 14 hours, a GPA of 2.75.
• Because the cumulative GPA averages everything, a weak first year is hard to pull up later. Treat first-year courses seriously.

Why first year matters anyway

• First year is where you learn the basics that later modules build on. Gaps now become bigger problems in second year.
• Employers and internship schemes often ask for your grades so far. For spring weeks and first-year internships, your first-year marks may be all they can see.
• Study abroad and placement-year schemes may set grade requirements; check yours early.
• Use first year to build habits: attending, using feedback (lesson ul-07) and asking for help early (lesson ul-04).

Using your summers: options in first and second year

• The University of Bath's careers service lists first-year options including spring weeks and insight days, summer internships, micro internships, part-time work, volunteering, self-employment, student groups and virtual work experience.
• Spring weeks and insight days last one to five days, are often only open to first-year students, and are common in banking, finance and professional services. Bath says many are advertised from late August to January, and some close in December.
• Summer internships typically last 6 to 12 weeks. Bath notes many formal schemes target penultimate-year students, but smaller companies and start-ups may be more flexible about year of study.
• Check visa conditions before taking work abroad, and the rules on student work in your country of study (lesson sb-03 and the Earning Money module).
• Summer in the GCC can be used well too: shadowing, volunteering, a short course or a project you can show, as well as proper rest (lesson sb-08).

A simple summer plan

• In October and November of first year, put application windows into your calendar, as some close before the new year.
• Visit your careers service with your CV before the winter break. Lesson nw-03 covers careers fairs.
• Bath advises recording your experiences as you go to make CV updates easier: keep a running list of what you did and what you learned.
• Plan the summer in three parts: something for your CV, something for your wellbeing and time with family.
• If you do not get a formal internship, that is normal. A small project, volunteering or a part-time job still builds skills worth describing.