Unconditional offers work against candidates

Unconditional offers work against candidates

News today about unconditional A level offers. Here at the Exam house we have always believed they are not useful and actually cause harm to candidates.

The Office for Students (OfS) has today repeated a warning that unconditional offers actually work against the exam candidates. Research shows those who receive unconditional offers are less likely to progress into the second year of their university courses.

Unconditional offers are handed out by universities to pupils and candidates ahead of them sitting their A level exams.

Unconditional offers have long been associated with lowered performance at both A level and university. A greater proportion of unconditional offer students falling out at or before year two of the university course.

Research published today by the Office of Students shows A level candidates who accepted an unconditional offer in 2017-18 had a continuation rate between 0.4 and 1.1 percentage points lower than would have been expected had they taken up a conditional offer instead.

A Department for Education spokesperson said:

“It is deeply concerning that students who accept direct and conditional unconditional offers are less likely to continue on to the second year of their course.

“The Universities Minister has been clear there is no justification for conditional unconditional offers and the practice should be eradicated. Students should not be pressured into decisions that are not in their best interests and they are not able to succeed in.

“We welcome the Office for Students’ strong action to eradicate these admissions practices during this period. Universities should also make sure their students are fully supported to complete their studies and go on to graduate work.”

The Exam House believes Unconditional Offers are symptom of a broken A level and UCAS system.