A computer whizz bounced back from five university rejections to land the perfect degree course after achieving exceptional A level results.
Dhru Randeria, 17, of Loughborough, earned straight As in Computer Science, Maths and Biology to secure a place on the Computer Science degree programme at Bath University.
It hasn’t been an easy ride for Dhru who had five applications rejected by UK universities who offer ultra-competitive computer science degrees.
“I’m more relieved than anything,” said Dhru after receiving his results. “I feel very happy that I’ve overcome the challenges of being rejected to achieve these grades and study the course that I want at a top university. It’s very gratifying.”
Dhru said the degree will future-proof his career by providing him with various options to pursue, from data scientist to software engineer, in a field he is passionate about.
“It’s such a big field and you can go into almost anything with that degree,” he said. “I like to keep my options open. I want to be able to adapt to the future. The more options I have, the more stability I have, and it keeps different paths open which could benefit me in the future.”
Dhru said he was grateful to Loughborough College for the support he has received throughout his time studying A levels and recommends it to any student looking for an independent, supportive environment with great facilities.
“I chose Loughborough College because it has fantastic facilities, the teachers are very responsive and would support you even during holidays or out of hours and they are always willing to help even for job applications or references,” he said.
“When I kept getting rejection letters from universities, I found it initially quite distressing. I went to my academic coach, and she really supported and reassured me that there were better options available. She helped me stay resilient and optimistic.”
Dhru also praised the College’s approach to helping prepare students for university because of the freedom they are given.
He added: “I would absolutely recommend Loughborough College to other students because the teaching support is great, they make learning engaging and interesting. But the college is also willing to adapt a lot to meet the needs of students. They encourage students to perform at their best and recognise the effort they make”.
Dhru, who was this year awarded Student of the Year – Ethos and Student of the Subject for Computer Science, added: “They take student responses very seriously and give us a voice. It’s really centred around the student. I found that empowering, because you feel like you’re being listened to.”