Mumsnet Talk

Hello

Lots of chat on here about Trinity, Whitgift, RGS! but has anyone been called in for interview at epsom college yet??

Nothing yet -- though could not get slightest hint from DS on how he actually did.

All looked white as sheets when they came out - not a positive experience from anyone I know!

St Johns did exact same computer test but with written maths and english paper followed by short interview. A bit more of a rounded evaluation rather than an hour on a computer.

My DS is at St Johns today -- if he's as perplexed as Epsom's I think he's going to need something to take his mind off this whole process! Thankfully this is his last test.

First Epsom college interview letters are out !!

Wow -- thanks for letting us know Lucy. The format was so new to my DS I have absolutely no idea how he did -- might have totally bombed it. Did your DS apply for any scholarship programs (I'm asking because my DS did not so wondered if interviews for potential scholars first would be conducted first.)

Got letter re interview for DS yesterday. He has not applied for a scholarship.

I got the impression from the various letters we have had that not all those who pass the test get an interview, only those who are borderline, and that those who get the highest marks get a straight offer without interview. I may be wrong, though.

Was surprised DS is even borderline TBH, as his comment on coming out of the test was "well, I've definitely failed that"!

My DS sat the test last year . I only know of one boy who was interviewed. At this stage day places are scarce they interview for marginals and can offer a boarding place with a day place waitlist. Epsom is not the top choice for many sitting and so there will be lots of movement and opportunities later . The school asked for a hefty deposit very early on which does cause a lot of people to turn down places .

Two others at DS's school being interviewed as well that I know of. May be more, haven't spoken to all parents of boys who sat.

Think you apply for scholarship later on in the process - the year of entry - so no not applied!! DS not got intervew letter but some of his friends have.

got letter yesterday morning - such a rollercoaster.

My poor DW just found out that other boys in DS' school have interviews at Epsom (damn coffee mornings!). I heard that boys in either the categories of no chance / highly likely don't usually have interviews. Is it just wishful thinking that having no interview could still mean an offer is possible? My son found the test so different from others that getting an average score seems unlikely.

As far as I can work out interviews are for those who are borderline and they want to get a bit more info on them - maybe test them a bit more on areas they were weak on in the test. So I guess that would mean that the rest (ie the definite no's and the definite yes's) will get no further information until the final letters come out in Feb.

I agree it is a very stressful way for the school to handle things. I wasn't too impressed by the way they dealt with the boys for the test either, as DS and pretty much all the other boys sitting from his school came out very unhappy.

Carrots: I'd have to agree that while I understand the goal of making the test fair good for lazy people like DS and me that didn't prep enough, it seems to be a bit random. Not being able to go back and revise an answer, having a different format from all other schools, etc seems to add an element of stress and randomness. Of course if my DS did well, I'll change my tune quickly!

My DS sat last year - the results across his year were as expected . No real shocks or surprises . Very few interviews last year as you were either accepted in a day place , offered a boarding place ( even although you may not have applied ) or rejected .

Anyone receive any decision letters from Epsom yet? It wasn't too clear for me which day they were being mailed out -- something about it being this week?

Not received letter yet. At interview we were told it would be sometime early this week so not very specific.

Thanks Carrots -- fingers crossed!

Lets have a or two while we are waiting!

Absolutely! And undoubtedly another few s after the good or bad news...

I would like to join the nailbiting, postman stalking team please? cheers!

We got some good news re: DS on St Johns. I mention that in this forum since the same computer test was used in both places. My DS is curious how he did on the exam (at this point all I can do is sigh in relief.) Was anyone planning on asking Epsom for exam feedback or have you received any exam feedback? Needless to say, fingers crossed and best wishes to everyone...

Apparently the top 20 at Epsom have had their letters already.

DS has also had fat envelope from St Johns, Johnny, so he is a happy little bunny! Well done to your DS.

Nothing yet from Epsom, but I am pretty sure he was not in the top 20!

Safe bet my DS is not top 20 either! Though DS doesn't do many things in half measures so I figured he did OK or completely blew the test (hence no surprise no interview at Epsom was requested.) Congrats to Carrots and your DS!

Some friends of mine had children whose tests I believe were affected by a fire alarm going off? Children received invitation for interview as test process interrupted? I believe so anyway but not certain?

St John's waiting list for us. Seems that Saturday is Epsom College letter day.

Saturday for Epsom -- yikes, with many on half-term they'll be plenty of unopened letters. Good luck absolutmum on the wait list -- it's hard to tell for sure but judging by my DS' classmates it does feel like the boys were taking more tests this Jan than the last few years. So odds may be better than normal.

There will be plenty of movement as results come out, Absolut, as most boys sat lots of tests - 5 or 6 seemed to be average at Ds's school. So I would expect there is a high chance your DS will get a firm offer before long. Sorry the wait is dragging out for you, have a - perhaps a later!

Epsom should really get their finger out - maybe they are waiting to the weekend so they can use half term as excuse to dodge the flak?? Not too bothered as DS had his heart set on St John's so all has worked out.

Just had post and letter from Epsom - DS has had an offer so he must have said something right at the interview!

Well done son of Carrots! Off to stalk the postman.......

Great job Carrots and DS. Now I just need to find an excuse to leave early and check the post...