Top Unis - am I missing something?

Is it perhaps because she is not choosing a subject that is overly academic/as competitive hence the top unis have lower requirements?

Cambridge is sometimes a bit higher (especially if the applicant is doing 4 A levels and the offer is based on 4) but Oxford is not uncommonly lower offer grade than elsewhere

So, I come from what used to be called quaintly a 'Cambridge family' in that my granny, dad, brother and me all went there (my dad was the first to do so in his family). I had a pretty good time and the whole May Ball/punting thing is fun. But my kids didn't - both went to great northern unis - one for architecture, one to another uni where they reduced the offer for him as he was predicted and got good A level results. Until they went, I'll put my hand up and say I was pretty snobbish about Oxbridge because I didn't know any different. I loved the cities and unis my kids studied at. I had to confront my inner snob and I'm really glad I did that. The uni my older one went to is a top uni for architecture, so it really depends why you want your daughter to go to Oxbridge. Try and challenge yourself a bit on this, because there are so many great universities out there, as I learned from the experience of my two. Some of their friends did go to Cambridge, by the way, with mixed experiences. It can be great, it can be very stressful with the short terms. I teach at a new university part time and the pastoral care there is so much better than at some of the very elite Russell Group universities.

One of the most successful people I know (from the SE) did Politics at Sheffield University. He has had a varied and fascinating career and regularly appears on TV

I’m aware, but the “drop” down to the next offer uni down the preference list is significant for the course my DC has applied for.

My DS applied for Durham, York, edinburgh Cambridge. Lock down GCSE student got 7/8/9 but knows he would have done better if he sat them. A levels all A*s.
he was offered a place at Durham, York and Cambridge. Turned down by Edinburgh……. Like most of his friends…. It seems very select as to who they choose.

The disparity in grade boundaries between Oxbridge and everywhere else is really crazy, for the same courses.

It depends. For some subjects, Oxford makes a standard AAA offer, meaning that a student can struggle to find a decent, lower, insurance offer that they'd like to take.

I think this must be course specific. I was really surprised how little difference there was for DD's subject (English).

Oxford and Cambridge asked for Astar A A (I accept that many of their students probably achieve more highly) but so did a couple of others and there was then a lot that wanted AAA and another lot that wanted AAB. DD was trying to put universities with a range of offers on her UCAS form and found it really difficult.

Plenty of courses require A* and As at a level not just Oxford and Cambridge.

Yes. I don't enjoy driving for 5 hours either, even with a good audio book to listen to.

The disparity in grade boundaries between Oxbridge and everywhere else is really crazy, for the same courses. I have a kid in exactly same position as this. Crossing fingers for Cambridge, if not, she’s thinking Warwick. Personally I wouldn’t worry about the distance. Five hours isn’t too far to go a few times a year to see them during term time, can’t imagine they’ll want to come home during term anyway.

I really don’t understand your post! Believe it or not there are youngsters who get offered places at Oxbridge and then reject it ( the no working during term time , short terms etc do not suit all) and vice versa some who get rejected from other unis yet offered Oxbridge or Durham !! It’s not a one size fits all !! There are far more criteria to selection than just top grades , and oversubscribed unis all look for slightly different things, particularly on popular courses. Either your dc gets into Oxbridge; and if not decides to cope with travel; or chooses another uni - but frankly if the attitude is Oxbridge or bust I’d say either re apply next year if unsuccessful or look into some attitude adjustment. Each uni you have mentioned will have a large percentage ( not exceptional) of students who will have reached similar grades ! Of course it won’t be 100% intake A* x3 or 4 ; but nearly all unis will have a mix of those plus students they have lowered grades for because they really want them. It’s the course; their attitude and ability to independent study etc that will determine success at degree level and this is not always directly akin to A level grades.

I’d definitely reconsider LSE. It’s an amazing university with more of a campus feel than you’d imagine.

Also it's a 5 hour drive. Hideous.

How much does that return journey cost in petrol? I would imagine close to £100. Trains fee will probably be equally as high.

Depends to a certain extent on your subject. Humanities - absolutely a case of ‘how good was your first?’ - and has been this way for decades. Sciences need more bodies to populate the research groups, and combined with more substantial project funding = more studentships available

Not sure about that, dd applied for postgrad (self funded) with a 1st and was rejected after interview. She's working on her research proposal and is having a second bash at applying this year.

Surgicalprecison -"And if you want to do a post-grad at Cambridge you only need a 2:1 from any university and a good research proposal. So for any budding Oxbridge student who doesn't get in, try again when they just want your money and don't care about your qualifications 😁"

Er..,, really? I have one applying for a Master's programme now (at Cambs, applying to Ox). 680 applicants for 20 spaces! She's been told if you don't have a high 1st and relevant internships, don't bother.

How log ago did you graduate @Coolbreezee ? I know Lancaster well - I was an External Examiner there, and have collaborated with colleagues on research grants & conferences. The Politics department has several really world-leading scholars & a great reputation.

You obviously have an issue which is personal to you. That will happen at every university sometimes.

In both a professional capacity and in my capacity as a parent of a DC studying there I have never found it anything other than a very impressive university with fantastic support systems. The collegiate environment is extremely nurturing and supportive. My youngest child has also just received an offer from them.

I'm really pleased your son is happy there. I say that sincerely. My experience was dramatically different. Its a great university, but I warn against PPR. That's all I came here to say.

Obviously we researched heavily re course,
facilities and well being.🙄 It came out extremely well with all and the house system gives you closer contact when needed which my son has used a couple of times, ditto extenuating circumstances. Found support to be very good and far better than what I experienced at uni.

I'm sorry but this is very rose tinted!

Not true with my ds’s course.

I know I loved the library too!! And the house system and all the bars, shops and even the launderettes( so need to get out more 😳). It feels very nurturing.

My son was mighty pretty impressed with it having its own Greggs.🤣

Well, she could persuade her parents to move, I suppose!