Starting year 13 2016

Teta that's great news!

Klaxons !!!
Dd has her first offer for vet med.
Bristol
Cheers everyone.



Well done ono40!!!

Just walked in on DS and his gf...revising! I might have to lie down with a cool cloth on my head. From somewhere he seems to have dredged up a work ethic and motivation nothing to do with years of me nagging

In case you need reminding, you are a wonderful and supportive bunch. I met a horrible woman at a party on Saturday who seemed to think that if your child wasn't going to Oxbridge or applying for medicine (preferably a combination of both) then you had basically failed in your duty as a parent. She was very sniffy about History degrees and Birmingham in particular because she "disapproves" of unconditionals. As the kids would say WTF?? Talk about vicarious living! Despite having had four two glasses of prosecco I was restrained and simply gave her a disparaging look and moved away (needs a cow emoticon). Grrr....

Thanks namechange that's very helpful. I wonder if DH should register as the parent if we'll be using his P60 (hoping he can find it or get a replacement?)

The paperwork will be a bit of a challenge for us as we're not very organised with that. But sounds like they don't ask for huge amounts of evidence so we should get there I'm sure.

Re student loans: both the DC and a parent has to register on the SFE website. They then send you a log-in number, which they state you will need for future years, so if your DC is anything like mine, make sure you write down their number somewhere safe!!

The earnings they assess are for the 2015/16 tax year so you will need to dig out your P60 from that year. Both you and your DC will need to know your respective NI numbers. Once you have input all your figures, you are sent an email detailing what paperwork they want you to send them. For me, the only thing they asked for was a copy of my decree absolute. I was surprised because I thought they would want payslips/my P60, but I guess they can check that through your NI number.

Only taxable income is taken into account, so you do not have to include child benefit or child tax credit, Juggling.

I don't know how easy it is to change the selected course on the SFE forms because I haven't done it yet but they are encouraging people to get their forms in now and change the details later if necessary, so I suppose it can't be too taxing. Anyone whose child changes their bank account details between then and now (e.g. if they get a new student bank account just before going to university) will also need to remember to update their details, so the money is sent to the right account !!

Thank you bigTillyMint. I have to confess that I too passed the student finance application over to my partner.

Well done to Bebumba's DS!

I have passed the whole student finance thing on to DH. Who has done not very much yet, so I have absolutely no idea!

DD's exams don't start till after half-term, so still ages away

Thank you Juggling. A new worry added to the list!

Congrats to bebumba DS on the driving test!

Well done namechange Do you know whether you have to put your firm choice down on the finance form if you know it or have confirmed it ( we haven't actually confirmed yet) or could you put your insurance choice down if you feel things are more likely to go that way? (So less likely you'd have to change it later) Also how easy is it to change later if necessary. (I have a slight form phobia!)
Also how much evidence do you need to supply regarding household finances. We have an end of year tax statement for DH. Would a photocopy of bank statement be OK to verify child benefit and child tax credits? Or will I need to find some kind of letter from them?

It's more of a marathon than a sprint isn't it? Ds confirmed his firm and insurance choices a couple of weeks ago. The Student Finance forms have gone in but nothing back yet.
He passed his driving test this morning and is looking forward to being able to drive on his own.
The exams are looming ever closer!

It's getting real now, isn't it? DS has just had his student finance loan confirmed.

He hasn't fully decided on which will be his firm and which his insurance, so just put the most likely course on the SFE form. I guess lots of people who get their places through clearing / insurance have to change their details later anyway.

I think we're looking at it pretty much like that HSM, as a two option choice - and which she goes to will depend on grades achieved.

I guess your choice is complicated by having the unconditional - but must be nice to have in lots of ways!

I was very glad to hear that Swansea accept applications for accommodation on an equal basis whether you choose them as your firm or conditional from what I could tell ( I think this is an unusual approach, but very welcome) So quite excited to be moving towards choosing DD's accommodation there ( or at least stating preferences) as it's the one we are most hopeful of getting on results day.

I wouldn't mind a third choice too though, but I guess that's what Clearing is for

Thats how it works in Ireland - ds1 could apply for 10 (iirc) and you get the highest one you've qualified for - no conditional offers at all - either you're in or you're not - much better system I think.

A little nervous about choosing our firm and insurance but possibly we might go for it this weekend if we get a moment.
Sheffield/Swansea is looking like the combo - I think I said about a million times already! 😀

Weekend is too busy really with DS doing music rehearsals both days and DD and I off to something with our Quaker community tomorrow as well.
The logistics of it all are a bit complicated and DH is very put out that there's no car for birdwatching.
He would know if he ever looked at the calendar! I think he's now moderately resigned to going out on his bike.

Dd's last ever school concert last night.It was a touch emotional especially as the programme featured many heart-rending songs and pieces of music.And she played brilliantly and with a confidence I haven't seen before.It was interesting seeing how poised the girls are now and the difference between previous years.

I feel sorry for the pyjama'd student being gawked at by prospective students Hsmm.Love the fact your dd was a bit shocked!

The pressure is on now.I think dd1 is happier with this and has started getting into exam mode.I think she lost motivation for a while in Jan./Feb. and it took a while to pick herself up again.But I can't believe there's only a few more weeks of school.

The vet schools are now saying they will try snd get the offers out by mid to late April - seems to be getting later and later!

PS, at least you have the relief of the unconditional...

Yep, it seems to gather momentum like a giant snowball from here on in!!

How is everyone? Is it just me or is it all becoming scarily close? One more week of school before the Easter hols and four weeks left when they go back. Time to stock up on

HSM

Love that they were shocked to see RL students!