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Original poster

clashing interview dates

35 replies

Vik1234 · 20/01/2017 13:29

What to do...Yesterday I received a call from the bursar at Latymer Upper saying that my son had got through to the interview stage to be held on 28th January and that letters would be sent out on Monday. I am delighted naturally, but I didn't think to ask what time it would be (the information would be in the letter) and the conversation moved on to discussing the bursary application. In the meantime I was called by St.Dunstan's inviting my son for a scholarship interview, on 28th! at 8.30 in the morning. I mentioned that he had just been called for another interview on that date but she wasn't forthcoming with an alternative and since Latymer never mentioned the time, I agreed. Latymer was always the preferred choice, but St.Dunstan's has shortlisted my son for scholarship. I don't want to offend either school...any advice??

OP posts:
Original poster
Vik1234 · 25/01/2017 11:28

Got the interview for Alleyn's! Also on the 28th!!! (3 in one day!) Fortunately they are at very compatible times as all schools say that they can't offer any alternative. Basically we have an hour to get from St.Dunstan's to Alleyn's (assuming it doesn't overrun) and we will go by taxi. But I'm worried in case of any traffic hold ups or unforeseen problems. Although St.Dunstan's is back up, it's an interview for academic scholarship - I don't want my son to miss out on any of the interviews! So I decided to call Alleyn's to explain this, just in case they could offer an alternative or any advice in the event of a hold up. I explained that Alleyn's is the main one that we are really holding out for but I had to accept the interviews in the order in which they came in. But now I'm thinking I shouldn't have called them?? I'm terrified that I'm going to somehow mess things up for my son (luckily he has a much cooler temperament than me!). Any advice?
Like PlumT, I'm also wondering if being shortlisted for academic scholarship means that you will most probably get an offer from the school even if not the scholarship...

OP posts:
ifonly4 · 23/01/2017 10:29

Is it for an academic scholarship or another one? Have the school given you an initial indication of whether they feel he should apply or haven't you had the opportunity for an initial discussion.

My DD applied for two music scholarships. Prior to application it as suggested she do an initial audition, and they would then confirm whether or not she had a chance and to apply. Both schools indicated she should apply, and both schools offered her a scholarship. However, from the start we could tell that one school particularly liked her and wanted her to succeed at her audition and entrance exams (luckily that was the scholarship she really wanted as well) - they just happened to be the one who made a much better offer!

fleurdelacourt · 23/01/2017 08:59

OP -Alleyns is a longer process this year though - interview plus group activity so could be a couple of hours - might be tight to fit that in as well as 2 others?

PlumT · 22/01/2017 19:10

Great news about interviews. Does anyone know if a scholarship interview is a good indication that an offer will be made (regardless of whether a scholarship is offered and presuming dc doesn't completely screw up interview!)?

Original poster
Vik1234 · 21/01/2017 09:39

Thanks for the reassuring advice. I think I have to accept the interviews in the order in which they come in but make it clear to Latymer that it doesn't reflect the order of preference - I was put on the spot a bit because I wasn't expecting them to call!
Fleurdelacourt - we live in SE London but close to a tube station so it's easy to get to Latymer. We've also applied to Alleyn's - haven't heard anyting yet but their interviews are also scheduled for 28th! We're not counting on that but it might end up being one busy day on the 28th!

OP posts:
Allthebestnamesareused · 20/01/2017 17:24

Also maybe the other will be at the end of the day and you might be able to make both?

trumpscooters · 20/01/2017 16:48

I agree with Maxam. These schools know you're applying to more than one school so do be honest but make sure your favourite knows you'd accept their offer if it materialises.

fleurdelacourt · 20/01/2017 15:13

am intrigued - where do you live that you applied for these 2 schools? !

ifonly4 · 20/01/2017 14:17

Most schools will expect you to be considering/applying to more than one. I'd phone Latymer Upper now and ask what time has been scheduled. If it doesn't suit, you could politely explain the position and ask for a much later time/another day.

We applied to two for scholarships and had to confirm to each of them our first and second choice. DD was offered two scholarships, so it didn't put the second choice school off knowing that.

Maxam · 20/01/2017 13:30

offend the one you want least :)

I think its perfectly acceptable to say you've got a clash and request a different time.

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