DD worried about UCAS...

[user87345209]

DD (18) has just applied for Biology at university. The whole UCAS process has really stressed her out, and she found that the school didn't really provide much UCAS support. Anyways, my main concern is her obsession with her top university choice (Imperial College London). She is just above the grade requirements and has a good personal statement, but every single day she worries and cries that she's not 'good enough' for Imperial as she doesn't have the 4 A* that she claims 'every' Imperial applicant has nowadays. I don't know what to do or how to help her feel less stressed, as now all we can do is wait for offers really... and I'm especially worried about what to do if she doesn't get an offer from Imperial, as she's obsessed over this university since year 10, and makes it seem like if she doesn't get in her life will be ruined.
Honestly, my only questions are:
How should I support her and help her relax whilst waiting for offers?
What should I do if she doesn't get into Imperial (I really do hope this doesn't happen!) ?
And does anybody have any experience with Imperial admissions, are they THAT selective for a course like biology?

Thanks 😊

Imperial are very selective so she does need a solid plan B. Where else has she applied? Can you visit with her and hype them up? You might need to gently reality check her - while she’s incredible, more incredible students apply than a uni has places, so it might be that she doesn’t get an offer and it won’t be because she’s not brilliant, but because the uni think she would do better elsewhere (this is the best way to dress it up if they can’t accept that the numbers just won’t be in their favour sometimes). Is the crying because she feels out of control waiting for offers? Could she start to prep for interviews to help with that?

If they do interviews, Book her in for professional interview practice.

Find out from her teachers what her weaker points are and help her make a plan to work on these.

Imperial is a fantastic uni and is rolling in cash. It is worth making an effort to get in there. Good luck to your DD.

When her offers do come in (hopefully she gets it from Imperial!) the unis will invite prospective students in to check the uni out a little more before students accept their offers (I can't remember what it was called).

Anyway, I wanted to do Chemistry at the Uni of Warwick and I thought nothing could change my mind about wanting to go there. But after a second look, I realised it wasn't the uni for me.

I ended up in Nottingham, still doing Chemistry, and I loved it so much.

I can imagine Imperial is a fantastic university, but it may not be the fit for your daughter regardless of how able and incredible she is. If she doesn't get an offer, it isn't the end of the world and she may actually enjoy a different uni more than she thought she might.

Does she have another option she would be ok with?

@user87345209
This has got out of proportion, hasn’t it? It’s obviously not healthy. I don’t think Imperial interview, so not much point thinking about that. What can you say? Not much really. Her choice and she’s just got to sit it out. Ignore the tantrums. Why has it got to this?

She needs a chat with a member of school staff to try and rationalise her position. It’s very obvious that plenty don’t get into Oxbridge or some other top universities. Often great candidates. They have to accept another university. Thousands get rejected from Oxbridge alone. She seems immature snd maybe a teacher could help you? She has clearly over invested in Imperial? Why? UCL is ranked higher by the Complete University Guide. Did you visit other universities?

Is she always this intense? It’s not great for the future at university. What if she’s not the best?

I am a bit more direct I’m afraid. I’d just tell her the truth. It’s hard to get in. You might or you might not. Get over it!