unconditional offer? what is that about - when they dont know her results!

[Slartybartfast]

and should dc go for it? pros and cons

They like to have some definite suitable candidates for the course, to ensure it runs and has enough academic potential to attract others. Presumably school/college have predicted grades above or within their normal offer range and maybe something in the personal statement demonstrated interest or commitment to the subject. If it is somewhere that dc was seriously considering and may prefer the comfort of knowing they have a place sorted go for it. If somewhere else is a higher preference keep it as an insurance, hoping they may be flexible come results day.

We have seen a growth in unconditional offers recently (I'm a secondary school teacher). The uni is obviously very keen :) I guess pros would be less pressure on results, can start planning being at uni there. Cons might be that how competitive is getting on to the course? Would it encourage less effort or revision without the pressure of getting certain grades?

Unconditional offer holders may be able to apply for accommodation earlier too.

keep it as insurance, good idea, the uni in question has a lower ucas points threshold - bit disconcerting.

Quite a lot of unis offeing unconditional offers say it's dependent on you making them your firm choice. So you wouldn't necessarily be able to hold it as an insurance.

I think this only usually happens on under subscribed courses.

I'd keep it as insurance

Be careful that she doesn't massively take her foot off the gas at a level though.

You can't keep unconditional offers as insurance. Part of the deal is that the student makes it their firm #1 choice.

If your DC is happy with the uni and the course there are plenty of advantages - no stress, accommodation sorted early etc.

One of my DC accepted their unconditional offer, another one turned hers down because she wanted to go to a different uni. Yes it was a risk but she went for what she wanted - and got it.

There will be a grade offer which can be taken as insurance but unconditional if firm. Disagree that these are necessarily undersubscribed courses.

Don't take it if they get an offer for their first/a better choice. Chances are as long as they are not miles away from their predicted grades they would get in anyway.

Often unconditional offers are only unconditional if you make them your first choice, not hold them as an insurance offer.

There are more university places than there are students applying. Universities are desperate for applicants. Some use unconditional offers to try to increase applicants.

My advice? Pick your true first choice.