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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

Any advice on last two uni choices please?

32 replies

ifonly4 · 02/10/2018 12:04

DD changed her mind re: her choice of university course. She's now interested in either sustainable development (which she is particularly interested in various aspects of) and if she goes down this route would like to work for a government depart dealing with sustainability issues alongside current day requirements. She is also interested in liberal arts as she loves her current A level subjects and would do modules (geography, music & philosophy) in these as well as incorporating some sustainability - she's always believed in not restricting your education. Her personal statement so far relates heavily to sustainability, but will include subjects like music and philosophy. She predicted AAA (A geography) and has chosen three unis to apply to requiring A*AA, AAA & ABB. She still has to decide on the other two: The choices are:

St Andrews, AAA, selection of modules in first two years then concentrating on sustainability for two years. Course perfect for her, but feels it's that step too far from home (400+ miles) and she'd feel cut off (she schools in another county so it's not nerves of moving from home). Also very similar to where she schools at the moment so doesn't feel like moving on to a new challenge.

Durham, AAA sustainability. She is already applying for an AAA course, is this too much applying for another aspirational and we haven't looked at it

Nottingham, AAA, new Liberal Arts course which looks good for her, nearer home, but they're looking for personal statement clearly geared to liberal arts (she'll have things geared to sustainable development, geography, philosophy and a strong link to music on PS).

Warwick has a number of global sustainability joint honours. She's already applying for SD course there, but has spoken to them and they've confirmed it won't go against her applying for two courses, in fact, it'll confirm how much she's interested in global sustainability with them. Does she put two eggs in one basket and apply for two courses there? Also, as with joint honours she could include philosophy (AAA) or might consider sociology (AAB). It's the closest to us (not that that actually matters to her). We feel the campus is perfect for her type of social life and interests and have no concerns about her being there whatsoever.

Sorry it's long winded, does anyone have any words of wisdom we can pass on.

OP posts:
LizzieMacQueen · 02/10/2018 12:42

Just a quick edit point, your * to highlight the grade your daughter is to achieve have resulted in your post being highlighted.

BubblesBuddy · 02/10/2018 13:43

It looks to me that Liberal arts shouldn’t be in the mix. Two aspirational is fine. I would not go against applying for two at Warwick with one joint including SD. The joint honours gives the option of studying a broader range of subjects. I would be inclined to leave Sociology out. I don’t really see how this links with SD given the work she wants. Also lots of SD people do Geography degrees and go into SD for Masters. Also they may become town planners who work in this area. Geography keeps more doors open and is less prescriptive. SD is a narrower focus.

BubblesBuddy · 02/10/2018 13:46

She might like to know that housing developers have to consider sustainable development and there are jobs working for them. Just looking at the government is narrow and policy focussed.

Original poster
ifonly4 · 02/10/2018 14:47

Thanks for your comments, they're just what I need to put some comments together for DD.

She was actually considering Human Geography but SD seems to be her passion. Had a long discussion at Warwick and they said it helps your application if you have an end focus, which she does, but also not to the extent it's limited to that. There are a number of joint honours at Warwick, and personally I think they should be seriously considered especially philosophy as she's studying that at the moment and enjoys it. She just needs to work out which other options to rule out.

OP posts:
geogteach · 02/10/2018 15:02

Has she considered an additional personal statement? My son is applying for one course that is quite different to his others and it was suggested he contact them and ask if they would accept an additional statement from him and they said yes

Original poster
ifonly4 · 02/10/2018 15:23

I'll mention that to her and quick. She told me at the weekend, her school's deadline for uni applications is 16 October, so hasn't got much time.

OP posts:
Peonylover123 · 02/10/2018 15:27

I hugely advise against Warwick, it's in the middle of nowhere and doesn't give a full university experience.

I work with someone who went to St Andrews and whilst there's difficult getting a place, once it's secured, due to the lack of clearing, they still give you the place (usually).

Durham do not usually still give you the place if you miss the grade.

Nottingham is a great and fun city, respected Russell Group and great university experience.

I'd go St. Andrews and Nottingham

MarchingFrogs · 02/10/2018 16:45

I hugely advise against Warwick, it's in the middle of nowhere and doesn't give a full university experience.

Given that Coventry isn't too far to walk (no, none of my DC are there - yet - but DS1 walks longer distances just for something to do of an afternoon) and certainly not a long journey on the bus, presumably by 'in the middle of nowhere', you mean 'in the Midlands, or something??

Original poster
ifonly4 · 02/10/2018 16:50

Peony, thanks for your comments which are certainly worth consideration.

re: Warwick, DD is very social-able but isn't a party girl so the cafe and restaurants will suit her there. As well as her degree, she's passionate about music and a lot of spare time will be taken with music practice, as well as hopefully joining the orchestra, something like a trio/quartet, folk group,choir. Luckily know the area better than others as we have family within seven miles, again out in the sticks.

OP posts:
Tigerblue · 03/10/2018 11:12

OP, we're in the situation here. DD has decided to do a different degree, but would like something with a module or two that relates to her original choice. It's a specific course and there are only four available. Looking at other courses, she's limiting herself to higher ranking ones.

Does anyone know which unis ask for a second personal statement?

BubblesBuddy · 03/10/2018 16:53

I really cannot see what is wrong with Warwick! It’s hugely popular for a reason - it’s good. It is campus (which my DDs would have hated) but many like it for that reason.

I would also look for a university with strong music links. Usually a city university will have more options to go to concerts. I would also check if you can actually get into orchestras. My DD found Music students got first preference for everything musical. You might have to be flexible about music.

St. Andrews is very cut off! Especially if you live in Cornwall!

MarchingFrogs · 03/10/2018 17:07

St. Andrews is very cut off! Especially if you live in Cornwall

It's pretty cut off from a lot of places a lot closer than that, including being a couple of miles further away from the nearest railway station than Warwick is.

Birmingham seems to be good for music as a recreational activitySmile.

ShanghaiDiva · 03/10/2018 23:28

Warwick is 10 mins by bus from Coventry so hardly in the middle of nowhere!
Interested to learn - peony - what constitutes a full university experience?

MarchingFrogs · 04/10/2018 01:02

The rather good Warwick Arts Centre brings the intrepid explorer or two to the campus as a comfort to those who feel marooned there.

Lottie4 · 04/10/2018 11:04

It didn't help us at St Andrews when our cases had been moved/piled on top. I was first to the door to find the train moving and people already blocking the exit (scenery lovely though).

St Andrews wasn't as quiet as I thought it would be, although the party crowd might struggle although there is a bus to Dundee and back late for them. Stayed in some of the uni accommodation and could feel a draft coming through the old windows - a bed by the window would be lovely, but it's going to be cold in winter!

SillySallySingsSongs · 04/10/2018 11:11

I hugely advise against Warwick, it's in the middle of nowhere and doesn't give a full university experience.

No it really isn't! It's a short 10 minute bus ride from the centre of Coventry for starters!

BubblesBuddy · 04/10/2018 13:13

I’m not sure what’s missing at Warwick and why it isn’t a “full university experience”? That’s a bizarre comment in my view!

titchy · 04/10/2018 13:46

I’m not sure what’s missing at Warwick and why it isn’t a “full university experience”?

Maybe it's because the journey to the town centre involves travelling through a council estate?

SillySallySingsSongs · 04/10/2018 14:10

Maybe it's because the journey to the town centre involves travelling through a council estate?

Or that you maybe have to travel on a bus faints

ShalomJackie · 04/10/2018 16:05

I’m not sure what’s missing at Warwick and why it isn’t a “full university experience”?

Maybe their child is applying for the SD course too and is trying to eliminate competition!

Original poster
ifonly4 · 04/10/2018 20:03

I guess we all have different opinions, but as a parent Warwick feels right for DD, she seems happy enough with it, and personally we'd drop her off and not worry about her (she's on a scholarship he and her are used to her being away from home). This is selfish, but also the easiest for us to travel to if needed/wanted to meet up.

Any other comments on choices still welcome, but have put a lot of your comments to her. She's convinced you have to apply for all five at once, told her not the case and to check out to give her some breathing space.

OP posts:
Witchend · 06/10/2018 10:13

She could also leave one (not sure about more than that) blank for now and see what offers she gets before deciding. Dd1 has left the last choice blank for now.

MarchingFrogs · 06/10/2018 10:24

She could also leave one (not sure about more than that) blank for now and see what offers she gets before deciding. Dd1 has left the last choice blank for now.

You can just apply for the one and add up to the fill five later - there is a reminder that you have to top up the fee first if you also only paid the single application fee initiaĺly.

Original poster
ifonly4 · 06/10/2018 11:02

Witchend, there we have another issue. I know one of the courses she's applying, were one of the last to make their offers last year. Also, another is known for late offers. Either way, she'll need to put five before January. I'm sure it'll work out Hmm.

She didn't believe me, but I've told her she can just apply for 3/4 and add 1/2 in a few weeks. Even if the last two aren't quite right, gives her chance to consider more/make enquiries.

OP posts:
BubblesBuddy · 06/10/2018 21:19

You really cannot second guess about when offers come out. They are not the same year on year. My DD received offers from universities after about 3 weeks that MN say are late. It’s never an exact science. There are five choices. You have a deadline. Trying to second guess what will happen when is not worth it. Just go for it!