[quote ablutiions]@SallyOMalley good luck to you as well. I can imagine that it will be quite stressful for you too!
What advice would you have for us to a) make your life easier and more efficient, and b) to help our DCs maximise their chances? Thanks. [/quote]
I know it sounds absolutely obvious but .... have the UCAS personal ID to hand, together with the UCAS codes for the the course(s) of interest. Just saying 'English' can cover a multitude of courses so it's helpful to us to have the exact code. Also year in industry options: sometimes these have their own UCAS code (but not always).
Assuming that most universities operate the same way as we do, we'll run through a few questions on screen filling in all the info we need as we go. This includes A level subjects and grades, English Language quals (if an overseas student where this applies) and fee status (home or overseas).
We can see A level results in UCAS for ourselves, but we double check these with the student.
Again, sounds obvious but ... we can only speak with the student themselves, and not with the parent/teacher on their behalf unless the student has given us previous express written permission.
As far as maximising chances is concerned, take some time this morning to look at the opportunities out there. Whatever the media might say, you don't need to be on the phone at 8.30am sharp - there's time to get a battle plan sorted if need be.
Read the requirements thoroughly. For example, for our courses (I'm in a department) we need an A level in Maths at grade B or above and it's listed on our requirements. If a caller doesn't have this, then we just can't go any further. If it's listed as essential, then it's just that. Best to move on and find courses that suit the grades and subjects in hand.
Hope this helps - and good luck!