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Further education

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Original poster

Uni advice too late ?

55 replies

sambamyty · 24/08/2023 19:55

Before I start no one in my family has ever gone to uni before so I'm still learning . Please be kind. I'm a bit out of my depth.

Daughter was predicted average grades. With that she's applied for average non red brick uni .
She's actually achieved a lot better than expected good enough for a Russell group .
Last Thursday was a bit of a shock and blur so she accepted the perfect fine average uni but actually we've had a few comments / advice to say she should apply for better. The course she wants is very popular so not now available for clearing.
What do we do ? Go ahead with the average or see if we can get an offer for next year and defer ? Will unis allow this or will it risk the current offer?
Tia

OP posts:
Livinghappy · 24/08/2023 22:27

What subjects did she take?

Original poster
sambamyty · 24/08/2023 22:40

Livinghappy · 24/08/2023 22:27

What subjects did she take?

Art
English lit
Computer science

OP posts:
pocoyo1 · 24/08/2023 23:02

Hi Sambamyty

I feel for your DD, as my DS also did much better than his predicted grades
and achieved A* BB, he choose a mid range University and is keen to go to either Leeds, Nottingham or Manchester instead, he tried Clearing but his subject Computer Science is competitive, he is heartbroken, I am concerned as I wouldn’t want him to go to mid range Uni half heartedly. I hope you and your DD see a way forward.

Nappyvalley15 · 25/08/2023 06:19

Well done to your DD.

However don't most RG Computer Science courses require A level maths?

Still she could get a higher tariff Uni next year. If she does take a gap year she should work on her maths so she can keep up with that aspect on the degree.

Original poster
sambamyty · 25/08/2023 06:43

pocoyo1 · 24/08/2023 23:02

Hi Sambamyty

I feel for your DD, as my DS also did much better than his predicted grades
and achieved A* BB, he choose a mid range University and is keen to go to either Leeds, Nottingham or Manchester instead, he tried Clearing but his subject Computer Science is competitive, he is heartbroken, I am concerned as I wouldn’t want him to go to mid range Uni half heartedly. I hope you and your DD see a way forward.

Good luck to you DS
I hope he finds somewhere

OP posts:
Original poster
sambamyty · 25/08/2023 06:44

Nappyvalley15 · 25/08/2023 06:19

Well done to your DD.

However don't most RG Computer Science courses require A level maths?

Still she could get a higher tariff Uni next year. If she does take a gap year she should work on her maths so she can keep up with that aspect on the degree.

I've only found manchester do so far. Most will accept due to her high a level grade

OP posts:
cptartapp · 25/08/2023 07:20

I have two DC recently gone through the uni process. Certainly worth a ring round if she sees anything in clearing, otherwise I would get her to take a year out, work and earn and reapply next time. Three A's is fantastic. Don't sell herself short. Get her to check the content of the potential courses very carefully though.
DC1 is at Notts and loving it.

Original poster
sambamyty · 25/08/2023 07:24

cptartapp · 25/08/2023 07:20

I have two DC recently gone through the uni process. Certainly worth a ring round if she sees anything in clearing, otherwise I would get her to take a year out, work and earn and reapply next time. Three A's is fantastic. Don't sell herself short. Get her to check the content of the potential courses very carefully though.
DC1 is at Notts and loving it.

That's the plan for today .

I can see notts is accepting international students but not home with is frustrating!

OP posts:
W0tnow · 25/08/2023 07:25

Lots of universities require maths at A level to study CS, so double check that.

pompomdaisy · 25/08/2023 07:49

Have you tried calling admissions tutors for those courses at the universities? It might be worth a go. If no joy reapply next year but make sure you are happy with the course content - industry opportunities? Focus of curriculum? Etc etc - look at NSS results.

pompomdaisy · 25/08/2023 07:50

Many want overseas students more as universities don't make any money from home students. In fact they lose money - about 19p in every £1!

gogomoto · 25/08/2023 07:55

My DD's course overlapped with computer science, and her housemate was found cs, a level maths was essential. It your dd wishes to go to a RG university, i strongly suggest she takes a gap year or 2 and takes a maths course alongside working.

I personally made the mistake of choosing a degree where maths a level was recommended but not compulsory then really struggled affecting my grade at university.

Nappyvalley15 · 25/08/2023 08:16

https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/clearing/courses/search/undergraduate/computer-science

She could look to see what is available now in clearing that she could trade up to.

In her shoes, I would go for something this year. Not having A level maths will put her at a disadvantage and she may not get a better offer next year. Most CS applicants to higher tariff courses will be doing A level maths. Even if the universities don't insist on it.

Overthebow · 25/08/2023 08:24

For CS she really does want to have got a decent maths a level. Art and an English lit won’t help her much. I’d reapply for next year and take maths a level this year.

MorePressureMoreRelease · 25/08/2023 08:43

When my son was applying for CS I did quite a lot of research and it seems that for this subject work experience really is more important than where you study in the long term.

Given the A level subjects and lack of Maths I'd stick at the chosen course and just encourage your DC to look for lots and lots of work experience along the way.

chillyjilly · 25/08/2023 11:24

Firstly, massive congratulations to your DD on her amazing grades. She must be over the moon about them.

I would however probably stick with MMU. Mainly because a lot of students applying for CS have maths A level because it is advised to take it if you feel you might want to do CS at uni. Pretty much everyone is Ds's class of CS is doing it. The amount of maths in CS A level is low. Although a uni won't say they need maths, there is usually a GCSE maths grade requirement, Lancaster wants a 6 or B which is fairly standard for top unis. Plus those applying will have it and it puts your DD at a disadvantage when up against other applicants who have maths.

If she does decide to wait until next year I would advise spending the year doing maths A level but finding somewhere that would let her sit 1 A level might be difficult.

Definitely get her to ring admissions today and ask whether she would be a strong candidate without maths. 2024 is meant to be a larger cohort uni entry apparently which is when Ds will be going hopefully.

Spirallingdownwards · 25/08/2023 11:30

pompomdaisy · 25/08/2023 07:50

Many want overseas students more as universities don't make any money from home students. In fact they lose money - about 19p in every £1!

Unis have set quotas for international and home students.

OP do be careful with her expectation of a place with grades in hand. With no Maths A level she may well find she is still overlooked in favour of those taking Maths with predicted grades at many unis.

She may find even with As that the ManMet course might suit her better.

Spirallingdownwards · 25/08/2023 11:31

The other issue is that even those unis that don't require maths A level with have compulsory maths modules as part of the course.

Original poster
sambamyty · 25/08/2023 11:32

No joy so far anywhere.

Chester is in clearing and is ranked better than man met .

College have also said to stick with man met

OP posts:
PinkFrogss · 25/08/2023 11:37

Those are some very impressive grades, well done to your DD.

If she does take a gap year then alongside working she should continue to engage in activities, reading, learning, related to her subject. If she can find a job relevant to it then even better.

Nappyvalley15 · 25/08/2023 12:53

Look at the original entry requirements for Chester vs ManMet. If they are lower -stick with ManMet.

Original poster
sambamyty · 25/08/2023 19:13

Not had much luck for today but did find a possible viable option with Liverpool. They offer year 2 entry meaning she could start her year with mmu and transfer to Liverpool with a few conditions ( gaining a 2:1 in the first year of mmu and a academic ref )
Sounds like a viable option so far

OP posts:
DavidBattenburgh · 25/08/2023 19:57

sambamyty · 25/08/2023 19:13

Not had much luck for today but did find a possible viable option with Liverpool. They offer year 2 entry meaning she could start her year with mmu and transfer to Liverpool with a few conditions ( gaining a 2:1 in the first year of mmu and a academic ref )
Sounds like a viable option so far

Which Liverpool? JM or Liverpool? Keele have a CS degree with added masters in clearing - or they did have a few days ago, would that be of interest?

Original poster
sambamyty · 25/08/2023 20:14

Uni of Liverpool .
I can't really see much difference between Keele and MMU

OP posts:
redskytwonight · 25/08/2023 23:12

Is she really going to want to spend a year at one university, settle in, find her way about, get to know people ... and then move to a different university and start all over again, just because it has a more illustrious name?