Year 13 2024/2025 - support, discussion and looking after each other - continuation from year 12 thread

[elkiedee]

I've just realised that the year 12 2023/2024 thread is full - oops! - last message on 16 August - don't know if someone started another continuation thread but I can't see it. This coming year DS1 does A levels and university applications, DS2 will be in his GCSE year.

If there is a thread already started please let me know.

Hi, can I join this thread? My DD2 is year 13. Her UCAS form got sent off the other day.

Hello @BlueMarigold!

Hello @BlueMarigold !

All this talk of UCAS forms being in and early offers is making me slightly nervous, even though I know DS’ doesn’t need to be in till January (though his school will make sure it’s December).

Am remembering that it’s a long old process though.

It's only the "early birds" that need to be in now so don't panic! (DD, now in her third year at uni, handed in her form in late November so we've experienced both deadlines.)

Hi @Changes17 my DD’s school have two weeks where they do the applications. One week before the October deadline and one week before the January deadline. We thought waiting till January was a bit late so we did it now.

It is a bit strange because older DD went to a different school and they processed the applications as they came in so hers got done in December which felt right.

DS said that he will not rush getting his in until after the Oxbridge deadline as his teachers are focusing on those students first. He is now out all weekend training so I am pushing him to get his in by half term.

Ah yes, I think DS would have done the same, @BlueMarigold, in that situation. Makes sense.

All the this ucas forms making me nervous, wr need the next assessments done in early Nov before dd does hers. Collage also won't accept before then unless for early applications.

@jamimmi do not worry, it all works out whenever they put them in.

Just joining! DD statement done and has an appointment on Monday to look at her school statement. Hopefully will then submit on Tuesday in case of any last minute glitches. She did her statement over the summer but has shown it to lots of teachers who all made comments so feels like it is dragging on. She is applying for modern languages but to universities which all seem to make late offers so not expecting to hear anything until after Christmas anyway ( I have warned her not to get upset when others applying for the same course at different unis hear sooner!)

Also submitting Tuesday, hopefully. Teacher is having a look at the PS tomorrow- my attempt to give feedback has been declined so hopefully DC will listen to them!! Going to use two slots now and add the other 3 in a few weeks’ time once we know how admissions test went.

Two Qs: is it very straightforward to add the courses in stages? Is it simply a matter of logging back in and filling in the remaining slots?
Do teachers/schools generally share the recommendation with students or parents?
Many thanks.

Referees don't routinely allow students or parents to see the reference, at least at my school. This is in case there is anything less than positive in it! A student can, however, request a copy from UCAS under GDPR legislation.

ETA It looks like referees are able to share copies but this would depend on school policy;
https://www.ucas.com/faqs/why-cant-i-see-my-reference

I was surprised too but the policy at my children’s school is apparently for them to discuss the content with head of UCAS before it is submitted( they say in case there is anything the child wishes to highlight that is missing)

My DD had to fill in a form in advance so the teacher would know what to include in the reference. They did get to see the reference once but were not given a copy.

Hello all, checking in!
DS17 is doing 4 A levels - like a pp he already has Maths and now this year will do FM, Physics and French. Wants to do Aerospace Engineering, ideally at Imperial, so ultra competitive. (We’ve done all the open days and his top three would be ICL, Bristol and Southampton; Sheffield and Nottingham get a look in but he felt they were too far North for him, we’re in S Wales).

My question is, he needs to do the ESAT entrance exam and it’s scheduled for next week, but he’s started talking about doing it in January instead as he’ll be revised up to the eye balls then for Mocks after Christmas. However the ICL website “strongly advises” to do it in October - is that because they like to get exams, interviews and offers done early, like Oxbridge? Will he be at a disadvantage if he does the second sitting?

(School are telling him to aim for middle of November to submit UCAS form.)

Hi @MotherOfCatBoy, the ESAT is brand new this year, so nobody knows anything much about how universities will use it!

Aha I didn’t know that @PhotoDad ! Great. We will also see what school advise.

Tough choice really. DS also wants to do that but decided not to go for imperial so doesn't need to do that exam.

Hi, am new here and looking for support but everyone here seems to be very sorted.

So I started my own thread, I’d be really grateful if anyone who has any kind words or constructive suggestions take a look:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/child_adolescent_mental_health/5183191-year-13-pressures

I think there are quite a few people here who are dealing or have dealt with problems with their children's mental health. So you should absolutely stick around!

Thank you @BonjourCrisette I appreciate that. And to anyone here who has posted on my thread.

Im hoping today was a particularly bad day and he won’t continue feeling so low. I will keep a close eye.

This thread doesn't move terribly fast, so don't go away. Wishing you and your son all the best and hoping that someone here can help. Mine has her struggles (she has SAD) so I do know how hard it can be.

@Banan0 Dd went through a rough time post mocks in the summer. Very low and worried, started having panic attacks in exams. College have helped alot and organised support / counselling and she seems to be coming through it . We,,'ve had conversations about not needing top flight unis and plan a,first choice uni b, clearing c clearing up a uni and possibly year out for after a level which has helped. Just keep talking and ensure they have some fun Dd was seriously burn out which was the issue a better balance of study and life has helped we really are not sorted!

DS's form got sent off on Monday. He got an offer this morning!! Leeds for Natural Sciences. (He's applying for deferred entry so is probably in a different pool/quota to other applicants.)

@PhotoDad congrats! We are in draft 4! It has now gone to ds elder brother for his views!!!