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Original poster

Support thread for anyone applying through UCAS this year

999 replies

Lorelai · 02/09/2011 18:34

Following on from a thread in chat I thought I would start this so that we can hold each others' hands through the UCAS process with all its challenges.

Who's with me?

OP posts:
eatyourveg · 20/10/2011 11:29

Thanks - its off to bury my head in Brian Heap then as I had envisaged one grade in just one subject being enough on the grounds that these days anywhere half decent just wouldn't have the spaces to take anyone who slipped up.

lazymumofteenagesons · 21/10/2011 16:23

All 4 acknowledgements received. Now just have to sit tight and wait. 2 of his choices interview, I hope some decisions come through before Christmas.

gelatinous · 21/10/2011 17:06

4/4 acknowledgements here too. One of them sounded as though they might be going to make a decision quite quickly - fingers crossed!

goinggetstough · 23/10/2011 11:28

First offer here from Cardiff. Phew!!
Someone earlier asked about importance of putting form in before January if not doing Oxbridge/med/vet etc - in this case it was as they are giving out offers!

goinggetstough · 23/10/2011 20:04

gelatinous fingers crossed you hear soon too!

Copper · 23/10/2011 20:07

Apparently about 28 universities are about to change their fee structure - to charge less. How galling ... apparently they will have to contact anyone who has accepted already to give them the chance to think again

adamschic · 24/10/2011 11:51

How does it work with interviews? I know that med/dent/vet and Oxbridge interview but I've looked on the Student room at a thread for a uni that DD has applied to and a couple of people are getting interviews for pharmacy, Engl lit etc. Starting to think the DD won't get into it as she has only had an acknowledgment.

goinggetstough · 24/10/2011 12:40

adamschic IME universities that interview do so in groups. They get one group through and then they interview the next group. This continues well after the final date for applications in January. Some people don't hear until March/April. My DD didn't hear until the end of March. So don't get worried yet (I know easier said than done!)

adamschic · 24/10/2011 12:58

Thanks, it's hard not to think the worse when you hear about people getting interviews and even offers so early.

I was expecting that the places she had applied to wouldn't interview but looks like I was wrong.

lazymumofteenagesons · 24/10/2011 13:35

Adamschic - If you view her UCAS application the universities that she has applied to that interview have a message that comes up saying this. They always say 'may' interview. I don't know what subject she is going for, but most pharmacy courses interview (this is one subject you mentioned).

Also I looked at Student Room for last years applicants and you get an idea of when the offers/interviews come in. I imagine they work on the same schedule each year. I know its sad and I should get a life, but hey ho....

ucasnewbie · 24/10/2011 18:38

OK everyone - please calm me down! First time with a dc through this UCAS process. His mates are getting offers for the course and unis he's applied for but no news for him. I'm stressing although I know it's early days etc etc. Particularly as one friend has got an offer from a top uni and it's a bit of a surprise.... Words of wisdom from experienced hands please.....

goinggetstough · 24/10/2011 18:56

ucasnewbieAlways work on the assumption that no news is good news. I am no expert but am on my second and last time round the UCAS process...... we were told that universities look at applications and they have 3 options, immediate offer, immediate rejection or the maybe pile. So each time new applications come in they go through the maybe pile with them and decide which of the 3 piles they will go into. So it is an on going process. Hopefully an admissions tutor will confirm or correct the above if wrong but that is what we were told.

Plus some universities don't give out their final offers until March even though some will have offers from the same university before Christmas. I found it the most stressful thing for us all when DC1 went through it. So good luck.

funnyperson · 24/10/2011 19:36

ucasnewbie do not panic. No news is fine at this stage. Deep breaths and Brew and keep that smile and the good food and warm home going for DC.

mollymole · 24/10/2011 20:21

My son has already done his BSc and his MSc (at Sheffield) and has just been accepted for a 2 year MSc in Physiotherapy. I have read a telephone directory of statements etc, particularly when applying for Masters level. So I will help where I can.

It may well be worth knowing that if your DS or DD is really good at something, be it sport, music etc IT IS worthwhile mentioning this on your PS.
My son, at every interview for his BSc was questioned about this (he is an international standard athlete) and it was commented on that the dedication to achieve this sort of standard was the sort of dedication they were looking for in their candidates, and that he offered 'added value'. 2 of his choices offered him a place, without interview and the others interviewed , in every case they offered a place and lowered the grades they would accept.

Universities are looking for rounded individuals, and if you can offer some 'added value' please do not be afraid to tell them what you can offer.

ucasnewbie · 24/10/2011 20:53

Thanks for reassurance. I know it's really important that I stay calm for ds but he's gone for really competitive options and it would be so reassuring to get an early offer... On paper he's got a strong application but I know that it can all be v unpredictable. But as you say no news at this stage is still all good.

Yellowstone · 24/10/2011 21:20

ucasnewbie are you able to say which subject? Certain universities have a policy of dishing out very early offers in certain subjects and some are known for waiting for a gathered field. I don't get the sense that it's that unpredictable, though there are always hard cases in every cycle.

No news at this stage is completely and utterly fine.

Yellowstone · 24/10/2011 21:22

mollymole very few kids out there are able to claim they are international standard athletes!

ucasnewbie · 24/10/2011 23:00

Hi Yellowstone - it's economics.

ellisbell · 25/10/2011 10:08

wish universities would stop sending the "look what a great place we are, apply to us letters". It's rather annoying when you've applied already, and a waste of money for the university.

ucasnewbie at this stage no news is better than bad news. He hasn't had rejections so his application is still being considered. If you look on the student room website you'll find that offers are a bit thin on the ground yet. It looks as though universities are holding back a little ths year, perhaps to see what impact the fee changes have.

adamschic · 25/10/2011 11:49

I heard on the news that uni applications are down by 10% this year but I don't know how they can tell when deadlines are in January.

jalopy · 25/10/2011 12:33

Perhaps they mean down 10% at this stage of the process.

adamschic · 25/10/2011 12:41

Yes, I've just read an article and it say 12% down from the same time last year.

goinggetstough · 25/10/2011 15:55

But last years figures were slewed by the rush to avoid the fees increase next year. it would be interesting to see how this year's figures compare with the year before last.

ucasfracas · 26/10/2011 12:50

App went off Friday and one acknowledgement so far, the waiting game begins!

goinggetstough · 26/10/2011 17:54

Good luck to your DC ucasfracas hope they don't have to wait too long for their first offer....

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