Ucas / Results 2014 (carrying on Ucas Forms Sent.... thread)

[Littleham]

Thought we might need a new thread for the results...

So August is here (gulp) - how are you keeping your DD/DS occupied and distracted for the long 13 days to come ? My DD been away for a few days and been busy with work but got a quiet couple of weeks ahead which isn't good for having time to dwell on the "what ifs"

Noticed yesterday that Exeter and several others had already posted their clearing vacancies on their websites in readiness for results day

I had already seen this in previous years with lower ranking institutions but it looks as though there are going to be vacancies all over the place (presumably a legacy of the quota lifting) so it is definitely worth doing some prep for those with dc unsure about meeting their offers

I've been onto the Exeter a website - thanks eatyourveg - to see if a place DD rejected would be available, hypothetically.. It's not.

BUT don't panic anyone not seeing what they think they might want as the final list of clearing places won't be available until the unis have all of the results of this years A levels - so clearing places you're seeing now are those which have vacancies even after they've made all their offers. More places may become available in different subjects if lots of applicants miss their grades.

DS1 thankfully had a full time, and for an 18 yr old very well paid, job with a largish local business on a project they are implementing. Unfortunately the project is in a bit of a lull for the work he was doing so he'll not be back there until after results now. However quite enjoying some of his reading list which is a bit of a distraction, however as the 14th gets ever closer I can envisage some jittery moments. Pretty much all his friends are in the same boat, so there is always the risk of the spiral of teenage angst over how they've done taking hold.

Reassuring to see one language course on that list - German and Arabic on the Exeter campus. Though the grade requirements are ABB, which is the same as her reserve anyway. Wonder if there is any further leeway in those requirements? Makes it all seem scarily close now.

DD1 has been in France, but is now back for two weeks. Doesn't seem to be dwelling on results day though.

DS knows he has missed his firm and has doubts about his insurance. We have done what we can to plan for "what if?" and he seems to be making the most of the long break now. No doubt the black cloud of doom will descend around the end of next week.

Sorry it has gone wrong secretsquirrels . We may be in the same situation (Chemistry went wrong), but don't know yet. Hope he finds something in clearing.

SecretSquirrels. DS was worried that he had missed his insurance last year so he gave the Uni department a call beforehand. He didn't give his name but just wanted an idea of how things might pan out if he missed his offer by a grade or so.
Surprisingly, the departmental admissions guy (one of the head lecturers) could not have been more reassuring and pleasant. He explained to my DS that they only expect a third of the student to get the required grades and that he shouldn't worry. . This was a maths based course that ranked in the top 10 in the country in a good RG Uni (lol, sorry for RG reference ). They had a really long chat.

I am not sure it was a sensible idea to phone the department but it worked for my son. It meant he was a lot more relaxed. I suppose it's down to luck if you get through to someone helpful but maybe it's something to think about.
Fortunately DS got his grades although it was by the slimmest of margins

DD said she had a dream where she got the lowest results in the whole country and universities were using her as research into how someone could get such low marks ....... some stress I think!

Oh no - that sounds mega stressed !

Those are vivid dreams!

Bristol University has some clearing vacancies up now - all languages & my dd1's course is on there...... giving me some hope. In fact most of the German courses are on the list.

I did notice for Bristol - cos I looked there too - that all of the courses currently available are in languages. But that may change of course. On the Exeter list there was a course she might want to do but with grade requirements the same as those in her firm offer, so that wouldn't work.

My DD is likewise having vivid ridiculous dreams! We need massive distraction tactics for the next 12 days.

secret good luck for your DS - I've been thinking of him - have you looked up on the insurance uni's website to see if they have any of their clearing options up yet? ( although I don't suppose they've ever gone into clearing for Maths they might have an alternative maths-y type course?)

BeckAndCall Thanks for asking. He got a reasonably encouraging reply from the insurance when he e mailed them. So fingers and toes are crossed. They haven't got anything up for clearing, and he has said he will do a gap year rather than take an unsuitable alternative course. He has also approached another uni but was told to ring them on results day.

I'm glad to hear that secrets - it does sound encouraging. You were right to get a plan in place ahead of time - this way he knows what to do on the day and is already clear that an alternative lesser course makes no sense.

This is nerve wracking isn't it? And it doesn't get any easier - this is my third and last time counting down the days waiting for the UCAS update....

Am I right in thinking that the universities don't have the A Level results yet? When do they get them? (I know it is before we see them)

Littleham I don't think they get the results this early but they do have them slightly before results day. I guess those advertising courses in clearing now couldn't fill all their places. Also they have scope to take more A grade students now the limits have been lifted.

third and last time counting down the days waiting for the UCAS update.... phew you must have covered all eventualities then beck.
It's my first. DS2 just going in to 6th form. I have to say that he has been put off aiming for a competitive course by watching DS1s stress.

We were told by Southampton that they get the results on the Monday to give them a few days to decide whether they can still take the "near misses" and how many spaces they will have in clearing.

Thanks. Oh my word - Monday! Finding somewhere to hide

certainly nerve racking but tbh having becks and others who have been through this before and can provide valuable experienced based insights is hugely helpful

Yes - hugely helpful.

I wonder what will happen if the lack of January exams causes lower A Level grades? If universities get fined for taking students below the grade boundary, but on the other hand can't fill courses it becomes bad news for the system / financially bad for university business.

Must be a risk for some courses this year.

Oops Littleham !! Not this Monday but the 11th !! ie few days before students get them !

Will put panic attack on hold then!

Results in Scotland are due on Tuesday, but they do sit them all in May.

Good luck 2rebecca.

DD1 obviously not so laid back. Bad dream about results last night, probably brought on by reading the online newspaper article about A Level results being volatile this year....
www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/11006140/GCSE-and-A-Level-results-will-be-particularly-volatile-this-year.html

Littleham decided probably best not to show DD the article especially as French and German are two of her subjects described as very few getting the top grades and she needs AAA ( gulp!) - oh well, as someone told her tonight "only 11 sleeps" until results now !!