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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

Fresh new 'mum of a medicine applicant' thread.

559 replies

Mindgone · 11/11/2014 11:58

I thought I would start a new one, as the last one went a bit 'off topic'! How's everyone getting on? Am so excited, and a bit nervous, as DS has two interviews coming up! How is everyone else's DCs preparing? Also, any tips from anyone who's been there?

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angethomp190 · 17/06/2015 17:53

Yes last exam here too and DD found it ok too.

Will certainly be having a glass of wine tonight. DD is out already enjoying herself somewhere.

Good luck to them all for results day but for now we can relax a little. I hope everyone has finished as I have rather assumed they have. Sorry if there are still some exams to go!

Decorhate · 06/07/2015 19:24

Hope everyone is relaxing after the exams (for now at least).

A quick question- did anyone here have a dc who applied to Kings College London or attend an open day last year? I remember my dd getting despondent because when they went through how they select applicants for interview, iirc the average GCSE results were higher than hers. I can't find any stats on their website about GCSEs, only UKCAT scores.
(Am checking for a pupil where I work who will be applying next year). Thanks

alreadytaken · 07/07/2015 08:37

anyone thinking of Kings ought to check out the student satisfaction figures and ask about the reasons/ what changes have been made.

They might also find this useful www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2717588

Decorhate · 23/07/2015 17:06

How is everyone enjoying the summer? I just realised today it is 3 weeks to results day Shock
Dd is inter-railing at the moment.

Original poster
Mindgone · 24/07/2015 11:09

Hi decorhate! Still tuning in here too! Getting nervous, especially when I imagine the reality of DSnot getting the grades! I still think he should, but am aware that it's a possibility that he won't! He's getting nervous now too. We went on an early family holiday, which was lovely. DS is mainly chilling and hanging out with his friends. My cousin is coming over from Ireland with her 3 DCs from the 3rd to 12th of August, so I think they will all provide the perfect distraction! Smile

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Decorhate · 24/07/2015 11:33

Dd changed her mind about coming on the family holiday which I am pleased about - we get back a few days before results day so she will hopefully be distracted while we are away

Original poster
Mindgone · 28/07/2015 00:14

That sounds like a very good distraction, happy holiday!Smile

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Carriemac · 28/07/2015 14:23

DS intended to drive himself and his girlfriend over to Ireland the day after the results so fingers crossed it all goes ok on the day! I will be a bag of nerves as we don't really have a backup plan if doesn't get his 3As

Original poster
Mindgone · 28/07/2015 14:54

Carriemac, that sounds like a great plan! Smile

Tricky question now!
For medicine, does it really, truly not matter a bit about the 'rank' of the university? Just in case any of our DCs amaze us by over-achieving!!
DS says that even if this did happen, there's no way he would want to go through it all again, especially with no guarantees! I was just wondering if there are any informed opinions out there on the matter?

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Carriemac · 28/07/2015 15:01

the standard answer to this is that once you get your first job the rank of the university does not matter, and everyone graduates with the same degree , but actually amongst the doctors I know there is still some judging and snobbery about what med school you attended. Also not all have the same completion rates, which is more important in my opinion.

Decorhate · 28/07/2015 17:14

I'd say the rule of thumb is that an offer for medicine is so hard to get you never turn it down & reapply for somewhere more prestigious. Though I'm sure it does happen.
Dd will be gutted I'm sure if she doesn't get her firm but I'll be relieved if she gets her insurance!

zizza · 06/08/2015 23:05

Just wanted to wish you and your dcs luck for results day. I'm not the mum if a medicinemedicine applicant but I am the mum of a 2nd year vet studentstudent and I can remember how nerve wracking it was waiting to find out and all the "what ifs". Dd woke us upup in the morning (after I'd been awake really late, unable to sleep) to say she'd had an email from her uni welcoming her. Then has to wait another hour for UCAS to open, and then later to find out actual results.

It'll be over soon Smile

Original poster
Mindgone · 07/08/2015 01:09

Thanks for your kind message zizza, it is tough! And very well done to your DD! Vet med is even more competitive than med!
DS doesn't really have a back up plan, he is now less keen on his non-medicine insurance. It's a chemistry degree, as that was his favourite subject a year ago, but now his favourite is biology. I think the most sensible thing to do is a gap year and a big re think if he doesn't get the grades. But he really doesn't want a gap year! Praying, hoping, and getting splinters from all the wood!!

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Original poster
Mindgone · 12/08/2015 17:25

How's everyone doing? We have a tradition of silly films the night before results day, so hopefully we'll find a good, distracting one!
Please all come back with news tomorrow!

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Original poster
Mindgone · 12/08/2015 17:26

And the very best of luck to all our DCs!
And lots of Wine and Cake for us parents!

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Decorhate · 12/08/2015 17:29

Thankfully I worked today which was a distraction. Hoping Ivwont be awake all night. Seems unfair to make us & dcs suffer for another night. When the results are just sitting at school

hellsbells99 · 12/08/2015 20:13

I think I may be cracking up but Sheffield appears to have Medicine in clearing!

Fresh new 'mum of a medicine applicant' thread.
Original poster
Mindgone · 12/08/2015 23:54

Omg Hellsbells! I just looked at their website and it states ABB!! That sounds a bit odd! Hmm

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Decorhate · 13/08/2015 08:58

I saw your ds's good news on the other thread Mindgone - well done to him, must be such a relief. Dd got her insurance (Leeds). Thankfully they have taken her in spite of a B in chemistry (which she will get remarked)

alreadytaken · 13/08/2015 10:07

congratulations to all the new potential doctors.

For anyone without a place determined reapplicants with a good gap year are often successful second time around.

Medical schools have been known to be in clearing but it's very rare. It's slightly less rare for them to quietly fill a few places by making offers in August.

Original poster
Mindgone · 13/08/2015 10:35

Thanks Decorhate and congratulations to your DD too! DS1 is at Leeds and loves it, wouldn't be anywhere else!
DS got A*AB and I feel like he's dodged a bullet! His B is also chemistry, huge surprise there and thinking of a re-mark too, just so he doesn't regret not doing so at a later date.
Thanks alreadytaken Smile

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Decorhate · 13/08/2015 10:46

I know dd will love Leeds. She is just understandably disappointed to miss her firm. We will see what the remark brings

mrsmosquito · 13/08/2015 10:58

DD has impressed us with 4A*.. and has accepted QUB - which was her only offer.... So happy and so relieved! Feeling shattered now - didn't sleep very well last night!! Congrats to all those who have got in, and commiserations to those who haven't yet. What a year it has been.....

Oyster2 · 13/08/2015 11:06

Think Leeds will be fab Decorhate although I do understand her disappointment. Fantastic with 2 A*s though! If she gets an A in chem with a remark the firm would have to take her I believe. My dd got her firm but her insurance was Leeds and she would have been happy with that but would probably have taken a few weeks to realise it!

Decorhate · 13/08/2015 11:09

Congrats to both your dcs! Yes Carrie, I also think she will love Leeds once she gets herself used to the idea. Just got to hang on for another week or two to know for sure where she will end up

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