What's Edinburgh like?

[tabithahumphreys]

Hello all,
DS has got an offer from the University of Edinburgh and barring an academic disaster next month, he looks to be going there. Now I know Edinburgh has a decent reputation, but I must admit my concern.

I've heard the extra year fosters quite a laissez-faire attitude amongst the students. Many of them come from London and I'd love DS to broaden his horizons a bit. DS really is Oxbridge material according to the school so I was worried that this might be a step down for him. What have you heard about Edinburgh? Any particularly good or bad experiences from there?

Thank you very much

With respect, whatwouldrondo it is getting in that defines whether or not someone meets the standard. Would you describe an athlete who came third as "gold medal standard"?

Jessie It is far from being an objective process like a race. There have been plenty of Oxbridge admissions officers who have come on here and admit that with the number of applicants of Oxbridge standard who apply the selection process is far from being perfect in terms of discriminating the candidates who will do best, in fact one analysed final results (for Maths) and concluded they probably get it wrong in 30% of cases. It is inevitably subjective. No matter, contrary to what OP thinks there are indeed plenty of other good university courses filled with bright students who will go on to do great things if the potential is there.

Edinburgh can be pretty competitive to get into. There is a wide variety of backgrounds. My own Dd plans to apply for 2 years time. I'll be proud of her if she achieves her goals to get there.

Edinburgh is 21st overall in the QS World University Rankings 2015/16, and 24th in the Times Rankings 2015/16 worldwide. I'd say that's more than just a "decent" reputation.

Well, the OP's DC didn't get in to Oxbridge, so - as others have said - probably actually not Oxbridge material.

I still think the snobbery in the first post is down to simple ignorance. It couldn't be an informed opinion, surely?

Scottish children doing AH before 1st year uni will also experience some overlap so could coast through the first year. In my experience that is a good thing so they can adjust to life away from home (yes, drinking and partying but also food budgeting) without too much academic pressure.

He could always apply to go straight into 2nd year (option is available to Scottish applicants too I believe).

Not sure stumping up a fortune to send DC to Harvard or Yale is going to work. You can't actually buy your way into an expensive US university -- unless your child is a "legacy" and you have been donating a vast fortune to your alma mater for years, or comes from a highly desired and under-represented group (that last might help). Acceptance rates are 5.2% for Harvard and 6.3% for Yale vs 18% for Oxford and 20.8% for Cambridge. Not even the ridiculous American reverence for British accents is enough to overcome those odds.

Well, it was quite a few years ago, but I found Edinburgh a very challenging academic environment. My time there was one of the best experiences of my life. I certainly didn't encounter anyone who thought they were taking a "step down."

I loved loved LOVED my time at Edinburgh Uni. Very stimulating academic environment but not really the 'hothousing' you get at Oxbridge. I know lots of people who went to Oxbridge and ended up with depression/anxiety/nervous breakdowns - it is just super intense. There is a lot to be said for having time to 'find yourself' instead. I really think you need to see the positives otherwise your DC will pick up that you think it is second best

I think the question isn't whether your DC is Oxbridge material but whether they are Edinburgh material. The education is very different (I was at edin, my DB at Oxbridge). The first two years of taking three subjects is a fantastic opportunity to get a very rounded education - taking three subjects - many of which there would have been no opportunity to take at A level. Even if they have covered an element at A level - this will not be in three different degree subjects. It requires self motivation and discipline. Several of my uni friends did struggle with this transition having come from public schools where studying was highly structured. The city is fantastic. It is for your DC to decide.

My Dd17 is sitting on an unconditional offer for Edinburgh for this year, but isn't going as she has a overseas scholarship to study in China for a year first. She's going to reapply as she absolutely adores the idea of studying there, even if she doesn't get onto her original choice of course she'd rather go there than anywhere else. She's got the grades for Oxbridge but won't even apply to them. It's a lovely uni in a beautiful city (although I'm biased as I grew up there).

Dotdot - has your DD asked to see if she can defer her place rather than having to reapply?

I went to two universities; one not so snob factor and the other, Edinburgh.

Way preferred my time in the working class city university! Edinburgh is a fine city to live/ study in but I personally wasn't enamoured with the academic teaching for my masters.

You seem to have a high opinion of yourself and DC. That will fit right in in Edinburgh- they love to know what scool you went to and your social status. Snore. Doesn't make you a better person.

Hellsbells99 Dotdot - has your DD asked to see if she can defer her place rather than having to reapply?

Yes, she has but it's a hugely over-subscribed course (IR) and she originally applied for entry for this year, she has since been offered the Chinese scholarship. According to the Uni they have only have a small amount of deferred places available only to those apply for one in the beginning. They've told her that she has a very strong application and she should apply again. It's probably the best outcome as she's now decided that she would prefer to apply to study music instead! Hopefully her year away will help her sort out her ambitions.