Uni applications 2017 - for those whose dcs not expecting A's at A level

[Stopyourhavering]

I've been following a couple of threads regarding uni applications for next year and amazed by number of applicants who are expecting A* in their A levels. while I am truly pleased for these academic high flyers ,I'd also like to put in a word for those whose dcs will over the moon to get Bs and Cs at A level and who are also applying for Uni.
I have 3 dcs (2 dds already at Uni ) and 1 ds applying for entry next year. All 3 have various degrees of dyslexia/ dyspraxia and dyscalculia and have never been academic high achievers in the true sense of the word(I've no As at A level!)....however they have worked hard to overcome their spld, ( no mean achievement at their local schools let me tell you!)
My eldest dd was told in yr 7 ( by SENCO)she would be lucky to get a few GCSEs...well she graduated last yr with a 2:1 form a Scottish ancient uni and is now doing post grad at a world top 20 uni!...now applying for international teaching jobs
Dd 2 did a BTEC at local college and is also on course to a 2:1 ,but currently applying for industrial placements for her sandwich year and is very business focused
DS although bright is one of youngest in his year and I feel ,has yet to fulfill his potential , although I am confident of his abilities and he has finally decided what he wants to studywish he'd get his personal statement written though!
Just felt I had to give another viewpoint on Uni applications- there's such competition these days to do well at A levels and get to top RG Unis, but I also like to reassure others that there is life outside these 'academic bubbles'and as long as your dcs are happy and confident, surely that's something to be commended....
Btw both my dh and I have more than 1 degree each ( from non RG Unis) and have done just fine in life
I'm in no way knocking the achievements of these extremely capable students, merely offering another perspective on further education ...good luck with everyone's applications

[JugglingFromHereToThere]

I think a Uni experience and education is still worth it - for DD and DS anyway. Probably not as good value as when I went, but still a good start on independent adult life for many.

[user1488923210]

Following this with interest because DD's predicted grade are BBC. She wants to do a marine biology degree and has got 5 conditional offers including two from RGs. She has decided on her firm (Plymouth) and insurance (Swansea) which appear more realistic at BBB. Was following the clearing period last year and there seemed to be plenty of places on marine biology courses going for BBB or even BBC - so fingers crossed... We visited at open/applicants day and were impressed by the courses and the facilities. She can definitely see herself at either unis.
What worries me, however, is that she does not have a fall-back option in case the grades do not add up on Result Day. I was encouraging her to look at local provision for veterinary nursing courses (foundation degrees) for which her science A levels would be valued even at C grades, but she is focussed on marine biology and does not seem to want to consider any alternatives. Should I insist or just wait and see?

[JugglingFromHereToThere]

Interesting user 148, our DD's seem to be very similarly minded, mine wants to do Zoology and also likes Swansea, predicted similar grades.

All I'd say is putting Swansea first as a firm is something they both might consider. Mine has a AAB offer from Sheffield she is quite tempted by and I guess it's remotely possible she could get one A and they could meet in the middle on that. But I'm a bit concerned that Swansea would be more generous if you had them as firm and just missed their offer by one, getting BBC, which sounds quite possible for both/either of our daughters. Marine biology or Zoology at Swansea would be great I think?!
What is her offer from Plymouth?

[user1488923210]

Plymouth offered her at 128 UCAS points which is equal to BBB because she has already got an AS - their standard offer is ABB-BBB which is the same as Swansea I think. She was tempted by Swansea's statement that they would be able to consider near-misses if they were put first. Marine Biology at Plymouth though has better facilities in term of the Marine station and wet labs which is a brand new building by the sea which Swansea does not have, so on that basis she decided to go for it.
I agree though the Swansea science department seemed great!

[JugglingFromHereToThere]

Good luck to your DD user148

Yes, we have a BBB offer to consider from Swansea too. Sounds like they could both end up there together, though Plymouth also sounds great for marine biology

[yolofish]

just wanted to see if I could add some hope for those whose predictions are lower than B and C? My DD1 got into her first choice last Sept despite not having maths GCSE (after about 11 tries) and having lower grades than predicted. DD2 has 5 conditional offers, has chosen her first and insurance - interestingly her first has lower conditions than the insurance which doesnt make sense to me. Neither are RG unis but both have excellent reputations in their particular areas of expertise.

[morides]

Thanks Juggling (this is user 148 with new username btw) good luck to your DD too! I lived in Sheffield for a couple of years and worked at the University. It was almost 20 years ago tbh but it did have a good atmosphere and lots going on on campus, as well as the excellent reputation of course. I think each uni has got its pros and cons, one has to discover what matches your needs best. It is good that there is so much choice though!

[Stopyourhavering]

user and juggling my ds has Plymouth as insurance for marine science, just got a letter from this morning giving info on the chance of doing a field trip to the Bahamas in second year!.... v exciting!
So now he's got chance of either a £2k bursary if he goes to Dundee for Forensic Anthropology ( firmed first choice)or Caribbean field trip if he chooses Plymouth
Decisions decisions!!