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Higher education

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

Original poster

Oxbridge applicants 2018

999 replies

OhYouBadBadKitten · 31/08/2017 08:54

I've hesitated before making this thread as I don't really like the whole making Oxbridge out as a special case when there are lots of amazing universities that are just as good for individual courses. However, it is a different application process with a lot happening by January should they get that far and irl I don't know anyone else's dc applying to talk to them about it. I expect most of us are in that situation. At the moment I rely on dd and the occasional foray into student room to learn what happens next.

So welcome all parents of Oxbridge candidates - a thread to chat over what's to come and to support if our kids find they have to steer in a different direction.

Application forms due in in a few weeks Confused

OP posts:
itinerant · 19/10/2017 07:31

Thanks so much Errol!! Feel a bit silly now that I (he) didn’t check for ourselves. I wonder when the page was updated? Certainly was AAB when we looked about two weeks ago - I.e. showing 2017 offers. I wonder why it’s changed?

sadusername2 · 19/10/2017 08:05

Dd sent essays she had already written and got good marks for. The teacher had to verify them so she couldn't write ones specially. However with teachers permission she rewrote, correcting some spelling errors.
Strangely 2 of the girls she met at interview had sent in same essay title.

goodbyestranger · 19/10/2017 08:14

sadusername it's not odd really, in that those essays will simply be set for the A2 syllabus. DS2 and DS3 both applying for History had to use the same (incredibly dull) essay title because it was the one the school habitually set early in the Autumn term of Y13, so they had no choice.

goodbyestranger · 19/10/2017 08:16

In fact it got worse because they both happened to be interviewed by the same guy who had said to DS2 how tedious he found the subject....

ErrolTheDragon · 19/10/2017 09:43

itinerant - I don't know, but I guess unis do a round of reviewing the stats on applicant grades, what offer holders got etc, whether they ended up with places in clearing or even more people accepting and getting the grades than they really want. And then adjust their standard offer accordingly. Start of october or thereabouts seems about right for that, ahead of UCAS applications starting just ahead of the early entry date?

itinerant · 19/10/2017 09:58

Yes makes sense. All the more incentive for DS to work hard!

HesMyLobster · 19/10/2017 13:24

Thank you all for your replies re essays. I think she’s going to go with Year 12 essays, but spend some time tweaking over half term.

That’s interesting about the Manchester standard offer. 2 of DD’s courses have changed from last years requirements - one I think from ABB to AAB and the other from AAB to AAA. She had the same panic as your DS Itinerant until we checked the websites.

Risotto301 · 21/10/2017 18:53

Hi everyone! I’m new to this thread.
My son has applied to Oxford’S Materials Science and now keenly preparing for the PAT. He hasn’t got any offers yet but got interview invites from Manchester and Imperial in Nov, hopefully would help him warm up for the Oxford interview (if he pass the PAT) and ideally seal one to two offers before so to give him a peace of mind to do the Oxford one in a more relaxing mood!
Good luck to all your DC!

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 22/10/2017 20:14

Welcome Risotto!

OP posts:
HeyBells · 29/10/2017 15:25

Mostly posting as thread is slipping down the list. How are everyone's DCs with admissions tests next week getting on? DS has been studying for the NSAA but still having time to do other things and chill.

inchyrablue · 29/10/2017 15:38

DD has the TSA part one this week. She’s getting quite stressed about it tbh, which won’t help. School have rather unhelpfully decided it is a good week for subject tests too. I’m glad we’ve been super busy all half term to give her some distraction.

HesMyLobster · 29/10/2017 16:53

DD has the LAT this week. There is literally only one past paper available, which she has done inside out! Not sure how else she can prepare for it to be honest. Which I suppose is the idea . . !
When I asked her if she was worried though, she said she’s really looking forward to it! Apparently she loved the past paper and can’t wait to do more, it’s really fascinating stuff apparently! Confused

This is why she’s the one applying, not me! Grin

Hubble25 · 29/10/2017 20:44

What is the TSA part one?? I thought it was the whole of the TSA on Thursday.

Hubble25 · 29/10/2017 20:46

inchyrablue you have me worried now.

Str4ngedaysindeed · 29/10/2017 20:47

Just catching up! Ds has an interview at Exeter on Saturday and has had an offer from UCL so is quite pleased! He's doing the natsci on Thursday and is a little worried to be honest - has done last year's paper and says it's not easy! All a bit stressful in the Str4nge household right now 😁

Timetogetup0630 · 29/10/2017 20:55

DS doing Physics Aptitude test this week. He is entirely self motivated and has been working hard over half term.
He wrote a good PS and his Physics teacher is very supportive, but his school have warned him he doesn't really fit the profile of a typical Oxbridge applicant.....i.e. Only 6A* GCSE's
Which I think is really sad.....

He has a very sharp mind and great problem solving capabilities so I just hope he gets an interview and the opportunity to have a good argument!

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 29/10/2017 20:57

We were quiet over half term weren’t we.
dd has MAT next week, but she only needs it to get a lower offer from Warwick.

OP posts:
Hubble25 · 29/10/2017 21:02

Time to get up0630 Your DS has EVERY chance with 6 A*s at GCSE. Believe me my son has done the research!! What kind of school has he attended?

Str4ngedaysindeed · 29/10/2017 21:10

That does seem harsh. My DS has 5A*, 4A and a B and is determined! And he went to a very average comp.

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 29/10/2017 21:13

TimeTo there is no such thing as a typical profile of an Oxbridge candidate that they are looking for. I wish schools wouldn’t try and put imaginary barriers on kids. The media have been trying blame Oxbridge for lack of diversity but if students don’t apply how will things ever change?

If he loves physics and he’s very good at it, that’s what matters.

OP posts:
Hubble25 · 29/10/2017 21:40

Congratulations to Str4ngedays DS, How exciting!!

Timetogetup0630 · 29/10/2017 23:05

Hubble25 strangely he is at a boys Grammar where they do send 3 or 4 boys a year to Oxbridge, but they are usually 10A* type kids.

They haven't told him not to apply, but just warned him that he probably won't be successful.
He's in the school debating team too, and very good at thinking on his feet.
I am proud of him because he just gets his head down and gets on with it. Never been coached or tutored, and minimal help from his Dad, who doesn't live with us.
Thanks for the encouragement.

itinerant · 30/10/2017 07:39

TSA prep here too - suddenly taking it more seriously. He’s decided to spend the next couple of days focusing on the ones he’s been getting wrong, and has bought a book of worked answers to help with this. I don’t know how helpful that will be though. Took him to visit grandma this weekend in the hope that it would be a good distraction - he’s come back well fed at least Smile

goodbyestranger · 30/10/2017 08:10

Hubble no need to worry: Chemistry applicants now have to do the TSA part one, as of last year. They don't do the essay part. The whole of all the aptitude tests are this week, as you thought.

inchyrablue · 30/10/2017 08:41

Yes Hubble doing only part one is subject specific. It’s both parts for most.