Oxbridge applicants 2018

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

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

That’s very true Anna. It’s a way of controlling anxiety and I realise it isn’t a helpful approach. dd has done almost all of this process with minimal input from us - from doing open days by herself to our only input to the application being proof reading at the end, but the hand gel was certainly a symptom of my anxiety.

I was absolutely horrified when my daughter had said she'd not had breakfast before her interview. (Perhaps breakfast is my handgel?)

Providing a hearty supper in Oxford the night before the interviews was my handgel, having driven DD1 up. At a very popular restaurant too, which I'd better not name. Unfortunately it gave her acute food poisoning and she spent the night and the next day being violently sick, with the second day just feeling light headed and weak. And we hadn't taken in that she needed a towel. Not great. Just one example of where parental input - certainly mine - can do more harm than good ....

Goodbye.

That's it then, dd is only 'allowed' prepackaged sanitised food before her interview

Handgel sarnies are delicious, I'm told. (Though be careful of the alcohol content.)

Marmite I have sent you a message re St Anne's.

No improvement in flu symptoms or nose boil. Wish I had insisted on the hand gel!!!

DS has a place for next year. Have my fingers crossed that he is surrounded by lovely mini Mumsnetters.

His experience (Oxford) was social, challenging and a great experience.1st one ever from his school so no real expectations but he had a blast!

NB some offers / rejections are by post. He had to wait an extra 24 hours in January. That was a bit stressful!!

DD just received an interview invite for English at Homerton on 12th! Relieved it's in the afternoon as the traffic between us and Cambridge can be unpredictable.
We'll probably be able to sleep tonight now we know!

Don't worry everyone I will drop her off and pick her up. I will not be interfering. It just helps my anxiety to be near and I am going to have a lovely break catching up with a friend for one day and hopefully finishing my Xmas shopping. Luckily she has been to stay for choral scholarships in October so has a feel for the place. She has been away for an 18th party this weekend so I am not as controlling as it sounds!

Thank you Matey!

most of the boys in DS' school applying for Oxford humanities subjects have got invites for interviews! But none yet for DS' applied subject and the other STEM subjects. interviews of DS applied subject will take place from Dec 11, I wish the college will be kind to send out decisions sooner than later, and I hope DS will get good news, as his school is a strong one and most of the boys could get interviews!

So today DS made me fall off my chair by asking to go shopping for interview clothes
At this request he now owns a smart-ish blazer and a couple of jumpers - this from the boy who spends most of his free time in joggers and has always grunted when he’s asked about clothes. Perhaps this is him displaying his anxiety??? Train ticket also purchased.....but now he’s lost his railcard.
It’s going to be a stressful week!

itinerant if you have a receipt you can get a duplicate card for a fee.* If you find it there is an app you can get so they can download the card details into their phones.*

Well done itinerant DS. Should mine get over flu he will be wearing his usual jeans and a hoodie, I need to get him some shoes though.

Don't know why Bold type appeared!

Thanks marmite I’m torn between helping him sort it out and just leaving him to sort it out himself. It’s likely I won’t be able to hold my nerve and will give in though. I’m just so amazed as he’s really not into clothes at all but has suddenly decided he quite likes looking “preppy” (his words). I’m enjoying it while it lasts!

Ha ha - best quad ever , ( not Ds's but a nearby college claims that prize)

Just if it helps - Ds went for his interview in a shirt - sweater and chino type trousers - anecdote.

Good luck to all. Also at Oxford take warm clothing as backup for overnight stay - the heating can be ( ahem ) unpredictable

Basilisk DS1 was put up in a tiny room on the High St with disproportionately huge throbbing hot water pipes and a double glazed heat-retaining window which refused to open an inch, despite strenuous attempts.

So, be prepared to strip down as well as up, and bring a bottle of water too, in case of tropical temperatures. Basically, be prepared for literally any eventuality on the heating front!

Basically, be prepared for literally any eventuality on the heating front!

Yes , Goodbye

Ds's room in first year was freezing near the window and too warm at the back - ( and the room wasn't that big) He waited for a warm front to hit a cold front and rain over the middle of his room

So inspired by itinerant that have now ordered 2 jumpers and a pair of shoes. DS not well enough to make the shops unfortunately.

DS's friend reckoned he had an "easier" time of it for the first 2 or 2 1/2 terms and then those who had not studied before caught up very quickly, so by end of 1st year he was not sure he had any advantage.

Mods (5th term) are different for course I and course II, Greats (finals) are basically the same. If you go with no languages you have the option of starting the second for Greats.

Dd1 (IIa) had 9am (one was actually 8am) Latin classes every week day for the first term, maybe two terms, I forget. Then just weekly after that.

Thankyou Attia, that's really helpful to know
Every morning sounds intense - how did your DD find it?
What year is she in now?

I offered to take DD shopping for interview clothes. She's insisting that she has plenty of perfectly appropriate things in her wardrobe . . I'm not convinced!

I know every piece of advice says they don't care what dc wear, and to wear what they feel comfortable in, but she is NOT going in her scruffy old hoody and converse! I'll hide them if I have to!

Alia - my posts are vicarious , but certainly ( Oxford ) Ds's good friend has good friends on his Classics course who did not study Latin or Greek at school , but within the options of the course they all seem to be getting on OK - I think my point ( which I think you get) is that not studying those two at 6th form is not a showstopper by any means at all. You're better at the nomenclature but I hope my point came across.