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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:
papayasareyum · 04/12/2017 09:52

Yes raindrops, I’m in Cambridge. Are you here too?

marmiteloversunite · 04/12/2017 10:09

Dropped mine around the corner so she went into the college alone. Wasn't planning to meet up but she needs thermals and a fleece blanket so going to meet up around the corner with supplies. Just need to find a big supermarket by then. Waiting for a friend at Blenheim palace now.

Have a good day everyone!

user1469682920 · 04/12/2017 10:25

Agee by all means staying near by and soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the city can make it a ‘shared experience’ easing discussion when you return and sharing memories later - but would just be a shame if DS were torn between meeting up with lone parent and chilling/mixing with fellow applicants. They need to be free to immerse themselves in the experience as they wish

RaindropsAndSparkles · 04/12/2017 10:29

I am Papyrus. Moving on from Watestones soon. Done 10 Christmas cards!

RaindropsAndSparkles · 04/12/2017 10:29

I am Papyrus. Moving on from Watestones soon. Done 10 Christmas cards!

toomanytolist · 04/12/2017 11:09

One down, one to go. DD said it was 'fine' and they were smiley so now I'm really worried!

itinerant · 04/12/2017 11:33

Likewise one down, two more to go
DS says he’s not sure how it went and that he kept misinterpreting a graph
I’ve given him the option of calling me but he’s gone quiet - hopefully regrouping for the next one in three hours time
I feel exhausted for him!

Risotto301 · 04/12/2017 11:44

Thank you lady and Stranger for the pros and cons and all are very sensible and useful for me!
I would passively standby and “accompany” him on his interview day!
Stranger you are so sweet to have remembered me flying over from HK! Smile

Risotto301 · 04/12/2017 11:45

Thank you User for the tips!

Risotto301 · 04/12/2017 12:05

Thank you Inchy for the London tips!

RaindropsAndSparkles · 04/12/2017 12:42

Ah, dd is having coffee with a school friend who went up in September. Very reassuring.

HingleMcCringleberry · 04/12/2017 13:01

Risotto is your son at Tonbridge School? I went there! I was in Parkside.

Hubble, your DS is interviewing at Univ? That's my alma mater. Awesome! I hope things are going OK for him. It's a lovely college - I hope they've put him up in one of the decent rooms, and that the student helpers (Sea Daddies) are looking after him.

It's all a bit nerve-wracking waiting about, but the interviews themselves tend to be quite stimulating once you get into it - when else do you get to speak to someone about something you're really interested in, as a (relatively speaking) peer?

papayasareyum · 04/12/2017 13:06

apparently first interview was awful and second interview was good

Risotto301 · 04/12/2017 13:26

bingo Hingle! yes my son is studying at Tonbridge School! He loves tbe school!
His is from Hillside though!

HingleMcCringleberry · 04/12/2017 14:11

Hillside, good house! Glad he’s enjoying himself. Tonbridge should have done done good preparation with him, so I hope he’s feeling as confident as it’s possible to with these things, and relaxed too!

papayas, have you ever considered a name change to papyrus ? Understanding that papyrus is probably not as delicious as papyrus.

Risotto301 · 04/12/2017 14:34

yes Hingle, Hillside is amazing and DS enjoys it so much!
Tonbridge did impressive job in preparing tbe boys for Oxbridge, im really glad that we picked a great school for him! It is one of the most expensive schools in UK but DH and I both agree it worths the investment!

toomanytolist · 04/12/2017 14:52

All done phew! Now to forget all about it for 5 weeks and concentrate on mocks!

Risotto301 · 04/12/2017 15:13

congrats toomany!

btw how significant is the coming mock for them?

RaindropsAndSparkles · 04/12/2017 15:21

Oh God, let's not even think about results day. At least dd as her A'Level results so an offer, if She's lucky enough will be unconditional. She has KCL already but would heave a sigh of relief if Durham were to come through.

itinerant · 04/12/2017 15:23

Oohhh toomany well done!
DS about to go into number 3!

Hubble25 · 04/12/2017 16:12

That moment when the interviewer asks you to turn over the page to answer the questions you were given to study and you realise for the first time it was double-sided!! Where is the wine???

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 04/12/2017 16:23

Oh no Hubble! I hope it was OK.

Waiting for dd. I hope she remembers to turn over the page!

OP posts:
Hubble25 · 04/12/2017 16:26

So itinerant a day off for yours tomorrow.

itinerant · 04/12/2017 16:26

Oh crikey Hubble is he ok? DS hasn’t had great interviews. I’ve just got off the phone - my usually self assured 18 year old sounds like he did when he was five years old and I was late picking him up from school :(:(

itinerant · 04/12/2017 16:27

Crossed posts! Yes day off tomorrow and wait to hear what Wednesday brings. Same for you?