Oxbridge applications 2019 (part two).

[Justanothermile]

New thread, I hope it's okay to start one.

Good luck today for those still waiting for interview news, which includes us.

Congratulations to those already with dates.

I've read 14th

My DD did not find anyone odd or “posh” in Oxford. She is in these social circles, so she would not notice even if they were posh, weird or wealthy.
Her mocks are also after Feb half-term and next week there is hardly anything going to school for, so she is already in full holiday mood and relaxing with her friends. I am putting up the tree tomorrow and starting to get ready for Christmas. Hope all have a wonderful break and are looking forward to the Decision day in Jan!

We are odd but not posh.

Just bear in mind that those 'odd' people may have aspergers and they may also have parents on here who are reading those comments feeling hurt that others actively avoid their children.

Yes that sound like a bit on the spectrum - many ‘mathsy ‘people will be .(❤️!).
We are mosselen class too but I myself have gone up and down in life in social class . Middle class is average , it’s not what I call posh , but I can see how working class children might feel intimidated. They would have that everywhere at uni though and probably the ‘odd ‘ people care less than average about all that .I would think the strong passion they have for studying would be a bonding factor . After reading these comments about ‘posh ‘ people I looked at the trailer of the Riot Club . Haven’t seen anyone like that so far 😉.

oldandgold. Your DD is describing my DS to a T and his enthusiasm for all things maths. I imagine the reason many of those youngsters got their interview is their obsession with their subject, and they were all trying hard to socialise with complete strangers.

OYBK Absolutely. For students with Aspergers / High Functioning Autism life can be really challenging.

I do not think there is anything wrong at all to have a diverse mixture of people at uni! It is a big, colourful world out there. DC will meet all sorts of people from all walks of life. It is how we have taught them to cope with this and to accept the people with their differences, is what matters. I do not anticipate that all people have to fit the mould. Whichever uni they go to that is.

I do not think there is anything wrong at all to have a diverse mixture of people at uni!

I'd imagine most of us would think there would be something wrong with a university which didn't have a diverse mix of people! DD certainly seems to have come across a wide variety of personalities, nationalities, backgrounds. The only commonality at Oxbridge is that they're all bright - some all-rounders, some focussed in one area.

Were it not for the fact that my dc was not applying for anything mathsy it may well have been that they were the “odd” person. I was hoping that by applying to Oxbridge they might find themself subjected to less of the prejudice and bullying that has blighted their life so far, as someone with ASD. Clearly not and that is very hurtful.
I’ve only lurked on this thread but am bowing out now

For those feeling hurt, do hold on to the fact that they really do find their tribe at Oxbridge - especially in Maths, but I'd imagine in lots of stem subjects too, there are a high number of students with ASD.

It's a place where it doesn't matter if they struggle with social situations, or don't like clubbing, where it's absolutely fine and even celebrated to be really enthusiastic about their subject.

DS finding everything challenging but other students have been kind.

I absolutely despise how some chidren are described as 'odd' - maybe I ought to descibe children who actively go out their way to shun other children (who possibly have been bullied and shunned throught their educational journey just because they probably have difficulties interacting) as 'ignorant bullies'

Well I would rather be odd than ordinary. How boring that would be!!

For odd read - impassioned, funny, eccentric, individual, interesting and a lot more. Just the kind of people I would choose to hang out with. {grin]

I work in a special educational setting - most of our HF ASD students like to describe themselves as 'unique'

For all the diversity DD has encountered so far, the adjective I hear her use of fellow students most consistently is 'lovely'.

HFA students may often find superficial social conversation really unnatural and challenging but can be garrulous about their ‘interested in’ subjects. IME they will find like minded students but and hopefully listen to each other rather than having two simultaneous monologues.

For odd read - impassioned, funny, eccentric, individual, interesting and a lot more. Just the kind of people I would choose to hang out with. {grin]

This is exactly what I meant when I used the word “odd” also. I very much hope no one on this thread thinks I had any judgemental or Ill intentions when I used it, as this is most definitely not the case at all.

DS is 'odd' and I love it!! Difficult to define 'normal' anyway and is there really such a thing??. Everyone is unique after all!