Applying for Uni 2019 entry Part 3, UCAS & offers

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

Wow that last thread filled up quickly. Well done to your DS, Piggy!

That last sentence will be why the elusive head will want to see you Piggy

At least History and English Literature aren’t on the same day. It’s the physical side of writing for Dd as she’s used to doing essays on the computer. Need to build muscles up!

I know, Zanda. At first I thought that English and history were on consecutive days because I was looking at AS papers. There's a whole day in between each paper 1 and each paper 2.

What's the ucas clearing email??!!??

blame 17th? Niiiiice!

The schools are sent the results on the first Thursday in July, then they're released to students on the Friday. 6th would have been last year's results date.

Fazackerley it was sent to UCAS applicants early last week (I believe). I believe they just had to press on a link to be signed up to receive 'Clearing' info ASAP come A Level Results Day.

www.theguardian.com/education/2019/jan/31/20-universities-account-for-bulk-of-rise-in-unconditional-places?CMP=twt_a-education_b-gdnedu

Two 'worst' offenders are in DS's applications! he didn't get an unconditional from one of them and am feeling slighted

In truth, I haven't come across anyone who applied to Lincoln who hasn't had an unconditional.

There does seem to be a 'tide of opinion' against unconditional offers - I hope that the advantages for some students don't get wholly overlooked (less stress, more certainty, ?no concrete evidence afaik - others may know more! - that they cause students to miss predicted grades rather than vice versa the students being more likely to firm them if they think they'll miss their predicted grades).

I suppose the 'if firm' is a separate issue - why not unconditional whether firm or insurance?

Yes everybody applying after grades would have advantages but I think the univs have shown little enthusiasm for that.

Dr is dragging her feet in firming up her choices on track. She had her heart set on Cambridge but didn't get an offer after her interview.
She loved York and Liverpool and they want slightly differing grades so I'm not sure what the hold up is for her officially making her mind up. I think it's nerves.

piggywaspushed I came on to link to that article too! One of my DD’s choices on that list too! Fascinating that UoN has said no more u/c offers, wonder if they have been shamed into that position? And how many of their competitors will follow suit

So dd is in a huge grump this morning, having joined the NTU Facebook page for her course. She says they all have unconditional offers whereas hers is really high! She's so offended she's now saying she doesn't want it as her firm.

Childish I know!! But emotions are high chez Fazakerley!

She's now saying she's going to ring them to ask why. I guess she won't be firming them after all

Also she's ranting about how she will work really hard for her A and she'll be surrounded by people who have E's and haven't bothered, which will make the course a waste of time. Which I have some sympathy with tbh.

fazackerlry I can understand why she is miffed but why on earth would the “worth” of the course be defendant on the A level grades of her classmates? There’s no logic to that. The course will be delivered in the same way regardless of the grades if everyone in the lecture hall. Those that do take it easy and get rubbish grades (and I’m not convinced this is a widespread phenomenon) will arguably struggle more than those who keep working so more fool them.

I think she feels that when she gets to uni she wants to work with people who have also put the effort in. I don't necessarily agree with her on this but I would be miffed too if I was her.

UEA are coming out on top now so preparing myself for the long drive

Also, if you are surrounded with E's then surely there is an argument to suggest that the tutors will be concentrating on getting those students up to speed, in the first year at least.

Fazackerly based on my sons experience the tutors give no shits about previous grades. They set the work, expect you to do it and if not there are consequences. They don’t “teach” as such in the smaller tutorial sessions, they facilitate discussion and exploration.

@Fazackerley we may see you at UEA then. DS has just firmed them, with NTU as his insurance.

Fazackerley are the people who've got the NTU UIF offers doing the same course as your DD though?

Also, it doesn't entirely follow that people who don't do well at A Levels won't bother for their degrees (just as sometimes young people who don't achieve stellar GCSEs can suddenly blossom academically in their A Levels). I would have thought they may be more likely to drop out though, if they find the course(s) hard-going?

Yes I'm sure you are right. I think she's genuinely a bit hurt. Hopefully she'll calm down later

They are in the same department (sport). One of the girls who got an unconditional doesn't have any interest in sport, she says. Whereas dd has trained and works as a part time swim teacher, and has been national level in her sport and predicted ABB. it seems stupid but I guess you see the same at oxbridge level, just at a higher level!! (people feeling resentful for not getting offers)

My eldest scraped in with his exam results but blossomed at uni. You just can't tell

It could be that these groups primarily attract those who have uif offers, particularly at this stage when some are still waiting for other offers or undecided, so may not reflect the full picture. About 40% get uif offers at ntu though. We know of several Birmingham uif offer holders.

Yes just read the 40% stat in the paper. I'm sure 60% of the applicants are feeling pissed off today!

One of the girls who got an unconditional doesn't have any interest in sport, she says. Why on earth is she applying then? Also is there any possibility some might be economical with the truth about offers?