Oxbridge 2020

[GinWorksForMe]

Is it too early for an Oxbridge 2020 thread? I'm feeling in need of some hand holding through this process...

DS1 is going to apply to Cambridge for Maths. Doesn't know yet whether to name a college or put in an open application, so any tips gratefully received. We have visited two (very different) colleges and been to a Maths Open Day. It's unlikely we're going to have the opportunity to visit many more colleges as their open days seem to be on Saturdays and DS1 has a paid job Saturdays and Sundays.

Anyone else applying for Oxbridge for 2020 entry and want to share the journey?

We are all guilty of this including me. How often when talking to others about what their DC are studying or what degree they got do we think that's great if its medicine law or maths say, compared to my DC did archeology, sociology, psychology, media etc? Even degree courses have a ranking order of what is socially more agreeable or higher rated socially.

Even in orchestras a brass player is the third rate musician. String players are the ultimate. :-)

Dc’s School just seem to put barriers to his application. No help, no internal deadlines. 4 are applying, one to the same college but different subject which I don’t think is ideal but DS doesn’t want to change.

They want him to email to check his 3rd subject is academic enough even though the website and open day confirmed it’s fine.

I think the school have inverse snobbery about it or do t want to do extra work??

Inequality starts in primary school in my opinion verify. The system is geared to it though things are improving I'm glad to say but not quick enough or wide enough. With the GCSE results out today I have just heard a report on TV that those lower attaining pupils are so demoralised that some refused to sit the exams. They are indeed a lot harder nowadays. The reason for the new grades were to separate the top ones even more from the rest. For whose benefit is that? I remember the stress my DVD went through in the top groups worrying if she didn't get a 9 and thinking she was a failure if she didn't! Think of the stress on the lower groups one reason why they had to say a 4 was a pass rather than a 5. Before long say within 5 years only a 7 8 and 9 will matter. So rather than the new grades helping education it is yet another government controlled way if separating society.

Interesting fact about A level subjects this year. Maths stays top for most pupils taking it but the big surprise is biology moving to second place and psychology to third and English coming in fourth! Also overall maths has dropped in how many are taking it the direct opposite effect the government wanted. Education should never be controlled by government.

Just received my daughters bands for her Scottish Highers. 3 band 1s including her uni choice of maths. Biggest shock was a band one at English ( she has mild dyslexia). I think this will give her confidence going forward in her applications. I know Aurea said Oxford don’t ask for bands but I think for herself she will feel happier and might believe in herself a bit more! Hope you lovely parents don’t mind me sharing this with you, I feel I can’t anywhere else!!!x

Alittlewornout that is great news and hopefully will boost her confidence.

Is that not a form of prejudice by prioritising those that want to study medicine and law above those wanting to study something else?

I'd call that baffling gross stupidity. Medicine and vet do have some extra requirements so some specific help on that is appropriate, I didn't think there was anything like that for law though. Schools should be helping every pupil to fulfil their potential and aspirations.

DDs school used to have maths clear first choice, followed by chemistry - these are the two subjects which are most often absolute requirements for a range of degrees, I think. Then biology along with history and eng lit.

But that was a GS and chemistry has a reputation for being hard. I'd guess that biology is the easiest of the sciences to take without other STEM subjects, that perhaps boosts its popularity among those who maybe don't know what they want to do later or who won't have specific subject constraints?

alittlewornout
Well done her!
These boosts in confidence are important - one of the reasons I regret the demise of AS levels, they helped my DD recalibrate her aspirations. And one of the functions of MN threads is to share this sort of thing that you may not be able to IRL. Whether it's good news or bad, there's others here on the same page.

You ladies are wonderful thank you so much for your kindness. you must be the most amazing mum and teacher. I have nothing but admiration for those who homeschool. Hugo she hopes to study maths but funnily enough her brother is like your son also dyslexic( only picked up by uni!!!) and is also studying history!! If it helps he is thriving there and they have been very supportive with lap tops extra time and being able to record lectures.( he replays them when he goes running). This is St Andrews uni who also as an aside picked up 30 years ago my husbands dyslexia as a maths student!!!
If it all goes pear shaped I will definitely share it with you all as you will understand.x

Oops I missed out Pant.Twizzler in my post re being an amazing teacher!! I am not good at typing on this phone!!!!x

@ErrolTheDragon - that's a really good point about AS levels. If they don't get stellar grades, they have time to adjust and work out where they'd like to go.

Please can I join in? I have DTs one wanting to try for Oxford and one for Cambridge 2020. Both are hardworking and intelligent. One has ASD, though, and finds it very difficult to recreate the kind of lively body language and vocal range that will come across well in interview. He's bubbling away inside but comes across as so flat on the outside. I'm not sure how he can tackle this. He can come across as completely disengaged when he's feeling the exact opposite.

Millie I don’t know for sure but I think unis are much more geared up for students with additional support needs. I also think this generation of young people are much more accepting and aware of ASD. My DD took part in a residential course this year and one young person clearly had ASD they were able to articulate to my Dd the fear of being left out. My Dd and her group ensured this wasn’t the case but also gave guidance to this young person when they became too intense. I am not sure if I am explaining this well but basic social skills really like personal space. This wee group are still in contact over social media which I think is lovely. X

DS has ASD which affects some of the "soft skills" that might be useful at interview, but I'm hoping they will see beyond that.

The whole system seems (in theory at least) very geared up to accommodate those with additional needs. I believe there's a section on the UCAS form. I didn't see that with my eldest because it doesn't apply to her but I will be strongly encouraging DS to enter details of his dyslexia. I would hope that accommodations would be made for people with ASD at interview.

@milliefiori, Hi, welcome! DT parent here too, though only one going for the universities which cannot be named!! Other DD has no idea what she wants to do despite being v able. Brings it's own challenges when sib is focussed and firing away on all cylinders.. you need @Coleoptera, her DT situation last year sounds v similar to yours. She is brilliant, honest, insightful and helpful. She's the main reason I joined the thread this year rather than lurking.

Medicine and vet do have some extra requirements so some specific help on that is appropriate, I didn't think there was anything like that for law though.

Bit of a lurker but I’m fairly certain that Law applicants have to sit an admissions test , the LNAT, for quite a few law schools.

Ah right - but that doesn't really sound different to other subjects at Oxbridge which also have aptitude tests. I cant imagine any grounds for what sostenuto has observed:
For example a school may decide that medicine and law are the careers most important for access to Oxbridge but your DC may want another career and is capable of applying to Oxbridge but the school does not aide you so vigorously in applying.