Applying for Uni 2019 Part 7: IB and A Levels are but a memory, we're relaxing and let's not even think about the 15 August yet!

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

Carrying on from the previous thread which filled up very quickly.

, and for everyone

Shimy we had it on iPad and I’ve just found it in Play store on my android phone

This is the one DS had

Piggy I couldn’t do the hazard perception when I tried the practice test, so he’s ahead of me!

I think that might be an age thing (no offence!). Apparently younger people are better at it.

Prolific that’s the same one we saw. DS doesn’t have any apple products only I do (& they’re all on their last legs). He just said he has found a version he can use 😒so I’m leaving him to it.

DS has the app on his Android phone.

This one:

www.safedrivingforlife.info/shop/product/official-dvsa-theory-test-kit-app-app

Thanks Piggy 😂😂
According to his driving instructor he couldn’t do it either, said we were clicking too soon as were used to anticipating hazards in advance (and that’s the story I’m sticking to!)

Glad your DS has found one Shimy. Good luck to him with his theory test.

There are also some unexpected things in the practical, like knowing where engine coolant goes in! Our manual didn't correspond with what was under the bonnet! All new to me, shame to say! You need to make sure your dc go through the test spec with a fine toothcomb.

I have just discovered the theory test expires after two years ( in other words, you have to pass the practical within the two years) ... did anyone else know this! I am actually quite glad he didn't pass now since the plan was to take the practical test 'at some point before graduating'

Prolific, DS was actuallybeing a bit of a daft bint and hadn’t found any alternative version 🙄. We used the link Piggy supplied in the end and he’s now got that on his phone.

Anyone else's dc had emails from Lancaster about a data breech?

Anyone else have their old DC back. Mine is singing, laughing, joking. He is working hard at his summer job but is on a high now. 18 last week did not want a party just a family meal out 11 of us and the promise of a trip to Cheshire Oaks. I am cherishing his last summer before uni. beckons.

Review of university admissions starts this month (to finish in spring 2020). The article is behind The Times paywall though.

Yes, DS is back to his usual self. Your DS sounds similar to mine, justasking111. Mine doesn't like making a big thing of birthdays at all.

Happy 18th to your DS @justasking111. DS isn’t till August. Just had his first driving lesson and has come back in with a little grin on his face.

Re Admissions reviews - I think it’s the sensible next step, results in hand. I am wondering though how the whole personal statement preparation is going to pan out as students would’ve left school by the time they’re applying?

I also feel a bit sad that there will not longer be the motivation you get from a “Conditional offer”, to make young people work harder/step up their game in the run down towards getting a full offer. I know DS certainly got some motivation out of it.

I also feel (but can’t prove it), that somehow applying before you get your results allows one to be more aspirational than would’ve had results been to hand already.

‘Clearing’ will also lose its edge (good thing, bad thing?) there will no long be that, “roll your sleeves up and let’s see what bargain we can get😁), I think it will be rather dull.

Would be interested to hear how such a model works in Europe. Agree @Shimy that such an overhaul of university admissions could potentially make the whole process dull

Re applying in Europe, it's actually blissfully easy! No personal statement, simply apply for where and for what you want to study, then merit-based offers on results day! If you get the grades, you get your offer! Am currently hating the UK system - time-wasting and beastly unfair and miserable for so so many kids.

Have to laugh - just received a TK Maxx 'Off to University' marketing email. Yes, I'm really going to be buying DS Le Creuset cookware and table lamps for £60!

Oh and apparently DD has just told me that her brother has promised to buy her an expensive pair of branded trainers when he's a student. Not with the funds we give him, he's not! Clearly she reckons he's going to money bags.

NewModel @Tkmaxx.

Bay tree - that’s intéresting. Do you think the ps Has little Ono value. Sorry iPad about to die.

I think the whole applying to university thing massively dominates Yr 13 (and not in a good way).

@Shimy it will be IKEA's cheapest for DS! He doesn't look after his possessions (he lost his glasses days before he finished his exams), so he's definitely not going to have quality items!

Dd is inheriting the remains of ds stuff, less a few lost glasses, stained teatowels and broken bowls. Will top up at ikea once we know where she is headed.

Shimy - yes I think personal statements are such a waste of time - take so much effort and make little difference really - the unis just seem to take who they want regardless. Your postcode is more important to them! Anyway it seems that tons of people lie on them! so what's the point really!
Yep - mine have grany's old stuff for kitchen - free, easily recognisable and no great sweat if it gets wrecked/stolen!

@NewModelArmyMayhem18 But it’s “quality” cookware PLUS a lamp! It’s a steal .

Baytree - ah! I hadn’t thought about the lying on PS’s I saw it as an opportunity for young applicants to really think about why they were applying for that particular course and any experience they had done leading up to it (at least that’s what DS did). I can see the argument for erasing that bit of the process. It’s kind of nice though having a “Conditional offer” in hand prior to exams.

I happened to pop into Ikea a few weeks ago for something and just happened to spot a very compact ironing board that can sit on your bed for £4. I thought it would be perfect for DS so bought one.

SIL bought a pile of presents, pots, pans, laundry basket from TKMaxx for DS birthday. We have bought him one present which we will surprise him with before he goes to uni. He had the same thing a few years ago which is still going strong, it is a touch light, with three settings, it is small and will go anywhere, space being at a premium in his room at halls. Thought it would be useful and a nice reminder of home. It is pretty indestructible as well which is a plus.

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-cuboid-touch-on-off-table-lamp/p3473161