Applying for Uni 2020

[daydreamornot]

Thought it may be nice to have a 2020 support thread, everyone welcome! (maybe Oxbridge posts could be kept to the Oxbridge thread).

Just sticking my head in here after seeing it mentioned on another thread.

I work in Admissions for a Computer Science department .. If I can help in any way, do shout ...

Oh thanks Sally. DS1 applying for computer science in 2020, I may well be back with some questions 😀

Ironoaks, a bit late with this, but DS was advised to put some questions in his PS to show an interest in the subject and an enquiring mind (and at this stage they’re not meant to have all the answers). That and, as someone else says, it proves he actually reads the publications, would make it a perfect example to me

I'm not sure what has happened to DD over the summer but she seems to be walking tall at the moment (like a transformation from teen to young adult overnight)...which will hopefully bode well for next week - EEK the start of Yr13.

Tomorrow she starts two days work experience - whilst very last minute - hopefully it will play in her favour in terms of being very fresh when she's writing her personal statement (just hoping it doesn't put her off because apparently they spend ages testing and re-testing and it can be very monotonous ).

I'm trying not think about this time next year!

DD went back to school yesterday. She's had feedback on her first draft of PS and plans to get it updated and back in tomorrow.
She's annoyed that timetable changes mean she's lost her "free afternoon" which is when she did work experience all of last year - she was hoping to continue with it but won't be able to now.

Anyone got any laid back non proactive kids?

Having micro managed through GCSEs I’m trying to let him find his own way...

He’s been working on his history reading for his project and has done a first draft of his PS (before the summer).

Unis - he’s overwhelmed really so I’ve been trying to shortlist for him based on his criteria!

@Notsureabouthis. My DD is incredibly laid back there is NO sense of urgency with anything she does...so much so she walked into her WE this morning with 2 minutes to spare....I guess at least she (and your DS) are not stressed!

DD has gone to the nearest library today to cram in work on her EPQ, maths homework and other coursework. Only 2 more days available to do all this and a PS draft.

@oneteen 😆

I was selfishly quite relieved when he decided against doing an EPQ!!!

DS is supposed to be doing an EPQ. At least he’s finally started on his PS. Opening paragraph done.

W/E went incredibly well - so at least we now know that DD is looking at the right degree/career . She was completely buzzing despite being in Labs that contained 1.2M samples of urine! Lucky girl got to work with scientists on the prototype of the new pregnancy test. Hopefully, this may spring DD into action on finishing the first draft of her PS.

DD also opted out of EPQ which in fairness was the right decision (relieved mum here too).

Dgd done a complete draft of PS which she has to email to tutor and she got email about starting to fill in UCAS form so most is done before start of term next week. Everything seems to be urgent for deadlines dated like yesterday!

DS1 needs to register for UCAS and make a start on PS before he goes back to school next Wednesday. Going to be a busy lad this weekend!

so at least we now know that DD is looking at the right degree/career.

What a difference a day makes because DD is now looking to change to the Biomed degree course, the WE has been so valuable.

oneteen My dd is applying for Biomedical too.
You say she has now opted out of EPQ. I'm wondering if my dd should do that also. She's supposed to be deciding what hers will be about over the summer, but it's been stressing her a bit. She didn't get much support from staff at college who seemed to want to steer her away from everything she suggested and is interested in researching.
I thought it might be easier when term starts and she can get proper support but I don't know if it'll be worth the extra work involved.
She's on track to do well in her A levels (just got As in her 3 subjects at AS levels)
It's hard to know if she should focus all her effort on those subjects or if it would help her uni application much more if doing an EPQ.

@snozzlemaid IMO, The EPQ is very good, but if you're on course to get good grades and doing a STEM-based degree it's not so important (DD has also done Production lines with DT project). It would have been a chore for DD.

DD spent some time going through the Bioscience degree courses during the WE yesterday and they were quite helpful in steering her in the right direction in terms of what her overall career aspirations were. All the scientists she came into contact with definitely recommended the year in Industry and most also had a Ph.D. (she will have the option to do her year in Industry at the same company if she doesn't find anything else suitable - which is a massive bonus).

I can't remember where your DD is thinking of studying was it Exeter/Bath Uni?

Thanks. Exeter is her favourite choice but also looking at Bath, Southampton and Birmingham.

I know some universities will give a lower offer if you have a good grade in EPQ but dd will already have a lower offer from Exeter as she took part in their Exeter scholars programme earlier this year. She also did a residential science summer school at Bath. She's just handed in a research project she had to complete after that and if it's marked as at least a 2:1 she will get a lower offer there too.

So I'm beginning to think the EPQ is just going to cause unnecessary stress when she would be better concentrating on her A levels.

Meant to add that Southampton categorically said there's no lower offer for doing an EPQ.

@snozzlemaid - I would have thought that the EPQ is not worth the additional stress, especially as she has done the research project for Bath and has excellent AS results.

We had a quick look around Exeter in the summer and it looks like a nice campus (on route home from staying in Devon). DD is incredibly keen on Warwick ...I think Bham is a good option - especially if they continue to give out UC's.

Dd considered Warwick but she wasn't keen on some of the modules. They include some environmental biology I believe, which she doesn't enjoy. It's all about the human body for dd.
Exeter's course is her favourite as she has a particular interest in Neuroscience and they do a Neuro pathway which she loves the sound of.

Hello. Can I join please?
DS hoping to do PPE but not doing maths A'Level which narrows down his choices.

Looks like we're spending most of September weekends on trains (that's if I don't kill him re the meltdowns re his PS!)