Applying for Uni 2020 :2: Offers arriving

[MillicentMartha]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/3655914-Applying-for-Uni-2020?pg=40

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I don't think DD cares that much Marching Frogs! When she told me the offer grades my reaction was as described, and she agreed that's all. She obviously still liked getting the offer. She's not got herself wrapped around the axle because of it (she's not really an axle wrapper) and I suppose it is about competitiveness in a sense. That uni now doesn't seem competitive, more relatively desperate. No-one really wants a desperate bf/ gf do they? I think she'll certainly be happy to accept offers from at least three of her five choices, when decision time comes. Just saying I prefer standard offers, not the other sort (but wouldn't want a Cambridge 3A* offer either!).

@Sostenueto not at all a case of being below them! Just put him off as no longer felt right for them.

The different responses to reduced offers are interesting. DD1 was put off by a high ranking redbrick university two years ago after it reduced her offer twice. She felt it seemed desperate rather than competitive and no longer somewhere worth striving for.
No reduced offers for DS - or indeed any offers since an early Bristol offer ages ago!

DS was put off by one of his choices that would give candidates who firmed them a standard offer one grade below those who insured them. Rather than encouraging him to firm them, it encouraged him not to use them as an insurance, and therefore they most probably won't end up as one of his top 2.

Yes can see different points of view so not that inflexible on my view. My dgd picked on basis of what uni wanted not giving a thought on reduced or contextual. It will be a surprise if she gets a reduced, which she hasn't yet, so not sure how she may feel about it. I have only said I would be relieved. She won't reduce how she works.

DD def not put off by reduced offers!!

She has a CCC if firm offer that could easily become her first choice. TBH it will be her only choice - not worth putting an insurance.

But it's not the Cs that is influencing her - she genuinely loves the Uni and the course so for her it was a yippee moment.

Blimey! How many ways to read the same thing?! It never occurred to us to think less of a uni because if offered a lower than expected grade. DS has assumed that his four choices other than Oxford will probably deduce from his application that Oxford is one of his choices and that he's a very strong candidate (on paper anyway!), so if they're eager to have him then they'll make a reduced offer as a tempt. The net result is that he feels really wanted (he has reduced offers from York and Liverpool), and that if he doesn't achieve Oxford that it's not the end of the world. Happy DS at the moment It certainly won't make him work any less hard. And it kind of puts the whole grade inflation circus into perspective. Lower stress levels has to be a good thing...

The answer is: a lot of different ways - that's the case with almost everything isn't it? I hope so anyway.

Too true TerfinUSA99

Terfin Your DS's approach to reduced offers is more positive than mine! Well done on his offers to date and best wishes for an Oxford interview invite sometime soon.

Yes quite Hugo. Also remember that all (top?) unis interviewed back then so it was much more than a paper exercise.

I can't see a problem with diversity of opinion. Some of us don't want to whoop with pride and joy at a reduced offer - just another point of view and possibly a different interpretation of what's going on to trigger these offers. I happen not to take it as a my DC is so special (despite the accompanying blurb about strength of application etc) and more simply that competition is anticipated to be low or that this particular uni has had a blip with admissions in the previous year. But there you go, I'm a cynical soul.

Well is there expected to be a lot of applications at Oxford for your DC course Goodbye?

Sostenueto I see you're making an exception to the Oxford rule too. Well, there are only twelve places on average for her particular course across the whole university so she's not anticipating a walk in the park. I think one has to be very careful to not discount quality of competition as well as mere number. We're both expecting it to be tough - but she doesn't shy away from a challenge, never has done, enjoys them. I hope that answers your question (because numbers of applicants for this course are mashed in with applicants for its much larger sister course, so I can't answer with precision).

Would you buck at the idea of a reduced offer for Oxford then? ( Not that that would happen!)

No. Oxford already sets its offers low in any event but it also interviews and has aptitude tests etc. So no. Also, it's very clearly competitive (not that that's the motive for applying - it's competitive for good reason and the latter is the motive for applying). Why have you got a bee in your bonnet about it anyhow?!

Apparently there are around eight applications per place.

Just joining the thread.DD submitted mid October and has had offers (none of them reduced) from all 5 within a week. Her first choice kept her waiting until last.

Is it worth going to offer holders day this early? There's one in Manchester this week but DD is undecided as it's not her top choice.

DS had an offer from Warwick A* AA which is higher than his other offers. It is 3/3 though so he's happy about that.

@wineoclockthanks - great news. Warwick are certainly efficient in getting those offers out.

DD first choice university is LSE. They are notoriously late at sending offers. They do not participate in clearing or adjustment. There are no reduced offers and for some courses only 12% of applicants get an offer. If you don't get the grades you do not get in... it is tough. If the offer is AAA and you get A A B you will probably be rejected.

A reduced offer or an unconditional from a top university would certainly be more favourable than the stress and pressure of an LSE offer. Luckily, DD has the required grades at GCSE and A level so will either get an unconditional or rejection. It is all down to her personal statement which is read numerous times before an offer is made and has to be tailored to the LSE course.

... In celebration of Dd pressing send... So now just reference to be attached...

Well done to everyone with their offers... Interviews...