Oxbridge Aspirants: Sep 2021

[funkysatsuma]

Not sure if it's too early to start this thread in Nov 2019 :)

DS would like Cambridge Economics as the first choice. Would like to know where can we get some help to prepare for the ECAA test - appreciate any pointers/links. Thanks in advance

Ha! Why not! I'll join you. DD wants to study History at Oxford.

We have a terrible track record of Oxbridge applications in our family.

Both my sister and DS got offered Cambridge places in 1984 and 2019 respectively but both missed their offers.

So we're not optimistic about DD's chances but you never know, this time we could be third time lucky!

Happy to share the tears and misery of another attempt with you all.

Placemarking

Ds hasn't made up his mind yet, but probably Human, Social, and Political Sciences.

funkysatsuma Is this of any help? www.myheplus.com/

I'm a complete beginner to HE and hoping to learn lots!

Yess placemarking too😂 hate to be last minute!
Dd looking at Oxford for E&M. DS already started there this year doing the same course. DS was far more organised and focused so this will be a challenge!

Pleased you're joining us for the journey @Unformidable and @Arewedone - I predict this thread will reach 1K by September 2020.

I’m here for the roller coaster ride too. DS will try for Oxford Physics 2021.

Hey @olliepolly good to have you with us - we were both on the Oxbridge 2019 thread this time last year!

Yes we were DD2 had a shot at Cambridge HSPS, was interviewed but no offer , happy in Bristol now doing History and overall think for her the best outcome. DS is a completely different child ( obviously) and I think it could suit him but realise the whole thing is a bit of a lottery.
With DD we were v low key re college choice as did not want to get too invested and potentially disappointed , we are reading the alternative prospectus and will go to the summer ( July ) open day.

DS might be considering it but is Maths/Physics- leaning at the moment so we are trying to be very low-key as the competition for those courses is SO fierce.

Olliepolly pleased to hear your DD is happy - I hear lots of good stuff about Bristol.

DS was thrilled to get a Cambridge offer this time last year and devastated to lose it shortly after A Level results day. He's happy at Durham now.

DD wants to give Oxford her best shot but realistic about her chances.

Have lots of friends dc waiting for Oxbridge offers in Jan, really keen to see the % given the low birth year this year and that we are coming from the Indy sector. Hard to believe it was only this time last year we were in same position.

@Arewedone yes a year flies by so quickly - how has your DS enjoyed his first year at Oxford?

ooops first term at Oxbridge....

Oxford

Hey Jano,DS has absolutely loved his first term he was so ready for Uni. It’s really set the bar for Dd , before she was looking at LSE and Imperial but now really wants Oxford I do worry as the selection process is so unpredictable.

Arewedone So pleased to hear your DS is enjoying his time at Oxford and your DD is game on for the 2021 challenge. 😊

Thanks Jano69

I hope to learn lots. DS is still saying the concept of uni is nebulous 😀

Jano69 DD2 also aspiring to History at Oxford, but with Ancient History. Visited already last term, and was very relaxed about it all, but went with DD1, and we have all spent time there with DD1, so already knew it and the system quite well.

DD1 graduated 2018, so done and dusted with Oxford and now out in the world of work.

We will be visiting Cambridge too in July, just for comparison.

Reading this weeks oxbridge threads and thinking the next year will fly by. Also this thread needs bumping up the list again.

I'll join in please. DS2 is considering applying, either Maths or Music, leaning towards Maths I think.

DS1 applied for Physics a few years ago, but really only because school was very keen. His heart was elsewhere and wasn't that devastated to not be invited to interview after the PAT test.

I’d like to join as well!

DD is leaning towards Natural Sciences (Chemistry) at Cambridge so no competition then...

We didn’t go to uni in the UK so are totally at sea as to the whole process.

My ds is thinking of Cambridge (natural sciences /maths) and is off on a school tour next month - we've only just started looking at the various college websites though and we feel really behind everyone else! We have no clue which colleges to look at for open days/applications.. does anyone know what's the best way for him to get some background info on the merits of each?

@peppersaunt - DS1 has just received an offer for Chemistry at Oxford. He looked at NatSci at Cambridge but decided there wasn't enough Chemistry in it for him. Make sure your DD looks at the NatSci course content carefully take sure it's what she really wants.

@Cotonshaded - Open Days will be useful, both the whole university and departmental ones.

DS1 drew up a shortlist of colleges based on things that mattered to him. Location (proximity to labs for STEM degrees), sports teams etc. But....

He got reallocated to another college which he received an offer from. It wasn't t on his list but when he stayed there he fell in love with it.

So don't stress too much about colleges as the outcome may not be one you can influence.

@sandybayley congratulations on your DS’ offer and thank you for the heads-up!

Just popping onto this thread to say I'm a current oxford student (modern languages) and I'm willing to give advice and cheer your dcs on through the process!
(and before anyone asks, I came to mumsnet looking for kids' party ideas and got stuck here)