Applying for uni 2020 :3: Decisions and revision.

[MillicentMartha]

New thread ready for us.

Old thread
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/3721248-Applying-for-Uni-2020-2-Offers-arriving?pg=40

@DuckyMcDuck, DS1 went to Warwick. Good bursary and a nice range of accommodation prices. He lived in Coventry (Earlsdon) in 2nd and 3rd year, cheaper than Leam but still full of students! He had a great time. Exeter was his insurance! Lovely, but much more expensive!

Too many!!!!! Sorry.

Exeter apparently officially has the highest tree to student ratios of all uni s (not sure who counted them or why) 😂😂

@ChilliOil, looking on the LSBU website, returning students are able to apply for accommodation and if your DS has health issues, this may improve his chances (although this scenario is not specifically mentioned).
www.lsbu.ac.uk/student-life/practical-information/returning-students

Thanks @MarchingFrogs - I had seen that on the site but wasn't sure what the chances are, whether it's a small number or fairly generally available. DS is completely better now (yay!)
He has firmed South Bank as first choice now.

DS is completely better now (yay!)
He has firmed South Bank as first choice now.

That's great, ChilliOil. He knows where he'll be next year, must be a good feeling!

DD's student finance all agreed (that was quicker than expected)... the bad news is DD's Physics teacher has a broken shoulder and will not be back this term...although she's somewhat fortunate that there is some cover for most of the lessons.

Ds just got an offer from Edinburgh , lower than St Andrews in fact lower than expected so he’s chuffed and it means he has a meaningful insurance .
..., still waiting for Durham ...

Great news Peaseblossom!

Well done to your DS Peaseblossom22

That’s great, Peaseblossom. What is it with Durham? I’ve got another friend whose DC is still waiting for them.

Thanks @MillicentMartha and @MarchingFrogs - yes brilliant to have it all sorted.

Good news @Peaseblossom22

Congrats peaseblossom

What's everyone's thoughts about whether the exams will go ahead given Covid 19.

The numbers of girls sitting DD's subjects are small apart from Biology where I think there are around 35 (Physics is probably 9 and Chemistry 13) so I think it would be possible to sit the exams with more personal space being given although other exams would obviously be scheduled at the same time. I can imagine that it's not the best circumstances to be sitting such important exams. There could be an extra level of stress, illness and maybe a lot of children unable to either sit or revise properly for the exams.

DD would probably be happy with predictions/mocks although she has been working hard and could possibly notch up a higher grade in at least one of the subjects...she's a slow burner.

Could this be an opportunity to change the system so the start of Uni is January and let the DC sit exams in September/October (this year's cohort) so in future years the DC can apply to Uni with grades in hand e.g. next years cohort sit the exams in May/June as usual but apply to Uni in August with results in hand to start in January? Universities could maybe use the September/December period to run extended research programs.

I hope that schools might close but still open for exams. But tbh I've no idea.

Changing to an after results application would be a great idea but with so much uncertainty I can't see it being easy to implement this year. If they end up going by predicted results, they are usually a bit optimistic which might mean too many qualifying for the more competitive unis as I'm sure they over offer to compensate for this. Mock results are often lower than the real thing and too open to schools playing the system.

I'm just crossing fingers that they'll be able to take them at the right time, with some contingency for those too ill to take them. If there are lots off ill, getting evidence of this from GPs etc will be difficult I can imagine.

Its difficult isn't it? I'd like to see the schools close sooner rather than later...especailly for the DC who can manage at home without parental supervision ..maybe just try and bring Easter holidays forward but not easy...

I've had remote working agreed which I will probably take up after next week...

I work in a school as a science technician, so working from home isn't really an option.

Talking to the head of science here, he thinks that schools will remain open until Easter.

Times today seemed to suggest closing schools was a last resort so I agree they will try and keep them open as long as possible and hope to make it through to the Easter Holidays. Even then I am guessing they will stay open for exam sittings.

Any closures before then supposedly affect all in the same boat but like all change or uncertainty some are better placed to cope than others. Some Indi schools are already training teachers in remote teaching (ie teachers come in to school and use tech available, and lessons learnt from Hong Kong and China, to deliver lessons to students at home). School will vary hugely in their capacity to do this and the students capacity to engage.

Very true, Oratory, I'm sure there will be winners and losers, and it's generally those already disadvantaged that take the hit.

@Millicent - Totally agree - I think DD's school has been preparing for DC to work from home - one teacher (Physics) already does a video of his lessons and sends it out to students who miss lessons. Its the DC whose schools have no choice but to work right up to the deadline with completing the Syllabus that may struggle and I really feel for all the GCSE DC because this tends to be such an important phase - up to Easter and beyond (The exam technique phase)

Its very difficult and I don't think enough is known yet about how endemic the virus is. It has been suggested it may be 2-3 months before the UK sees a peak. My best guess is that if there is a rapid rise in the next 2 weeks schools might close for 3 weeks over Easter rather than 2. Like Millicent and oneteen I feel bad for the already disadvantaged and the many that might need additional revision help over the Easter holidays (ds school put on intensive workshops for GCSE students). Meanwhile I've told ds to be prepared for a few weeks of self directed learning.

It's very stressful for them isn't it? And for us! The threat of illness (theirs or teacher's), possible quarantine, change of plan or goalposts re. the actual exams, no certainty over their summer plans - and who knows if where we'll even be with this when the autumn rolls around! They might have to hold off their departure. I do hope the threat fizzles out. It's really tough for children who were already finding this year anxiety-inducing enough already.

DS3 could do with a bit more stress, IMO. He’s too laid back.

He’s going on his last offer holder day tomorrow with his father to Southampton. After that he’ll hopefully come to some decision so he can get on with applying for finance and accommodation and start to concentrate on doing some revision.

Its new territory for us all ...and yes I too hope that the situation improves - along with some decent weather - fed up with the rain.

The good news today - Bham has sent DD a grade reduction - Nice to have but DD not interested - she will firm Warwick but holding off to see if she gets a reduction from her insurance.