Oxbridge 2020 (8th thread)

[DadDadDad]

A thread to continue discussing entry to Oxbridge in October 2020 (less than nine months away ). All welcome, although this obviously will be of most interest to those with DS or DD holding an offer, and wanting to find a bit of support.

All too soon, 13 August will come over the horizon. Until then, ask questions... share experiences... discuss news and stats... write a poem... (we did briefly have some poetry on a previous thread).

With huge thanks to @HugoSpritz and predecessors for previous threads.

Obviously any prejudice and bias should be eliminated as far as possible, but I don't really understand the 25% of places for disadvantaged students by 2023. Is it really the case that one quarter of the most academically able young people in 2023 will be from "disadvantaged" backgrounds?

And why "disadvantaged"? What about a mediocre background but with a family just jogging along, with no real privilege but no hardship markers? There's a lot of potential there but kids from a new-build housing estate in Swindon with two working parents just aren't sexy

My dcs have attended an "outstanding" comprehensive. Hollow laugh. Many of the teachers went to, ahem, third-rate institutions and have a subject knowledge that is not impressive. Dd's music teacher - for GCSE - could not read music . Dead Poets Society that school ain't. It's "excellent" results consist of a large number of pupils getting 5s at GCSE. Statistically it looks good, but if you're seeking aspiration and inspiration.... nope.

@GoodbyeStranger
When I read this in your post: *
"The person is an Oxford graduate in the subject of the mock interviews.."*
my distracted brain said "they have a degree in Oxbridge interviews/admissions?"

And I thought, hmmm I'm working my way up to that, by studying MN and TSR! 😂😂

Sandy she has picked it for rugby opportunities (you can always get tickets for internationals), proximity to pandas and the chance to see her godparents occasionally. She has never been to the university and I had to point out that her course would be 4 years long. Perhaps she will follow in your footsteps & you could mentor her!

DS hasn't firmed/insured offers either. He is waiting until after offer holder days in February as he genuinely doesn't know what to do.

@Hoghgyni - given my line of work is not a million miles away from your DD's course choice I'd be very happy to mentor her. Truth is it may not be as exciting as she thinks it is and I wouldn't want to put her off 😉

But that's probably the same for most careers. Lots of hard graft with sprinkles of excitement and occasional glamour.

My dd confirmed Oxford as her first choice today - one of the advantages of applying after they have their A level results (although I wouldn't necessarily recommend only deciding to apply a few days after the results come out!)

@IrmaFayLear completely agree with you.

Genuinely shocking and bizarre re the music teacher.

Music teacher who can’t read music? Bloody hell, that’s appalling. Like having a maths teacher who can’t count.

My DD hasn’t decided about insurance so hasn’t confirmed yet. However her college asked to know whether they’re planning on accepting the offer, so she let them know informally that she is, and got quick reply inviting her to an offer day. (She might have heard about offer day anyway I suppose, but it didn’t appear that way to her.)

she let them know informally that she is, and got quick reply inviting her to an offer day. (She might have heard about offer day anyway I suppose, but it didn’t appear that way to her.)

I am so hoping that she is wrong about that.

Although I suppose it could be framed as the college giving the applicant the opportunity to make a grown up decision now and respect that by not attempting to change his / her mind with another marketing exercise? But if the invitation wasn't going to be extended to all offer holders, only those who said, informally that they would be accepting the offer, why not just wait until the last UCAS acceptance date has passed - May 5th is only the deadline for those with all decisions by 31st March - and just invite those who have officially firmed their offer?

MarchingFrogs they probably don't want the colleges cluttered up with offer holders during final exams.

DD's college doesn't seem to have one of these days, which is absolutely fine by her and me as well. She'll confirm when Durham has done its college allocation next month.

The offer day is soon - way before most people will have confirmed through UCAS. And since they ask for an informal indication ASAP, I imagine they then invite those who have officially confirmed and those who have unofficially indicated they want the place. Those who don’t do either miss out on invitation.

Having said that I’ve not read the email and her theory could be wrong.

D1 has had information about offer holder days from the places that have given her offers. The York one was in the form of a Wonka golden ticket 😁. She's had one from Oxford plus a declaration about any unspent convictions and arson related offences to fill in and return, which she found hilarious. School is telling them not to decide on firm and insurance until after mocks. They are saying the mock marks are the best indicator for final grades.

Not all the offers are in, D1 hasn't heard from Edinburgh yet. She's only heard of one person at her school hearing from Edinburgh and his offer was a lot higher than he was told it would be, this is for English Lit.

Lurker here.
Just wanted to ask if anyone has heard from Durham for Maths?

@Coleoptera DS was invited to a Cambridge College Offers Day this time last year. He didn't really want me to go but I talked him into it. On the day itself, we were very relieved to see most DC had a parent with them so rest assured, it's perfectly acceptable for you to go along. I hope you have a good time. DS met some lovely people there and they still follow each other on social media despite DS missing his offer and ending up at Durham.

DDs Cambridge offer holders event was clearly for the students only - and I think because it's a college which takes quite a lot from the pool or open offers it was at least in part intended to ensure they were all happy with it before submitting their UCAS options. The overnight accommodation made it possible to do it by train alone.

The interview days at the other 4 unis all had provision for parents - a separate tour, talk about loans, that sort of thing. DH went to 3 of the 4, not Manchester which was the only one DD could get to and from by train in a day.

If it's clear parents can be included then of course it's fine to go!

Question for anyone who might know....DS is waiting for an Edinburgh decision before firming and deciding on his insurance (between Durham and Edinburgh). It seems to be taking ages, but his college doesn't seem to be doing an offer holder day so I don't think he's missing out. His Durham offer is thankfully in, and a grade below Cambridge, but I think he is also waiting for college allocations there before making up his mind, as he has a definite preference. Is that right - do Durham allocate colleges to offer holders before they have firmed/insured?

Yes they do Cazelet, as DD is in exactly the same position. DD is waiting to find out if she has her preferred college before deciding. Her offer for an insurance place at Durham is exactly the same as her Oxford offer, whereas it was much lower if it was firmed. The college allocation may swing it, especially if Edinburgh doesn't pull their finger out soon.

Thanks! Good to know - I am desperate for him just to click the button...!

There is info on the Durham website about how accommodation is allocated. It's worth a read.

Just had a look; extremely comprehensive, thanks - I hadn't seen it before.

You almost imagine someone standing there with 2 bowls of balls, like doing the draw for the FA Cup!

Yes - I can see why he wants to wait now!

If DD is allocated a college with all double room and the only 2 societies are football and polo, she will immediately decide to insure elsewhere. I doubt if such a college exists though!

DD's offer holders visit last year did have the option for parents to accompany but I got the distinct vibe that it was a bit pointless. Offer holders got the meal and the talks, parents would be parked somewhere with a coffee. DD was happy to go on her own and it was fine.

DS's college in Cambridge (d.v.) has said that there will be an offer holders day in April, I think, but he hasn't done any of the paperwork yet, either on UCAS or directly to the college. AFAIK it's candidates only, no parents.