Oxbridge 2020 (thread 10) - the path to the first term (just one slight hurdle to clear first)

[DadDadDad]

For better or worse, there is a bit of a bond of mutual experience between parents whose DC go through the Oxbridge application process. Thank you for your companionship so far - and thank you to others who started the earlier threads in this series.

This thread should take us to the start of the first term (whatever form that takes). All welcome here, but for many of us hopefully this will be the place for practical support as we help prepare these peculiar* young adults to spread their wings.

But the first item on the agenda appears to be the small matter of judgement...

*or for those who chose Oxford, very peculiar.

Aww I feel quite teary too, reminiscing about those days of interviews, MATs, HATs, TSAs et al. It seems like a lifetime ago. Lots of familiar names and I feel like your children are our relations

I'd prefer not to recall my A level results day as I "got the results I deserved" (quote from my deputy Head), and only qualified for my 4th choice Poly (out of 5 unis and 4 polys)!

My own A level results were the year that STEP results were sent out a day late! So, collected my grades on the Thursday, but still didn't know if I'd made my offer. We were on holiday the next day, so had to use a payphone in the middle of Norfolk and wait while a teacher read my results down the phone. Fortunately, a happy Dad^0 stepped out of that phone box.

Just popping on the thread to wish any Cambridge mathmos the best of luck with their STEP results at midnight tonight. If your kid gets a near miss, don't panic.
Its an extra cruelty really, but at least it will be graded by vaguely sane people away from political idiocy.

it will be graded by vaguely sane people

I thought mathematicians marked them

They get them at midnight?! Did you not read my previous post - I had to wait until 10am on the Friday for my STEP grades. kids today don't know how lucky they are!

Bon courage for tomorrow.

Dadcubed thanks for the rousing post. Thanks to all of you who unbeknownst have been a huge support in this whole caboodle. If we (dd & I) hadn't had you as a pool of support and advice I am not sure she would have put an application in. Even if she doesn't get the grades the standard of work she has produced to get an offer is amazing. Thank you all for getting her this far.

What a lovely message DadDadDad - I’ve been quietly following this thread whilst being in the very fortunate position, like Coleopetera, of having a DS who is going to Cambridge (History) this year - having applied with grades in hand (after Oxford rejection after interview last year).

I’ve found these threads a huge source of information, advice and very often, good humour.
I can’t imagine how you are all feeling - and above all, your DCs. I remember this time last year so very well - what you’ve all had to endure, especially most recently with this chaotic situation, makes my stress of last year pale into insignificance! None of us could ever have imagined what’s happened these past months.

Massive good luck wishes to everyone - I’ll be waking up early to check this thread and I really do hope there’ll be lots of good news and celebrating. Good luck to all your DCs!!

@DadDadDad, got something in my eye

Strength and honour comrades.

Whatever tomorrow brings , I’ll be having a HugoSpritz who I think is still with us in another guise.

Yes, Hugo was responsible for the earlier threads and was happy for me to take over earlier in the year, and I am aware she keeps an eye on things under a different name.

Aw - I'm rubbish at spotting things like that. Cheers HugoSpritz wherever you are hiding

Yes cheers to all. Yours looks much nicer than mine hobbema (offer sauvingnon from Sainsburys).

We're pretty apprehensive in this house, both DD4 and me. Nerves are certainly mounting.

Best of luck everyone.

It's nearly time. I asked DS1 if it was like Christmas Eve. He gave me a withering look.

DD has kindly offered to bake her brother's favourite cake tomorrow. I'm an early riser so am planning of an early morning dog walk to pick up his absolute love, an almond croissant from Paul.

Thank heavens the temperature has dropped a bit in London tonight.

That reminds me, must put the champagne in the fridge where DS1 can't find it. Behind the cauliflower would make sense.

Ooh, @sandybayley could you get me a pecan twirl while your out. I'll have it with my morning frappuccino.

I'm glad to see that I've converted you @DadDadDad . We'll have you drinking a Flamingo Frappuccino before the summer is out.

Very best wishes to all dc and special vibes to Chicken's dd for STEP. I'm not sleeping much so might check in in the wee small hours. Our dc all worked so hard last year to get to where they gave and I hope tomorrow reflects that.

Good luck to all of your DCs for tomorrow everyone.....I'm nervous for you all!

Oh did I miss @PantTwizzler's ds fior STEP too? Fingers crossed.

Best of luck for all these hardworking and talented DC in the morning.

sandybayley anywhere behind a green thing works in this house.

I’ve not seen much of DD1 since tears this morning (day out with the whole extended friend group in case it’s awkward tomorrow) but DDs 2 and 3 have made her a sign - “WE LOVE YOU” in big letters with “even if you’re dumb xoxo” in tiny script underneath. Obviously lighthearted - they constantly joke about how she’s the “clever one”. They’ve also baked a cake and we’ve got all the favourite breakfast foods in.

Fingers crossed for a happy day. Thanks @DadDadDad for leading the thread!

Just want to wish you and all your DC the very best of luck for tomorrow. We were in your shoes two years ago and I can still feel the nervous excitement and trepidation! Whatever tomorrow brings they are likely to be tearful and fearful, so your mantra for the day is calm, calm, calm, parenting rock! Good luck and sincerely hope it goes well xxxxx

It's nearly time. I asked DS1 if it was like Christmas Eve

DD's friend (open offer) has been opening an advent calendar each day.

Good luck tomorrow.. Crossing fingers all your DC have beaming smiles!

No STEP here thank goodness!

Long time lurker, as my older son went through this process last year but didn't get an offer after Oxford interview. DS has a Cambridge offer for a humanities subject, so I am counting down with you all
I recognise so many names - portus, gizmo, ironoaks, goodbye and of course coleoptera, having followed the twins story. Just wanted to thank everyone for sharing stories and information, helping me so much to understand the process, not to mention the good sense of humour. This is the best of Mumsnet and humanity. Love to you all for tomorrow. Also for those whose day takes a different turn tomorrow, i can say my son absolutely loves the university he ended up going to. There are many happy paths, and wrong turns can end up right turns.