Going into Year 13 - Uni entry 2021 - have they been forgotten?

[albicocca]

Is anyone else concerned about the children just about to start Year 13 and their opportunities for university entry in 2021? I have seen virtually no discussion about how this A level shambles might effect them. It seems to me there will inevitably be fewer university places for next year. Many of those who planned to go to uni this year will be deferring their places to 2021 (indeed some universities are offering money for them to do so now!) resulting in far fewer places. The current group will also have (on average) higher grades than next years cohort. So those taking A levels in 2021 will be competing for fewer places with lower grades. Have they been forgotten? What is the government doing to protect their opportunities too?

I think the virtual days are helpful but there is something about getting the feel of a place, so my DD and I may plan a road trip during half term to visit a few. And I also hope the offer holder days are in person.

What’s she hoping to study schnauzer?

Totally agree. We did road trips over the summer to snoop at Durham, York and Bristol. Already very familiar with Bath as ds is there. Would still like to visit Leeds. Really hoping for applicant days as they are so different when the students are there and would be really helpful to look in department buildings and library if at all possible.

@NotDonna, she is hoping to study Astrophysics.

My DD is interested in Bath but for economics. How’s your DS finding Bath?

@NotDonna DS has put Bath for economics on his UCAS form. Lovely city but we've not managed to visit the uni, only seen the online stuff but he wants a campus. But the grades are high everywhere aren't they for economics.

@NotDonna He absolutely loves it. He is 3rd year now and is on his placement year in Geneva. Lovely university and great department (also physics). The city is a really good size for him and he likes the campus. They gave him a very generous bursary when he started which was unexpected and very welcome as it meant he didn't need to find a job.
So far I have nothing but good to say about his time there, it's a great fit for him. Dd really likes the course but has doubts about going to same uni as her brother which I can understand - she wants to have her own experience, not feel she's just following him.

Yes calculatorqueen crazy grades.

schnauzer DD likes the sound of Bath and we’re going to take a nosey over half term, well, around the city at least. Good to hear your DS is enjoying it.

DS submitted his UCAS form yesterday and got an economics offer from Exeter this morning. They will drop a grade from the standard offer if he firms. Bath have acknowledged his application but have said don't expect a quick reply because economics is extremely popular and they need to treat everyone fairly and give all applications the attention they deserve. I wonder how many uni's will offer 'lower offers if firmed' this year, if exams don't go ahead again then surely they won't want to over offer at this stage.

Can I ask what his predictions are please calculator - is exeter standard offer A*AA with compulsory maths? Is he also applying to oxford?
DD awaiting her UCAS forms to be signed off. Was meant to be yesterday but will now be next week apparently.

I have a DD at Bath. Loves it. Now in 3 rd year on a placement with a FTSe100 company. Great place!

@NotDonna yes standard Exeter offer is AAA and compulsory maths. DS's predicted are A A A and yes he's applied to Oxford for PPE. Is your DD applying too?

No oxbridge here!! But Bath is a goal. I’m a bit worried that they’ve not snapped up your DS! Still waiting for DDs predictions - they won’t be AAA* though!

Bath is a favourite here too, although the accomodation costs are eye watering!

graudoroi No! We need to start an anti-Bath campaign so that only our DC apply. It’s way too popular.
Oh that bold A wasn’t meant to be bold it was meant to be 3x As - she’s due her predictions today. Then hopefully the meeting next week and it can be sent in. One of her applications (not oxbridge) has a selection process so she’s keen to get that started.

Bath does seem to be popular. My DS will be applying for a deferred place so that will be interesting too. These next few months could be very interesting at the Gov work out (hopefully) what is going to happen next year. Scotland is going to announce today their exam plans!

I know that Bath seems a popular choice on here, so in case you didn't watch the virtual open day, I thought I'd let you know what I found out. Offer responses will take approx 4 -6 weeks and none have been issued yet. Those that have already submitted should hear by the end of October beginning of November. Normally referrals are 380, this year it is 550 but may be offset by a drop in international students. However I suppose we don't know how many from 2020 will re apply rather than defer. They also said that generally there is the flexibility for being accepted if you drop a grade on the day.

Thanks calculatorqueen was that yesterday? I think DD missed it. I’m sure she said she’d registered for all the open days so not sure what’s happened there. So they have 550 students who deferred this year to start courses 2021? Up from 380? That’s an increase of around 50%. Although you’re the calculator queen! Sounds a fair few but it is what it is and we all know that deferrals are bound to be up. What percentage are baths international intake anyway? I didn’t think it was that high, especially compared to London universities, Warwick etc.
I’ve not seen any data re international students deferring but anecdotally heard that 90% still came and isolated prior as needed. But I’m not so sure how accurate that is. I’d have thought a lot would have deferred to this 2021.

Bath open days being run again during the coming half term:

www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/visit-our-undergraduate-virtual-open-day/

It seems that several universities are using the requirement to 'go virtual' to run more events than they would normally, although even in normal years, there have been quite a few around the October half term.

According to the 'Study in UK' website, foreign students at Bath account for 21.9% of the total.

Uni Wobbles 2021-

Hi- my fist ever post despite being a lurker here since my son was born! I have loved every second of being a mummy. Haven’t had any desperately hard moments until now-letting go. Omg it’s so hard. DS is off to uni in 5 weeks & will be 4 hours away from home. 8 he round trip. No easy train route (7 hrs/ we live in the sticks) He’s so excited. He deferred cos Of Covid & missed out on a lot as we have elderly granny living here. I feel grief stricken already. I don’t know how I’ll cope. He’s my best friend, constant companion. Such good compmany & OH works long hours so we’ve always spent 24/7 together unless he’s at college or with mates. I’m not letting him see I’m distraught - I know it’s about him not about me. He needs to follow his dreams like I’ve always told him. I just wish he was doing it closer to home. What if he never comes back properly again? Meets a partner- spends his holidays visiting them or travelling? Inknow all the logical stuff he has to live his life. But what about me? I know it sounds ott & selfish but I just cannot bear even the thought of not seeing him every day

There will be a massive drop next year in the number of EU applicants, as they’ll be subject to full international fees once the Brexit transition ends.

EU students already have to pay full international fes for courses starting after August 2021 at some/most universities. Some are giving them a discount for 2021 entry (I think Leicester is, for example), but I don't think it's the norm.