Oxbridge-Aspirants-2021-New-Thread-3

[Baaaahhhhh]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/4016760-Oxbridge-Aspirants-2021-New-Thread-2

New Thread !

Was just coming on to say that DS had his online interview yesterday for Manchester (M Physics) - he received his offer this evening which was their standard offer of A star A star A to include maths and physics. His group were not all told they'd be getting an offer in advance however and he thought the interview was quite tricky as he was interviewed by a specialist in an area of physics he has no experience of nor interest in so when asked questions in that area just did his best to be engaging and 'teachable'.

@olliepolly was your DS's the contextual offer if you don't mind me asking?

I know that TSR consensus appeared to be that if Manchester offered you an interview you'd be getting an offer, in physics at least - that would appear to be borne out by your DS's experience being told in advance of the interview to expect an offer, and as you say the lengthy presentations etc appear to have been more of an attempt at selling the course.

Pumpkintopf, not a contextual offer for DS. Will check with him again in case he has reported 1 less A star accidentally.

OK my bad, offer Is for MPhys and does have 2 A stars not 1 as I previously suggested.
Tough offer

ChimneyPot DD had 8 days notice for her PPE interview last year. She had an offer from Durham in mid November but other people were still waiting for PPE in February & March.

@olliepolly I agree, it's a really tough offer.

Still, odd that they were offered it in advance of an interview- wonder why they wouldn't just offer on the basis of UCAS application in that case, unless they wanted the opportunity of a captive audience for a couple of hours to sell the benefits of the course (although doesn't sound like that was particularly effective- DS seemed to think the presentations were quite dull, not sure what your DS thought?)

I have just ventured over to the Oxford thread on Student Room. There is a spreadsheet for interviews and 5 people heard today. Not sure how true it is but everyone seems to be getting very excited!

@summerlovinn goodness that must have stressed you out. But sounds like they were approaching it as an admin error so nothing to worry about.

I don't understand why the TSR Oxford hopefuls are getting so excited. Way too early! The Cambridge people, maybe, but even then I saw that Peterhouse Admissions had said that subjects which required essay test marking would be issuing interviews later than some other subjects.

Btw I take with a pinch of salt what some people claim. After all on that spreadsheet of interview calls some wag had entered "Floristry" as their subject

I think you're right @IrmaFayLear. I'll believe it when someone posts on here. I just wish it would happen sooner rather than later, then DS can focus on the interview or start revising for his mocks.

Yes, dd flip-flops between saying she must do an interview practice, and worrying that it would be a waste of time or embarrassing if she has to withdraw from the practice session if she gets rejected before it happens.

However, it does look as if Law interviews are trickling out, if anyone a hopeful in this department [fingers crossed]

DS has just received an e mail from his college about the interview process and technology but making clear that it has been sent to all applicants and is not an invite to interview. However there seems to be lots of movement on the TSR spreadsheet. Good luck everyone, over the next week.

DS has also received an email from the college he has applied to (C) to say that whilst they had originally hoped to inform everyone if they had been invited to interview or not by 20th November, they were pushing this back to 1 December.

It’s thoughtful of them to let the poor agonised victims know!

Hello, I stumbled across this thread a week or so, and am unlurking now to say hello. I have DS applying for natsci/physics and slightly concerned to see that Manchester are interviewing for physics at the moment as that is one of his choices and he has heard nothing from them. He has had offer from Warwick (his insurance choice) and assures me he will tell me if he hears anything from anyone else.

Hi @RunnersTipple same here, DS applying for Natsci/Physics. He was notified via UCAS track of his invitation to interview- has your DS checked there? Although I know they do usually email a notification if things have updated.

This thread on TSR about it suggests interviews have been going on for a while so they maybe just haven't got to your DS yet?

www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6751264

Has been a year & name change since last logging on, I think I’ve missed ppls name changes.
Can’t believe we are here already. Seems not so long ago we were stressing over GCSEs.
Dd applied for E&M at Ox but not overly hopeful as TSA didn’t go well.
Have been following TSR spreadsheet but given up to save my sanity!

Hi there Knotanothername - I'm also back after a rather long absence, finding support and an outlet for my worries with others going through the same process (and no name change here - still the same daft one I chose 12 years ago...).

@LaundryFairy thks I’ve just read back and pleased to also recognise @sandybayley and @IrmaFayLear I’m trying so hard not to stress my Dd out by being super calm and she’s trying hard to pretend she doesn’t care, realistically we are both super anxious!

@Knotanothername - here to be helpful for this year's applicants having been through it last year and picking up tips for next year. The thread last year was so helpful. DS1 was absolutely fine but I needed the help!

And DS1 is loving Oxford - even in lockdown.

@sandybayley I can’t remember which college your Ds went to? Great he’s surviving lockdown! Dds boyfriend is the same, having a blast. Initially he found the workload relentless but has since become nocturnal and loving Ox,
Think this is another reason Dd really wants to get there, she’s seeing what a great community it is.

Hi @Pumpkintopf thanks for replying. He says he gets emails when there is any update on UCAS track, so nothing there. I don't want him to think I'm hassling him . I spent the night having dreams he got no offers, but my morning rationale self reminded me that he does already have one and it is early days. I feel far more anxious about him than I ever did about me!

Rather not say which college @Knotanothername but it is small, central and historic! And still in University Challenge this year

@RunnersTipple I am glad I am not the only parent having nightmares like that!