Oxbridge 2021: another 6 months of fretting

[DahliaMacNamara]

Will they make the grades? How will grades be awarded anyway? What the hell are Cambridge up to with that nasty little clause?

His insurance is Lancaster - we went to visit and really liked it

Oxford place for dd confirmed here too, 3A*s, so happy all round. Well done to everyone for their results, and sorry to anyone who hasn't quite got the place they were hoping for - it's a brutal system.

Mature you're going to be just fine.

@DeRigueurMortis I really hope your DS gets fished, I've been following his story closely. And huge congratulations to him for his stellar achievements.

@DeRigueurMortis 4 x A* is absolutely brilliant, well done him. Gutting about Step, at least it was just on one of the papers, best of luck for the pool.

Thank you Runners.

Like so many other posters you've been unfailingly kind and supportive .

It's honestly made the whole blummin journey just about bearable.

The chances of being fished are slim to next to none.

In the last 5 years between 80/90 Maths applicants were pooled and of those ONLY between 12 and 26 got an offer (the 12 being last year which is probably the best indicator).

That said we're very proud of his achievements and so glad he's got a great insurance that I think will suit him.

It also helps that quite a few of his friends are going there (he wouldn't know anyone at C) so there's absolutely a silver cloud in that respect

The step thing would put me off applying tbh

sorry, that probably sounded unhelpful - I meant it sympathetically and think it's a bit cruel to have this extra exam.
I'll bugger off now....

@Freedomprogramme

The step thing would put me off applying tbh

If we had to do it again I'd definitely encourage him to apply for Oxford.

The process is far better imho.

Not any easier of course, but more streamlined.

yes. people would know where they are more, and earlier too.
glad derigeur junior has got insurance choice.

@Freedomprogramme

sorry, that probably sounded unhelpful - I meant it sympathetically and think it's a bit cruel to have this extra exam. I'll bugger off now....

I understand what you meant 😄.

Oxford still has an extra exam (MAT) but it taken much earlier.

Upshot is Oxford make far fewer offers than Cambridge for maths because they already have the MAT scores in hand.

Cambridge on the other hand use STEP to cull over 50% of their offers on results day - then you have pool stress.

A majority of Oxford maths students who get an offer will meet it by comparison.

The biggest impact for C students who have an offer is actually on their insurance.

Statistically they only have a less than 50% success rate and thus their insurance has to be something they can bank on.

Oxford students who were redirected before an offer still have two slots "open".

Hope that makes sense!

@DeRigueurMortis I've been in your place twice with my eldest (Maths). He didn't meet his offer for Oxford first time round, took a year out, and then reapplied the following year. He didn't get in, so he went to Imperial. Absolutely loved it. Met his gf who had been in a similar situation for Cambridge. They ended up doing MSci (Maths), and she went on to do further studies in Cambridge where they showered her in Scholarships. Not getting in doesn't mean you're not good enough. The world is cruel and it breaks my heart for these kids sometimes. Whatever your DS ends up doing, he'll make a total success if it, especially with those results.

[quote ThisIsMyID]@DeRigueurMortis I've been in your place twice with my eldest (Maths). He didn't meet his offer for Oxford first time round, took a year out, and then reapplied the following year. He didn't get in, so he went to Imperial. Absolutely loved it. Met his gf who had been in a similar situation for Cambridge. They ended up doing MSci (Maths), and she went on to do further studies in Cambridge where they showered her in Scholarships. Not getting in doesn't mean you're not good enough. The world is cruel and it breaks my heart for these kids sometimes. Whatever your DS ends up doing, he'll make a total success if it, especially with those results. [/quote]
Thank you

He definitely doesn't want to re-apply.

We've said we will fund a post-grad at Oxbridge if in time he still wants that (and is successful).

I'm a C redirect (at results but not maths so was totally unprepared for STEP savagery) so I absolutely know what he's feeling.

Like your DS, I had a great time at my insurance and looking back wouldn't change a thing.

I'm pretty sure DS will come to the same conclusion in time.

Right now it's all a bit "raw" iyswim and the pool doesn't really help.

It's just waiting for another day to be rejected again . It's not over, but realistically it is.

That's what I mean about the process being awful (emotionally) compared to Oxford.

DeRigueur, Step is really horrid and your ds did so very well. I'm sure Cambridge miss out on many students who would thrive there and probably even more so this year.

We know people who missed their step offer and although it stings at the time, they've all ended up very happy wherever they've ended up. I'm not sure if that's a consolation at the moment. Lancaster is a fantastic university for maths and it's actually a lovely place in its own right.

www.ox.ac.uk/students/new/oxford-transition-support
Lots of useful info here for you.

That's a useful link, @Hoghgyni. I have to hold my hands up and say I'm feeling a bit lost and unsettled right now. DD has gone away with some friends for a few days, and suddenly the reality of her not only being away but being at scary bloody Oxford FFS, has hit me.

I’ve been a lurker on this thread for months - thanks for all the support, shared hysteria and wisdom. It’s been brilliant to read everyone’s experiences. DD off to C to read English and very excited. Does anyone know if there’s a ‘parents of C’ thread anywhere???

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/4262198-Cambridge-and-Oxford-ongoing-chat-for-those-with-a-student-currently-studying-there

Dahlia I get that. You spend all your time worrying about whether or not they will get in and then it all becomes a reality.

One key thing to be aware of is that Oxford term dates aren't what you would expect. I thought DD would have to be there on the date the Oxford calendar said Michaelmas (autumn) term began. Oh no, that was first week & they actually had to be there a week earlier in 0th week. Even though Trinity (summer) term ended on 8th week, her exams were in 9th week and she came home at the end of 10th week after having Covid. I think most freshers will be arriving on 4 October, so put the date in your diary.

@CupOfEarlGreyTea,

Same here. English and excited by the prospect.

[quote TheFrendo]@CupOfEarlGreyTea,

Same here. English and excited by the prospect.[/quote]
It's so brilliant - congratulations all round!

[quote Hoghgyni]www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/4262198-Cambridge-and-Oxford-ongoing-chat-for-those-with-a-student-currently-studying-there[/quote]
Thank you - this is great.

DD’s college has been really good so far - sending masses of useful info including on what to wear! As well as of course quite vital details of bed size! When ds started information was distinctly lacking and he was very nervous when we turned up. Into the bargain the beds were all doubles so we had to dash to the shops to buy bigger bedding. (However in second year his bed was 2’6” so be prepared for all eventualities!)

Wishing the very best of luck to all the offspring heading off shortly. We drop DS off on Friday.

Friday? Sounds like it’s quite a staggered start. We drop DD on the 5th according to the college website. Really hope (a) we have the right date and (b) we have some fuel to get her there!