Part 2: Continuation of 2023 uni (and other) applications for those pursuing art and creative routes

[Duchessofmuchness]

As requested transferring us all over hear for the continuation of the 2023 journey. Have so enjoyed the company and support of all on the first thread. Link to original thread copied below (I hope!)

2023 uni applications for those pursuing art and creative routes www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/4626697-2023-uni-applications-for-those-pursuing-art-and-creative-routes

He is at UWE in Bristol (which had an amazing art scene, but no glass facilities!) Doing a Fine Art deg.
Currenctly he is making a pulley system and learning metal and woodwork skills in the process. Last term he engraved concrete.
He hasn't painted a picture in ages!
Fine Art can be anything you want it to be really. So it may be a good option for your DD as long as the uni she chooses has the facilities to do the media she loves most.
DS is a printmaker and looked at print degrees. But he is better in FIne Art. Because he has explored so much more. UWE is also renowned for its printmaking so he's always got that too (he tends to do lino cuts 'for fun') and is now going to help run Print Club. He's also learnt a load more print skills and has plans to do many more.
But in the meantime he's trying lots of other stuff too.

He sounds like a wonderfully creative young man! You must be so proud of him!

I'm always so impressed with what these artistic young people are able to cone up with. DD's latest project is a lighting feature with multiple bulbs, each of which will be covered by a glass dome patterned after the carapace of a different insect. It's wonderful to see the range and depth of creativity and artistry that young artists possess.

Sounds wonderful!

It's been a tense mother's day in our house :-)

DD has been grumpy- she apparently has 30!! artist critical reviews to do for the next part of her final unit and her final submission due in around 7 weeks time for her FAD.

Added to that is the nail-biting wait for interview/rejection emails. Just seen on TSR that some have interviews and offers already for Man Met and Newcastle but DD heard nothing. I wonder how they decide which order to review portfolios? Alphabetical? Submission date?

My dd is still waiting on Newcastle though she only submitted her Portfolio early February.

Yes, dd submitted quite late too- she only submitted her UCAS about two days before the deadline.

So are we assuming that they review applicants in the order of submission then?

I’d imagine that it takes a while for the submissions to get to the people that make the decisions. There will be whole teams of administrators logging the applications. It may all depend on which team is fastest!

Newcastle said they had approx. 700 applicants for 67 places! I can't begin to imagine how they filter the them out and choose the best from so many.

Does anyone know how many places Manchester have available? They don't seem to publish any admissions data.

Good luck to your dds

@FancyFanny - thanks for the heads up on the artist reviews! DS hasn't mentioned that yet. Scary to think only 7 weeks left - perhaps same for DS so you have given me useful data for some insights.

It is frustrating waiting without knowing the process and timelines unis are working to. DS in similar position waiting on CSM - submitted a month ago. And could have another month or so to wait.

He got a rejection from Edinburgh yesterday which going back to our discussion a few days ago highlights importance of A level grades at some institutions. They said rejected for A level grades. They wanted ABB (which he is some way off) plus merit at FAD for second year entry he applied for. He decided on applying without our input and had left it to him. With hindsight it was a wasted application as their website was clear on expectations. Just noting here in case useful to future applicants.

Has anyone's young person heard from Newcastle, Edinburgh or the Slade yet (Fine Art-related courses)?

No, nothing from Newcastle or Manchester here yet.

But they'll make many more than 67 offers though... remember that most of those 700 applicants will have applied for 4 other institutions too and not everyone will want to accept their Newcastle offer.
I know that Newcastle has prestige for Fine Art but there will be plenty who apply for that reason and then decide that it's too far, or not suitable for some other reason.

I think they make about 120 offers according the stats from previous years.

Yes, I know of one applicant to the Slade who has an interview so others who haven't heard anything are assuming they've been rejected. My impression is that offers are unrelated to when candidates apply because most of my DC's foundation classmates submitted quite close to the UCAS deadline and offers have been very erratic.

My DD has an offer from UAL Chelsea!

@FancyFanny 🥳🎉🎉

Yay 🙌 @FancyFanny - well done to your DD! Hopefully she is feeling happier with that in the bag.

@FancyFanny congrats to your dd

I think she is secretly pleased- although it was her least favourite choice- according to her it's easy to get into and too expensive. She's probably right about the costs, but not sure it's that easy to get in!

Congratulations!

Well done @FancyFanny DD!

For those who are already at University or have already firmed/insured their choices, did your dc go for best reputation/job prospects or best vibe/environment/fit? We are going to applicant days but dc keeps going back and forth, one has the reputation but the other would suit my dc's personality much more. Was wondering how others chose and for those who are at university, did it turn out to be the right choice?

@Okisenough wanted to be anywhere but London and was completely torn even after firming. Went for the vibes and recommendation from their friends already in that city. Unless it's animation (then Hertfordshire or AUB wins hands down) and or fashion I think there are not many bad choices.
If you are happy to name the universities we might be able to give you more insight.