DC missed Uni offer (IB)

UcasShmoocas · 2023-07-18T05:44:30+00:00

Posted on Chat as well but someone suggested I try here, too. Any advice welcome! DC received IB results and missed uni offer for Law by two points (both in HL, very unfortunately - predicted 6-7 and 6 and got 5 in both 😞). Big shock and totally unexpected. DC contacted admissions but got through to 'enquiries'. They said the uni (Bristol) would make a decision but probably not until around the 17 August. Should DC write a letter to admissions? Or just leave it be? They don't want to go to their insurance so if Bristol says no it will be retakes and a gap year... I'm feeling quite helpless. Most of DC's year group are disappointed with their IB marks and many have called short of their predictions... DC has 37 overall, 16 in HL. 31 in LNAT. Offer was 38 but 18 in HL which all teachers thought was 100% achievable. I'm thinking they will definitely not firm her offer. 😞

tennissquare · 18/07/2023 07:00

It's impossible to say until the A level results are out. If there is a similar drop and everyone misses their offers by a small margin then the uni's will adjust and accept those with lower grades. The unis have to fill their places. It's been widely reported this year that IB saw lots of missed offers so the uni's will be aware.
It's damaging to the qualification if it's perceived as being much harder to achieve acceptance to uni in contrast to A levels so I expect there will be some movement by IB if that becomes apparent this year.

NoNotHimTheOtherOne · 18/07/2023 07:04

They will have calculated the number of offers they made on the basis of previous proportions of offer-holders who go on to meet conditions. In other words, they will have made more offers than the number of students they can accommodate on the course. They won't know until A-Level results come out whether they have places available for near-missers.

I think it's pretty unlikely anyone will read a letter unless it's detailing extenuating circumstances, but I don't think it will have any negative impact either as long as she doesn't start blaming other people (school, examiners, etc.) for her grades.

User27680416 · 18/07/2023 08:30

You'll just have to wait I'm afraid. Ds's school think that universities in general have made fewer offers this year and that grade boundaries for A level will be more back to normal post Covid so there might be lots of pupils narrowly missing offers and being taken anyway. But it's just conjecture and no-one knows yet. I hope that your dc gets the place she wants.

Original poster

UcasShmoocas · 18/07/2023 09:22

Thanks all.
I guess we just have to wait.

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weddingguest123789 · 18/07/2023 09:53

Definitely ask him to write to the admissions office restating his wish to attend the course and some ideas he has to bring himself up to speed over the summer (anything like work experience, volunteering, travelling somewhere to immerse himself in the subject, starting on the recommended texts etc.). If he really wants to go it is worth a shot and the beauty of IB means he has a head start on the A-level results and may be remembered by name when it comes to making a decision. Nothing ventured nothing gained!!

weddingguest123789 · 18/07/2023 09:54

And tell him to phone them first - try to get a name in the department he can email directly. It's what I did (and it worked!). He has to be the one to do it though, not his parents

Lifeistough74 · 18/07/2023 10:04

They can go through clearing and that’s the best option in the situation that the results don’t match up , try looking at combined courses so as a example she could apply for A degree with Business and Philosophy at her second choice University, when my sister did A levels she found it highly stressful and difficult , some colleges can also offer an adult HND course in the options area for afternoon and evening study so that’s a possibility, or you could ask the university about a degree apprenticeship, and traineeships or even Internships at a major company that could
Offer substantial opportunities ie for a holiday work so she can earn abroad and develop those skills she didn't get from the A levels and IB result.

With the extra grade she needs could she resist the A level or as a T level and one level 4 course she could do in 2 years as to get a good grade in to enhance her chances or try an access to higher education diploma to make up the 6 grades lost. My friend re sat his GCSE’s to get a better qualification and it took me ages to get where I am
Now and that was with hard work , if she’s smart enough to get onto the level 4 courses and do some adult learning alongside a apprenticeship then that’s another path worth exploring especially if it’s a level 4 apprenticeship or I

Original poster

UcasShmoocas · 18/07/2023 17:41

weddingguest123789 · 18/07/2023 09:53

Definitely ask him to write to the admissions office restating his wish to attend the course and some ideas he has to bring himself up to speed over the summer (anything like work experience, volunteering, travelling somewhere to immerse himself in the subject, starting on the recommended texts etc.). If he really wants to go it is worth a shot and the beauty of IB means he has a head start on the A-level results and may be remembered by name when it comes to making a decision. Nothing ventured nothing gained!!

Thank you! Good ideas!

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TizerorFizz · 18/07/2023 17:56

@Lifeistough74 Why would the Dc want a HND with 37 IB points? That’s pretty good for many degrees. Just not the one wanted.

I think it’s pointless writing @UcasShmoocas . It’s utterly clutching at straws. You don’t know if the A level cohort will get the grades required or not. Also why should any uni consider additional info which is not in their published admissions criteria? It’s totally unfair and should not happen. Bristol are very clear about admissions. You will just have to wait. Like anyone else.

TizerorFizz · 18/07/2023 17:58

For most courses the decision might come down to PS to distinguish between students. Not a second bite of that particular cherry.

Bunnyannesummers · 18/07/2023 20:17

uni staff here, not in admissions but do work on confirmation and clearing. Don’t bother writing a letter unless it contains mitigating or extenuating circumstances. We can’t consider it. Once we have A Level results and we’ve confirmed everyone who met their offer we’ll look at spades we have left and near misses like your DC and decide if we’ll offer. But a letter wouldn’t make any difference to that (if I’m honest I’m not sure we’d even be given it).

They can’t discuss it with them now, because they don’t have an answer. Just have to wait for results day unfortunately.

Another note on the letter - I would strongly suggest not telling your DC to write it, not just because it won’t make any difference, but also because it may give them false hope if they feel they’ve written something really persuasive. They need to be thinking about their insurance or clearing as they’re Plan B, not a letter that holds no sway.

ShanghaiDiva · 18/07/2023 20:48

She will have to wait unfortunately. I know she is disappointed, but the IB is a demanding course and 37 is a vg result. Fingers crossed she is accepted in august.

fortyfifty · 18/07/2023 21:49

Out of interest, why wouldn't she consider her insurance offer?

QueenOfTheSlipstream · 18/07/2023 21:58

If your DC really wants to go to this uni this year, then it's worth writing to Admissions. We had almost exactly this situation with my DS two years agoC missed his offer by 2 points. They made him wait nine days but eventually offered him the place after he'd emailed expressing how keen he was for the course. I think they were happy to confirm one more space tbh. Of course, another year, a different situation. But what has DC got to lose? Nothing.

Calcite · 18/07/2023 22:13

As an ex admissions officer I advise your child to sit tight until A level results come out. They may be lucky if a lot of people miss their grades. The number of offers made is is always higher than the number of places. The Law department is not in charge of who gets a place and who doesn't any more. It is all centralised and as a result there is nobody interested in anything but the money any more. Parents thinking of contacting either central admissions or academic departments should restrain themselves. It is incredibly irritating as it shows a lack of maturity and independence on the part of the applicant. An applicant contacting may be listened to if there are places. Good luck to your child.

poetryandwine · 19/07/2023 09:55

Former RG admissions tutor here.

This is delicate, because that 31 is a really excellent mark. I was just on a Law site showing average LNAT marks by university and Bristol’s is 25.

Two marks down in HL is a problem but with this LNAT all is not lost. This is a rare case where I agree it is worthwhile for your DC to email the Head Admissions Tutor for their degree programme (and I agree it is important that it is DC, not parents). Be brief, cogent and polite; highlight the 31; don’t make excuses but offer to submit documentation for any truly serious mitigating circumstances (romantic traumas and the deaths of pets don’t count).

Best wishes to your DC. Gently, though, it would be prudent to begin thinking about a back up plan

Original poster

UcasShmoocas · 19/07/2023 10:59

Bunnyannesummers · 18/07/2023 20:17

uni staff here, not in admissions but do work on confirmation and clearing. Don’t bother writing a letter unless it contains mitigating or extenuating circumstances. We can’t consider it. Once we have A Level results and we’ve confirmed everyone who met their offer we’ll look at spades we have left and near misses like your DC and decide if we’ll offer. But a letter wouldn’t make any difference to that (if I’m honest I’m not sure we’d even be given it).

They can’t discuss it with them now, because they don’t have an answer. Just have to wait for results day unfortunately.

Another note on the letter - I would strongly suggest not telling your DC to write it, not just because it won’t make any difference, but also because it may give them false hope if they feel they’ve written something really persuasive. They need to be thinking about their insurance or clearing as they’re Plan B, not a letter that holds no sway.

Thank you for your advice. Very torn about the letter now! Will have a think.
It would definitely be DC writing it.
I know we just have to wait. It's very hard, though!

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Original poster

UcasShmoocas · 19/07/2023 11:01

QueenOfTheSlipstream · 18/07/2023 21:58

If your DC really wants to go to this uni this year, then it's worth writing to Admissions. We had almost exactly this situation with my DS two years agoC missed his offer by 2 points. They made him wait nine days but eventually offered him the place after he'd emailed expressing how keen he was for the course. I think they were happy to confirm one more space tbh. Of course, another year, a different situation. But what has DC got to lose? Nothing.

Thanks - I'm glad your DS got his place.
My DC did already contact admissions but it seemed to be quite a generic email address (the 'enquires team') and there's no way to email the Law department directly.
That's why we are wondering about also physically posting a letter...probably completely pointless.

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Original poster

UcasShmoocas · 19/07/2023 11:01

Calcite · 18/07/2023 22:13

As an ex admissions officer I advise your child to sit tight until A level results come out. They may be lucky if a lot of people miss their grades. The number of offers made is is always higher than the number of places. The Law department is not in charge of who gets a place and who doesn't any more. It is all centralised and as a result there is nobody interested in anything but the money any more. Parents thinking of contacting either central admissions or academic departments should restrain themselves. It is incredibly irritating as it shows a lack of maturity and independence on the part of the applicant. An applicant contacting may be listened to if there are places. Good luck to your child.

Noted - thanks - and yes it would be DC who makes contact if they write a letter.

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Original poster

UcasShmoocas · 19/07/2023 11:04

poetryandwine · 19/07/2023 09:55

Former RG admissions tutor here.

This is delicate, because that 31 is a really excellent mark. I was just on a Law site showing average LNAT marks by university and Bristol’s is 25.

Two marks down in HL is a problem but with this LNAT all is not lost. This is a rare case where I agree it is worthwhile for your DC to email the Head Admissions Tutor for their degree programme (and I agree it is important that it is DC, not parents). Be brief, cogent and polite; highlight the 31; don’t make excuses but offer to submit documentation for any truly serious mitigating circumstances (romantic traumas and the deaths of pets don’t count).

Best wishes to your DC. Gently, though, it would be prudent to begin thinking about a back up plan

Thank you for your advice.
There is definitely a back-up plan, a Gap year. It's not what DC wanted but we will make it worthwhile. Also November resits for the two 5's in HL.
Damn IB! DC has been been predicted 6-7 for the last two years and the exams themselves went really well (they thought!). Yes, the 31 in LNAT is great.
Now trying to find a name for the Head of Admissions - proving difficult!

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Thefatbutteredpig · 20/07/2023 23:26

Beistol head of admissions is P Campion Small

poetryandwine · 21/07/2023 06:45

Is that the lead admissions tutor for Law?

Original poster

UcasShmoocas · 21/07/2023 08:42

Thefatbutteredpig · 20/07/2023 23:26

Beistol head of admissions is P Campion Small

Thank you - I'm still in two minds about whether to get DC to write - I guess the worst case scenario is P. Campion chucks the letter in the bin so DC will be no worse off than now...

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TizerorFizz · 21/07/2023 10:11

@UcasShmoocas You do realise that Bristol have weightings for Law offers. 40% weighting on LNAT. 20% gcse and 40% A level or equivalent. As you know, when A level results are in they indicate whether Dc has a place or not. I am still mystified why writing anything additional will help. Or indeed should ever help. I don’t see how seeking to get above A level candidates who don’t yet know their results and, even when they do, have no chance to write a pleading letter at all. So consideration of any letter from an IB student cannot possibly be fair.m to all offer holders.

I am amazed @poetryandwine would even consider this. It’s obviously unfair on the A level cohort. Quite simply, DC has to sweat it out and surely accept trying to get ahead of the A level cohort is unfair on them.

Original poster

UcasShmoocas · 21/07/2023 10:49

TizerorFizz · 21/07/2023 10:11

@UcasShmoocas You do realise that Bristol have weightings for Law offers. 40% weighting on LNAT. 20% gcse and 40% A level or equivalent. As you know, when A level results are in they indicate whether Dc has a place or not. I am still mystified why writing anything additional will help. Or indeed should ever help. I don’t see how seeking to get above A level candidates who don’t yet know their results and, even when they do, have no chance to write a pleading letter at all. So consideration of any letter from an IB student cannot possibly be fair.m to all offer holders.

I am amazed @poetryandwine would even consider this. It’s obviously unfair on the A level cohort. Quite simply, DC has to sweat it out and surely accept trying to get ahead of the A level cohort is unfair on them.

@TizerorFizz why would DC's own, separate, unique application to this course, and possible extra letter, make any difference to A-level applicants? If they have an offer and they get their grades: great. If they don't they are free to do whatever they can, phone or email, like my DC. Yes the timing is tighter but it's still possible.

Anyway we shall see what happens and I will update the thread when we have news either way in August.

Thank you for all comments and advice and good luck to everyone's DCs if they're waiting for confirmed uni places or exam results!

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