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Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Current Oxford/Cambridge students support/chat continued (2)

1000 replies

Panicmode1 · 29/10/2023 11:46

The other thread is nearly full so I took the liberty of starting a new one...

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11
Ironoaks · 09/06/2024 20:10

@teriyaki (apologies for this initial tag which I can't delete)
@Teriyakieverything
If you go to this page
https://www.natsci.tripos.cam.ac.uk/students/fourth
and select 'entry process', it links to a pdf which shows the number of Part III places for each subject. Chemistry doesn't appear to be capped.

4th Year (Part III) | Natural Sciences Tripos

Thinking about the fourth year If you are thinking about a career in research, you should consider taking the optional fourth year (Part III) which is currently offered in the following subjects: Astrophysics Biochemistry Chemistry Earth Sciences Histo...

https://www.natsci.tripos.cam.ac.uk/students/fourth

AndTheyFlyTheNest · 11/06/2024 13:39

@Teriyakieverything - just to input re QES... My DC took it in his second year - the first year it ran, so was a bit of a guineapig. They had been down to do Maths + double Chem in 2nd year, but over the summer began to get cold feet about the Maths. Talked to their DOS who encouraged them to look at the QES info (which was v thin at the time) and he took it and absolutely loved it. He'll be taking it in his 4th year. It seems to be very sciency and data driven - lots of coding etc, He said that some people found the coding side of things v hard (esp those that came from BioNatSci), and I think he thought they were changing it in certain ways... so do encourage your DD to talk to both years that have done it (ie current 2Y and 3Y) as they may have made some changes. They also have a poster exhibition this week of the projects they've done this year, which your DD might want to take a look at.

Teriyakieverything · 11/06/2024 13:56

Thanks for the input@AndTheyFlyTheNest . So glad to hear that your DC found a new area of STEM they love, and is able to pursue it further. That's one of the great things about the NatSci course.

Where is this poster exhibition taking place in C please? DD might have a chance to have a look after exams tomorrow.

sytron · 11/06/2024 13:58

Good luck to those with exams still to go, and happy celebrations/plans to those who have finished. Choosing options is always stressful I think.
Still waiting for DC to finish exams here; very stressful for them and me!
Am visiting at the weekend to help with transporting of stuff and emptying room - can't believe the first year is nearly over!

Panicmode1 · 11/06/2024 14:31

DS has his final (second year) exam tomorrow - it's been a tough set I think . We're off to watch bumps on Saturday (hoping the weather will play ball)! He's going to a May Ball next week and then coming home on the Friday following. He's got two weeks before his internship starts, so it will be nice to have him (and DD) home.

Hope all of the results are positive (especially those graduating) and that those having to choose modules for next year get what they want! Enjoy the last few days of term everyone, and wishing everyone a fabulous summer break.

I'd especially like to thank the wonderful 'old timers' whose DCs are graduating this year, and whose advice and wisdom have been invaluable to those of us less well versed in Oxbridge mysteries. I've so appreciated the support and help.

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beeswain · 11/06/2024 14:52

I'm feeling very sad, DS had finished his exams and is having his last couple of weeks in Oxford. We are going to his college leavers lunch on Saturday, then picking up at the end of the week after. He's also feeling sad, he said he will really miss the Maths Institute and might like to go back for a PhD at some point.
Grown up life starts in August with a real job!
I have also found this thread really helpful and supportive and hope people don't mind if I pop back from time to time.

AndTheyFlyTheNest · 11/06/2024 16:06

Teriyakieverything · 11/06/2024 13:56

Thanks for the input@AndTheyFlyTheNest . So glad to hear that your DC found a new area of STEM they love, and is able to pursue it further. That's one of the great things about the NatSci course.

Where is this poster exhibition taking place in C please? DD might have a chance to have a look after exams tomorrow.

@Teriyakieverything No idea where the QES thing is, I'm afraid... DS just mentioned in passing that he was going. But I guess she coudl ask anyone who has taken QES this year or last year as think they would know.

@beeswain the years do go by so fast, don't they. I'm just v glad mine is doing 4 years

@Panicmode1 I'm also heading to bumps, but the weather not looking good!

mutterphore · 11/06/2024 16:26

Continuing good luck to those with DCs still doing exams. They'll soon be over.

Those whose DCs are leaving O & C shortly, I remember very well this time last year and how lovely the final days were for DS1 and DS2 and then how sad it was for them to end. If they have a job to go to, immediately, then that's possibly easier? Although mine have gone onto law conversion courses, the lifestyle isn't nearly as fulfilling for them as it was at university and a year down the line, they still miss their undergraduate days.

@beeswain very good luck to your DS in his first graduate job and I hope he gets lots of down time over the summer before he begins. I've enjoyed following your/his journey on here.

@HoneyMobster I hope your DS1 is fully enjoying his post-dissertation celebrations and good luck to him for his viva in early July. Your other two DCs sound like they're doing really well too.

@Karolinska glad to hear your youngest has finished her exams and is living life to the full before starting her graduate job. I lose track but will you still have other DCs continuing with postgrad qualifications at Oxford?

@Ironoaks , I hope your DS is enjoying post-exam time now and I hope the next stage of life for him is fulfilling and happy.

I know there are more people on this thread, some of whom have changed names and others who don't post, who began here some time ago now and it's always interesting to hear how people's DCs are getting on and continue to support those with DC still at Ox and Cam.

DS2 has now been offered 5 Vacation Schemes this summer but sadly had to turn down two of them as they clashed with others. I think he's allowed to be assessed directly for a training contract for those two however. He's currently in the middle of his second of the three and really enjoying himself.

DS1 has no more Vac Schemes this summer and is trying to work out his path for the next few years. They start the next part of the law qualifications in September - the SQE1 and then do the SQE2. By next summer, all that's over but even if they get a training contract this time around, there'd still be a one to two year gap before they'd be allowed to start. So they'd probably try to get a paralegal job or something vaguely related to a city job in the meantime. How can young people afford though to live in London these days unless/ until they're sufficiently well paid?

Anyone on here DCs who've recently started on a law career, until you secure a TC, is it better to keep seeking law-related experience/ work such as being a paralegal - no matter what level of law firm or where based - or would it be preferable to look for finance related jobs in London in the meantime? Both DS1 and DS2 are longing to start work, post law qualifications but the odds of getting a good TC are so tiny these days.

beeswain · 11/06/2024 16:47

@AndTheyFlyTheNest yes DS had 4 years thankfully as the first year was blighted by Covid.
@mutterphore very good luck to your boys, it's a difficult route they are taking but they both have lots to be proud of. And as we know, careers these days are not linear. After being very sure he did not want to do a PhD and went all out to secure a job, ds is now saying he might actually want to do a PhD🙄. That all might change too....

Karolinska · 11/06/2024 17:50

Thank you mutterphore. DS4 will probably have left Oxford by the end of the summer too. It depends if they throw his DPhil back at him for a major re-write when he has his Viva, which is soon.

Are your two boys still both set on commercial law rather than any other areas of law? That would probably shape their next move. The issue in applying for jobs in the financial sector might be having to explain what they've done this past year. But on the whole, if they're after commercial still then I'd say apply for something in the City. If they've shifted on the area of law they're keen on then I'd say paralegal type work for sure. Indeed if they've moved on from commercial for whatever reason, there are plenty of things they can do to boost a CV.

Absolutely right that careers aren't linear these days.

mutterphore · 11/06/2024 18:41

@Karolinska , I bet your DS4 aces his viva! If so, might that be your last DC there after so many years?

DS1 and DS2 are absolutely set on a commercial law career and aren't afraid of hard work and very long hours. So should they hesitate to look for paralegal jobs to fill in time before starting a TC (if they secure one) or to fill in time whilst continuing to apply for the elusive TC? Would they be better to look for an albeit temporary job in the financial sector and if so, any advice?

Karolinska · 11/06/2024 19:43

If it’s commercial they’re set on then trying to get a stint in the financial sector would be far more of a boost to an application than a paralegal job. It’s the old commercial awareness thing. But their CVs will now look law orientated and so they might find it a bit of an uphill climb convincing a financial institution that they’re serious about banking etc. Unfortunately it’s not the ideal way round. Perhaps others eg Xenia might take a different approach? It’s very tough, your boys have my sympathies.

mutterphore · 12/06/2024 09:51

Thanks @Karolinska . I think they'll just keep plugging away with Vac Scheme/TC applications and see what other possibilities there might be as a stop gap, in commercial related jobs, if necessary. I agree it's so hard nowadays and no guarantee of a TC at all, given the odds (1% to 3%) are against all applicants these days, especially in the higher tier London law firms.

I don't want to derail this thread with law career related discussions and meanwhile hope that those with DCs doing their last exams now will soon be able to celebrate and relax and enjoy the summer.

craggyrat · 12/06/2024 13:25

@mutterphore - I don't post much but have 2nd year DS at C. I do work in a very lowly capacity at a specialist solicitors with a strong commercial section. Our training contracts usually go to our current paralegals. Paralegals tend to start in healthcare litigation (Defendant not Claimant) and then apply for the TC. Most move into commercial or real estate in the end but some then prefer HCL. The firm are recruiting paras at the moment but not necessarily for London office. Feel free to pm if you wanted to know any more

Panicmode1 · 12/06/2024 15:31

@AndTheyFlyTheNest am listening to bumps on CamFM this afternoon. It is most amusing, and the only way to really have a clue what's going on is to check the charts after each division, but I do love the enthusiasm and passionate amateurism of the commentary. Really hoping the weather improves. We'll be at the marquee for the college with purple colours on Sat....😊

DS has finished exams today...not sure how he feels overall as I just got "all done, dashing to get in a boat", so I hope he's feeling OK now that they are complete.

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ivyleafgeranium · 12/06/2024 23:08

There are a couple of great pictures from the bumps on the "A Cambridge Diary" Facebook page today. Just thought some people might be interested.

Karolinska · 13/06/2024 11:36

There are also pictures/ videos which DD4 has sent of Palestine protestors going into Exam Schools in Oxford this morning.

Bapple · 13/06/2024 13:40

@Karolinska so sad for the poor students sitting their exams this morning. DS had just messaged me to say he's not sure if his exam will go ahead this afternoon.

Karolinska · 13/06/2024 14:08

Oh dear Bapple. Looks as if this afternoon's will go ahead but I think some were cancelled this morning.

Panicmode1 · 13/06/2024 14:21

Oh, those poor students - as if it isn't stressful enough!!

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Bapple · 13/06/2024 17:01

DS has said the afternoon's exam went ahead but with distraction the whole time from sirens and chants outside.

Karolinska · 13/06/2024 18:07

Is he a finalist Bapple? Not trying to minimise the situation for first and second years at all, just wondering.

ProggyMat · 13/06/2024 21:05

@Karolinska DD reports that finalists- reading the same subject as her- were affected today…

Bapple · 13/06/2024 21:09

@Karolinska he's a second year but this year's exams make up a percentage of his finals.

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