It was a ‘no’ for my DS who applied for History. He had expected a ‘no’ and we very much expected it too, as he felt his interview didn’t go well. Of course you still hope an inkling of a faint hope that perhaps there might be a yes….
But anyway, he is very stoical about it. Of course he is a bit disappointed, but certainly not devastated and actually he’s sadder for one or two of his friends who also got rejected and perhaps seemed more likely to get an offer.
Fortunately, he’s a pretty balanced lad and is good at holding onto some kind of perspective and is moving on and knows there will be a good place for him to go to. He is in the middle of mocks, so keeping focused on those and the exams. He is waiting for one final place to accept or reject - one of those that often doesn’t offer until March/April. Really hoping he will get an offer from there now and it won’t take too long.
We know a few teens who have had offers today. It is an absolute thrill for them and their families and I am happy for them. Can I send congratulations to the families on MN who had offers today and who must be just so so pleased. I like to think if you in your houses, still shocked and coming to terms with this tremendous achievement. Enjoy every moment!
We are now adjusting to moving from the category of ‘Oxford applicant and interview invite holder’ who still had some hope for Oxford, to ‘reject’ and no longer being in that slightly special club of Oxbridge applicants who might get an offer. Now we are with the rest of the UCAS applicants going for non-Oxbridge. I imagine many families who’ve been rejected today have a bit of a sense of this shift now too….no longer quite in the top and reducing in size club.
But much of this can be about vanity and ego. And I’m trying not to let that slightly hurt pride be a thing, but holding onto the fact that there are lots of great university courses and these kids are still amongst the brightest and will do really well. We also know that life outcomes are determined by personality, drive and seizing opportunities. Some people from top universities lack these things and despite great educations don’t go onto do well in life, whilst others without the top universities push ahead and thrive. University is an important element, and today feels really important, but as life progresses, lots of other things matter too. There are good things ahead for our young people. And I’m proud of my DS for being brave and having a go, and for being stoical today and seeing a bigger picture. Cakes for tea for us anyway, and I’m sure all the families on here are acknowledging the tremendous efforts made, regardless of outcomes.
Harder in a way for the Cambridge applicants who still have to wait, having seen the joy and disappo8ntment from the Oxbridge grange today. Hope this next phase passes quickly for you.