University Offers Coming In 23/4 - part 2!

[WombatChocolate]

Following on from the old thread which was getting full….come and share the highs and lows of the journey that is A Levels and UCAS!

Warwick said at open day that they read the PS carefully and like to respond to it. I have heard about this happening since before AI, I think it's genuine. How would you even do it with AI - if you're reading the PSs anyway as part of your decision making, it's much less hassle to do it yourself.

Forgot to say great news and congrats @WombatChocolate 👏👏

Thank you. Yes I agree. They have also offered to lower her offer if she firms them but it’s a long way from us and prob not her favourite. It’s such a tricky decision.

I just thought maybe they upload the PS and AI just read and respond.

But maybe it was a real person, nice to think it was.

Just to report another Durham offer here, for PPE.

DS’s UCAS hub is down, just a blank white page! Anyone else?

It was!

Ooh could this be a wave of Durham offers?? dd was told would be post end Jan but 🤞

DD got a letter in the post from Lancaster referencing her PS and specific modules she might find interesting. Plus the reduced offer if she firmed. All really nice touches - be they AI or not!

Yes, ours mentioned the slave trade or something.

I might be wrong but it seems a lot of hassle to extract the PS from the UCAS form, load it into whatever software they are using, check that what it comes up with is sensible and in the right format. You could write something more meaningful in less time I think, and without buying / customising AI software. But I might be wrong!

It would really make a mockery of PSs if DC are using AI to write them and unis are using AI to respond, just one computer talking to another 😂

@stoneysongs that’s a hilarious and rather depressing thought!

I think the PS replies are genuine. My BIL is a senior lecturer (too outing to say what and where but not a course or uni DD has applied to) and told me he does read some of the applications (not all sounds like they share them out) and often sends a note if he finds one particularly impressive or thought provoking

DS got a phone call from a current student at Aberystwyth to let him know about the offer holder day, offering travelling expenses to attend and to outline all the bursaries available for AAA grades etc. I was impressed - as I was at the open day with the staff and approach to teaching. York is probably still his first choice but they have some stiff competition! 😂

Daughter has offer from Bournemouth Arts University. She applied 2 years ago, with mediocre predicted grades and didn’t get an offer. Her actual grades were A A A* equivalent.
She is now completing HND this year with v high grades, and has an offer from AUB to complete her degree there.
she is SO happy!!

Lovely news 😊

Just catching up - lots of fantastic news on offers, happy start to the weekend- well done DCs😊

Bath economics offer this evening for DS too. 2 A’s in advanced highers (Scotland) - 1 in maths. He also has an unconditional for Exeter too.

That’s great @Eightytwenty. I must admit I do slightly envy Scottish students who are able to able with at least part of their grades in place. So much less stressful!

Yes it’s really good at this point. Was stressful last year and my own son is still waiting to hear from some of his but now he has 2 unconditionals he can really relax now knowing that whatever happens he’s definitely going!

I agree completely. You can apply based on your higher results. Meaning you aim for a combo of bankers and stretch places. You’d anticipate at least some unconditionals from the bankers. While it can still be disappointing if kids receive lower than expected grades, it doesn't mean you have 3 weeks to a) deal with the disappointment, b) scramble for accommodation and/or a place in clearing.

They are good for the right students (nerdy DS). But can lead to laziness in some.

@TooOldForThisNonsense That’s great! Well done to your DS.

@Eightytwenty Yes, it is the not knowing where (or even if) they are going until 3 weeks before that is worst. My DD’s insurance offer is 4 grades below her predicted grades, but you never know if something could go horribly wrong, and then there is the accommodation issue. The system badly needs changing IMO.

Ds had very low offers plus one unconditional which he used as insurance but it is different with dd already having her grades.
although the fact Ds did a Btec meant pretty much knew he would have the grades

DD studied at Bath University - absolutely loved it and met some very good friends there. Not a lot of students from the north there though and it was a 'thing' - she was voted 'best northerner' every year she was there - still not sure how I feel about that!

And now Bath have offered.. clean sweep of 5 offers for DD.. Sussex is clear insurance but the others are similar offers and she likes them all so choosing what to firm is going to be tough