Missed offer- advice

[PinkChaires]

My DD missed her offer for the University of Manchester, which she was really hoping for, and she’s understandably very upset.
She does, however, have offers for Psychology at MMU, Leeds, Sheffield and Liverpool through clearing.
for many reasons she really wants to stay in Manchester and shes saying she will go to MMU. Its a tough pill to swallow given that she was a Law offer holder for UCL and UOM. Will it damage her career prospects? Any positives i can give her? Thanks

Wow, your daughter is amazing, actually incredible... She is very, very far from stupid She is capable and as strong as steel to get those grades and only have mild OCD - your daughter deserves massive support and as far as I can see seems to be given no acknowledgement.

I can see you are overwhelmed. Are the school aware of the situation? Someone, including the social worker, should be massively championing her. A quick google:

'No, young carers do not need to receive Carer's Allowance to be considered a young carer for university applications or additional help. Most full-time university students cannot even claim Carer's Allowance, so universities rely on alternative proof like a GP letter, school reference, or local carer service.

UCAS and University Applications
UCAS tick-box: You can indicate that you have caring responsibilities in your UCAS application without needing any benefit claim.
Contextual offers: Universities use this disclosure to understand your circumstances and may offer lower entry grades or extra support.
Verification: Instead of Carer's Allowance proof, universities usually accept a signed letter from a teacher, GP, social worker, or local young carers project.

Types of Support Available
Bursaries: Many universities offer dedicated young carer bursaries or cash awards independent of government benefits.
Practical help: This can include early choice of accommodation, library perks, or a designated contact person.
Student Finance: You may get extra consideration through your regional student finance body, though it is assessed based on household income and status rather than Carer's Allowance.

Also - she should get a contextual offer next year from Uni of Manchester (she should call the Uni and discuss with them now). Should she decide to take a year out she could maybe resit the C and get work or work-experience in something connected to the law:

www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/contextual-admissions/your-data/

Also - ask to see her A-Level scripts and let your daughter go through them with her teachers to see if re-marks might be appropriate.

A quick google says MMU has very good links with great law firms if she decides to go this year. Maybe they would be a supportive choice and she should shine. I'm sure, given half a chance to concentrate on her course you DD would do very well anywhere... But she needs to be given half a chance and, as incredibly difficult as your situation is, you need to ensure she puts herself first.

I so, so feel for your wonderful daughter. She was eligible for so many boosts and still is (Uni taster residentials including Oxbridge - was she aware? Did she get a chance to take any up? If not I am actually incredulous that no one supported her more whilst she was supporting everyone else. Please, please ensure she has access to all the help she so deserves).

And if your daughter is reading this - please ask and seek out all help. Make an appointment to speak to your Head Master/Mistress, your school I'm sure would pull out all the stops for you if they knew ... are they aware? I can only assume they are not.

All very best

I've just read the last few pages of the thread - already getting remark and speaking HoH.

But also MMU psychology rather than her first choice subject? - is your DD switching to that course simply because available, rather than a burning desire?

I have re-re-read the thread yet again - playing on my mind.

I see the Op has explained the psychology course change thinking.

But I also can see what an incredibly precious opportunity leaving for University and concentrating on her course, if she can, might also be, even if she isn't in a position to recognise it yet. Such a hard situation. Perhaps time pressure should be taken out if the equation if not sure - it is too important, 12 months nothing in the scheme of things and can do other very worthwhile things in that year.

Independent counselling needed regardless to help with mental health.

So difficult for some in that age group, expected to make a big and costly life decision with such a quick turnaround time and quite a few shoulding family situations they just don't talk about. This situation will stay with me - incredibly hard.

*shouldering