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Original poster

The trials and tribulations of Uni Apps for 2018.

660 replies

WaxOnFeckOff · 19/09/2017 13:21

Just thought I'd start a wee thread for those with DC applying for uni for next year (or indeed applying for themselves) in ase anyone was up for sharing knowledge/support/venting etc.

I have DS1 applying for this year. Still doesn't know where to or what for Confused.

Not done any open days yet and lots now clashing so can't do them all. He wont go alone and wont ask anything or tell us anything about it if he did, so looks like it might be family days out for the next month or so. Dragging DS2 with us as he is currently doing Highers and given his poor Nat 5 results, he needs some motivation to pull his finger out if he wants to go to Uni.

How is everyone else getting on?

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Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 04/01/2018 20:27

Thanks super it's strange how that works, on the other hand DH is 6'2 and fits fine in my car, DS doesn't fit comfortably in it. I'm 5'10 and have acres of legroom in it. I think he is just a weird build. So far the best fit has been a mini but even 2nd hand they are a bit more expensive that we wanted and also they cost about £1450 for insurance.

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Groovee · 04/01/2018 20:48

Dundee have been in touch to say that her course will require an interview and they will be in touch in due course.

UCAS sent her a competition thing which got her hopes up.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 04/01/2018 21:04

I'm sure you've said upthread, but was it teaching Groovee?

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Groovee · 04/01/2018 21:22

Yes, it is primary teaching. So hopefully she will get some interviews x

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 04/01/2018 21:43

I guess you can see why they would want to interview for that type of course. An extra stage to get through but hopefully it all works out.

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Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 06/01/2018 23:40

Just worked out that DS1 only had 54 days of school left! That's not counting days where he needs to go in for an exam. How can this be? he only went into P1 a couple of years ago surely?

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IndigoApple · 07/01/2018 10:17

Yes, it's scary isn't it Wax? DD's school shirts are looking slightly scruffy but not really worth replacing them.

I'm also finding it v strange not needing to be involved in discussions at work about who's taking time off in summer and October!

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 07/01/2018 11:37

It's DS2 in my case that is looking scruffy but his blazer will have to do as he moves to a 6th year one after the exams. That's presuming he goes back. Given the lack of study going on he'll either need to go back to do Nat 5 Maths again, or it may just not be worth it at all.

So still technically having to discuss holidays in school term for another year yet but looking forward to the freedom in 2019!

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prettybird · 07/01/2018 21:55

Good to read that some on this thread have had good news.

Just mentioned to ds the "54 days of school left", he got very uppity and said not to say that as it just reminded him how few days were left for him to revise Shock

I am starting to get worried that he hasn't heard anything from other Unis yet - ie Aberdeen or Dundee - Hmm, even though he seems to be relaxed ably it. He knows that Edinburgh is always really late with offers.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 07/01/2018 22:06

DS hasn't heard from anyone else other than Glasgow pb I suspect at this point they may just be waiting for the closing date as it's only a week or so away. Not that DS1 is caring a hoot to be honest. he has an offer he is perfectly happy to accept (as he would any of them) he is not overly invested in any of the courses so 1 offer is all he needs. Not any studying happening here. Think DS1 not really bothered and DS2 burying his head in the sand and hoping it all just goes away...

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prettybird · 07/01/2018 22:15

Ds doesn't want to go to Strathclyde (the unconditional he has had) so sat least he is continuing to study Grin

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 07/01/2018 22:37

At least he is discerning. DS1 would happily do any or the courses at any of the unis...and I don't mean from the 5 he put down. he would have been happy with any out of hundreds! And he may yet to to none depending on how the Degree apprenticeship applications go. They tend to be offering the degree at less prestigious unis, but that needs to be weighed up with the 4 years of experience gained. If he is offered an interview I think he would struggle with that. My view is that he wont be offered one of those as the competition will be stiff but it's all experience.

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Superjaggy · 08/01/2018 22:39

Nothing from Aberdeen here either, @prettybird

Glendee · 09/01/2018 13:58

Bit late to the party; but good to hear of everyone’s experience, thanks for sharing at this nerve racking time as you hear so many urban myths and rumours!
My dd is just waiting on Dundee uni (applied for 2 courses there).
She’s received a conditional offer for Edinburgh Uni (was surprised as I thought they would be the last, but she heard within a fortnight of them receiving her application) and unconditional offers for Glasgow uni and Newcastle uni.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 09/01/2018 14:12

welcome to the party Glendee :)

What is it your DD has applied for and where is it she is most wanting to go?

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Glendee · 09/01/2018 14:20

After a enjoyable summer on a Nuffield science placement she decided on biological sciences: not having done it since S3, she’s crashing Higher Biology this year. Currently, Edinburgh is top (she needs a B in higher biology). We didn’t make it to many open days (only managed Aberdeen uni) but has signed up for offer holder days.

wigglybeezer · 10/01/2018 20:06

I can't log in to post on Mumsnet on my phone so have rather dropped out of this thread but DS2 has his first uni offer from Dundee. Nice feeling, even if it isn't his first choice and it will help with the rest of the waiting. Still worried about St Andrew's History dept. website stating they favour students with a modern language as it's the weak link in DS's otherwise excellent results, people keep giving me a funny look when I express anything less than 100% confidence that he will get in, they don't realise how much harder it is to get a place compared to the "old days".
He also sent off his PS before i had a chance to do a final spelling and punctuation check ( he has dyslexia type issues)...
Still, less stress than teaching his older brother National 5 Maths at home which is using up an unfeasible amount of my spare time at the moment.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 10/01/2018 20:22

nice to see you wiggly :) If it helps your technology issue, on my phone I don't use the mobile app, I go into my browser and open from there and use it.

Good news re Dundee. We've heard nothing more, I was presuming that maybe they would all be waiting for the deadline to pass now.

DS2 in 5th year is doing Nat 5 maths again - i don't hold out much hope though, hope your DS is fairing better.

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Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 10/01/2018 20:45

I'm not sure that i'm necessarily with the right audience here, but I'll ask anyway as it's just occurred to me.

DS has clearance via school and presumably the SQA to do exams using ICT. He doesn't always use it as most of his subjects are more technical than writing and his issue is his writing. Is this something that he should be making Uni aware of (once he has actually confirmed his place) and would they accommodate this if he needs it?

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Lidlfix · 10/01/2018 21:09

Wax - with DD1 (dyslexic) I dragged her to a student services stand on "offers holder" day in the April, hoping to kick start things as she'd accepted her place. They said wait till you start. I wasn't filled with hope by that as I knew she'd be coming to terms with lots of new info, routines even hangovers etc.

But she went not long after proper classes had started. They insisted on doing their own assessments despite hers being very recent S6 and the school giving me a copy of full screening report.

I suppose too many reports can be bought from private practitioners that it's the only way they can be sure.

Their screening agreed to the extent that she has equipment.

In reality your DS will probably submit nothing in writing anyway as everything goes through Turnitin. Many students are tapping away their notes on Macs in lectures too.

It may only be exams that there is an issue and I'd try to find out as soon as he accepts whatever offer he decides on.

A note of caution (and it may just be the establishment my friend lectures at) they don't talk to parents. Don't answer emails from them either. Their professional relationship is with the student and they are fiercely protective of the confidential nature of that.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 10/01/2018 21:28

Thanks Lild, he doesn't have a diagnosis, he was just assessed by the staff in school (as has DS2). I'm perfectly happy for him to organise and if it's by email then that's ideal. He just struggles to speak to people but is fine by email. I'd rather he did it while I still have an element of control over him as he would leave it and let it cause him issues and just not mention it if I didn't poke him with a stick :)

In terms of using the ICT he purely uses it for legibility, they switch off spell check and all that extra stuff.

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Lidlfix · 10/01/2018 21:43

I was like you - wanted everything in place from the outset. I was terrified that she'd have a piece of coursework after a few weeks and still be waiting for an appointment with student services and be poorly marked. (Over anxious, English teacher mammyBlush)

Hopefully exams won't be launched at him too rapidly and he'll/you'll have the chance to find out what the system is. Not just the use of the word processor that needs planning in exams but these candidates often need separate accommodation as the clicking of the keys is a distraction. So I'm told.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 10/01/2018 22:10

Yes at the moment they go to a separate room to use the computers :)

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Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 11/01/2018 15:55

2nd unconditional today, this time for strathclyde :)

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prettybird · 11/01/2018 16:12

Brilliant Wax FlowersStar

Is the course at Strathclyde better for him? Or is he ixy-pixy between the courses?

Are you at all concerned that the Unconditionals will reduce his motivation to study?