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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?

OP posts:
SwiftAnchor · 18/01/2018 22:17

The whole process is a bit of a mystery isn't it?! Confused

prettybird · 18/01/2018 22:26

Indeed. Especially as ds won't let me anywhere near it Hmm.

The only reason I know anything Shock** is because I went to the school's UCAS Information Evening, where they outlined the process (ds says he'd had the same presentation at the S5/S6 Assembly).

And the extra information about Edinburgh I got purely by chance, talking to a languages undergraduate who was waiting for her neighbour (who I know) at the Careers Evening (the two of them were representing what following a career in languages could involve).

Sturmundcalm · 19/01/2018 07:35

don't panic me about the "only 1 offer" thing... DD will have a fit if Strathclyde do that!

She got unconditionals from Glasgow and Strathclyde within about a week of UCAS form going in last month (both Physics/Maths) and has had an invite to an open day for Strathclyde (Engineering), having already had an acknowledgement from them saying it would probably be Feb/March before she heard. Has heard absolutely zilch from Edinburgh and St Andrews.

She's also doing some American applications so we're demented filling out financial aid forms designed for US citizens (reasonably enough...), and she has an interview in Glasgow next week for one of those.

ttlshiwwya · 19/01/2018 09:53

Strathclyde and Glasgow gave more than one offer last year. DS2's friend had both Chem Engineering and Chemistry offers from Strathclyde and DS2 had similar from Glasgow. I think DS2s friend firmed one offer and insured the other however DS2 rejected one of the offers and insured an offer at another university.

Groovee · 19/01/2018 20:28

Dd went to a thing at Moray House today. She found it really helpful as someone from Dundee went through the interview process with her. Apparently the group she was in for discussing what experience they have had done very little in the way of gaining experience.

prettybird · 19/01/2018 20:42

So that's something positive for your dd to be positive about then, Groovee Smile

OwlMother · 19/01/2018 23:07

Arriving to the thread a bit late! DS1 is also waiting to hear from most of his choices. Replies seemed to be a bit slow coming possibly as he has had to provide folios or tasks for a few of them. I am sure I am more stressed than I was waiting for my own replies- which of course came by snail mail!

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 23/01/2018 11:36

Sorry Owl just noticed your post there. Welcome to the thread.

If it's not too outing, what is it that your son has applied to do?
DS got a generic postcard (yes an actual postcard in the snail mail!) from Edinburgh Uni the other day but no decisions etc and still not a dicky bird from Dundee.

OP posts:
wigglybeezer · 23/01/2018 14:51

Yay, DS2 has another unconditional, from Glasgow, which is his second choice atm. I'm lucky, he shares my email address so I can snoop without pestering him. Probably won't hear from the others for at least 3/4 weeks but it gets a bit easier the more offers come in.
DS has chosen exactly the same subject in all four choices, he's not very adventurous but at least he doesn't have to choose.

Meanwhile, DS1 started his Blacksmithing course yesterday at SRUC, not very happy when he saw the accommodation he'd been allocated, a magnolia prison cell but he has no phone signal so he can't phone me to complain, I dread what to think if the wifi and or food is bad, he'll probably refuse to go back next week, sigh.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 23/01/2018 15:10

Woo hoo, well done wiggly! and your poor DS1 - he might end up loving it (fingers crossed).

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Groovee · 23/01/2018 21:59

Eek wiggly at your son and his cell. Great news for your other Ds x

OwlMother · 23/01/2018 22:28

Love the sound of the Blacksmith course! Ds has applied for architecture, has unconditionals now from Newcastle and Strathclyde but yet to hear from anywhere else. Those were his top two realistic choices, he had another aspirational choice but feels he has made a mess of the task.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 25/01/2018 20:04

So, DS has been contacted by Heriot Watt offering him a 2nd option of a 3 year honours (so starting in yr2) and said that's based on him getting 3 Bs at AH, so a conditional offer. But then it says that even if he doesn't meet that they would still consider him a positive candidate for the 3 yr course regardless. Is that fairly standard or does it mean they really want him to choose them?

OP posts:
Groovee · 29/01/2018 13:08

Sounds positive Wax.

Only 2 days left before Ds's interview. We've uploaded everything they asked for and she has them all in a folder too.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 29/01/2018 13:44

Fingers crossed Groovee.

DS got invited to a session with the faculty at Strathclyde - including a discussion about his plans and whether he wants to start in 2nd year. He is studiously ignoring it as it would mean speaking to people.

OP posts:
Groovee · 29/01/2018 14:02

Oh dear Wax.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 29/01/2018 14:07

He's some boy. I don't think being off school for a month has helped as he's just stayed in his room and hasn't been engaging with anyone (I pop in to speak to him but it's like pulling teeth as is the dinner table or in the car etc) . On the plus side he had a debate night at scouts and won Hmm.

OP posts:
Groovee · 29/01/2018 20:03

Strathclyde was an outright no like Dd expected. Just awaiting Stirling x

IndigoApple · 29/01/2018 20:15

Good luck Groovees DD!

Wax has DS been off for a month for prelims? Shock

DD just waiting to hear from Strathclyde but think she's decided on Dundee.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 29/01/2018 20:25

Not a month for prelims, they broke up for Christmas on 22nd Dec, went back for 2 days after new year (8th and 9th) and then were off for prelims and just went back last Wednesday 24th Jan. They are in this week and next then off for another week!

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Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 29/01/2018 20:28

I've had the two off them off all that time. After the Feb week I think they are in about 5 weeks then off for Easter then back for 2 weeks and then on Study Leave again - well I guess that will be DS1 officially left and DS2 will be in to 6th year after the exams. Scary biscuits.

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IndigoApple · 30/01/2018 20:25

Wow DD didn't get any time off for prelims, although I have fond memories of being off when I did mine! Also we only have 2 days off in Feb here!

Scary how little time they have left, it's going to go really fast!

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 30/01/2018 20:42

47 days left and counting down...

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Groovee · 30/01/2018 21:33

Tomorrow's interview day. Bought Dd a lovely dress in New Look that said £7 but went through at £5.50. She's pairing it up with a blazer.

Dd got no exam leave either.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 30/01/2018 22:03

I'm sure she will look lovely Groovee all the best to her and hope the snow stays away.

Re all the leave, i really think the school enjoys only being half full - DS2s exams are all in the first two weeks of exam leave so he then has another 4 weeks off and then in for a couple of days and then out for a week of work experience, sports day, 3 and half days of school and then off for 7 weeks and a day...

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