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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:
prettybird · 11/12/2017 11:31

Good that he's made choices - that must be a weight off your mind.

Can't help re the modules - ds pretty much filled it in on his own (I presume with support from his pastoral care teacher - who also happens to be the lead for the entire UCAS process at the school). Any time I offered to help I was told I "know nothing about the UCAS process" which is true as it was UCCA when I did it 40 years ago BlushShock Only time I got to see the UCAS screen was when he wanted me to put in my credit card details! Grin

I only got to advise on his personal statement - and even then it was mostly grammar advice Hmm. I tried to suggest he take out his bit on Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (on the basis that they're pretty common now) and include more on why he wants to study P/IR - but he insisted that the way he had included it showed how he would cope with Uni and the challenges of the course Confused

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 11/12/2017 16:20

It is a weight off, but he still hasn't spoken to the teacher today!

I've seen the form on UCAS and didn't have to put my payment details in as I've already paid it to the school via Parent pay. Presumably they put the payment on the form?

He also mentioned his DofE but only really about the gold expedition as he was demonstrating his persistence and inventiveness since the kayak transporter things they had broke and left them trying to repair them and when that ultimately failed they had to carry 6 fully laden kayaks miles into a camp site and they could only take one between two.

I've no idea what is really supposed to be in it but his was full of building and repairing PCs and his interest in finding out how things work. I think it's hard when you are applying for different things in different places and trying to make it fit.

OP posts:
Groovee · 11/12/2017 16:39

Dd said that Wax about the personal statement and writing it with the course in mind.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 11/12/2017 16:57

In the end it was the personal statement that decided he wasn't applying for pure engineering as it was just impossible to write it so that it covered that too. It's shame really that the process drives the choice but I suppose it has to be done somehow and maybe in DSs case it's a good thing?

OP posts:
Superjaggy · 13/12/2017 17:18

DS' app finally officially went in today (he'd misread the email last week, it had only been approved by school at that point).

Totally agree re the personal statement, so difficult to keep it specific enough for their preferred choice but generic enough to give them an acceptance elsewhere.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 13/12/2017 17:24

DSs form still hasn't gone in as he hasn't been able to see the teacher (apparently). He was doing the Informatics Olympiad yesterday so didn't have any free time and said the teacher wasn't there today. I've told him if he doesn't find the teacher tomorrow then he must go to the office to find out when he will be available.

I pointed out that the teacher could be on long term sick and is he just not going to apply to Uni because the teacher wasn't there? Very frustrating!!

OP posts:
Superjaggy · 14/12/2017 21:29

Wax that's very frustrating. Can you phone the school and ask how the process is going at their end? They will probably have set their own internal deadline for getting apps submitted so if the teacher is off there may be a contingency plan. Definitely worth giving them a wee nudge, I think.

Superjaggy · 14/12/2017 21:30

Oh I think I may have misread your last post! Still think it's worth putting in a wee phone call anyway.

prettybird · 14/12/2017 21:35

Ds is over the moon - he's just got an Unconditional from Strathclyde Grin

He says it's probably 5th out of 5 of his preferences as it is home university - but it's done wonders for his confidence Smile, as their supposedly minimum requirement is more than he actually got for his Highers Confused

Superjaggy · 14/12/2017 21:45

Great news, prettybird! Hope he gets his other offers in soon too.

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 14/12/2017 21:55

Great news pb!

DS managed to speak to his allocated teacher today and apparently he needs the head of the team to check it before submission. That's happening tomorrow so hopefully it will go soon.

OP posts:
SwiftAnchor · 14/12/2017 22:07

Good news Prettybird 👍🏼 Smile

IndigoApple · 14/12/2017 22:36

Fantastic, prettybird!

DD got 2 offers from Aberdeen today (1 conditional and 1 unconditional, both in line with their entrance requirements), despite being told they wouldn't make a decision until January!

Nothing from Strathclyde yet.

Groovee · 14/12/2017 23:35

Great news on those receiving offers x

prettybird · 14/12/2017 23:42

That's great Indigo - was Aberdeen her first choice?

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 15/12/2017 17:09

Form gone, let the waiting begin! :o

OP posts:
IHaveBrilloHair · 15/12/2017 17:16

DD not applying until next year, she's in 5th year, but her boyfriend has an unconditional offer from Glasgow, we're both so excited and proud of him.
He's a great kid, and a lovely bf to my Dd.

IndigoApple · 15/12/2017 21:52

Fantastic Brillo

prettybird DD has already had 2 offers from Dundee which is her first choice, she may change her mind though. I went to the Aberdeen open day and really liked it although it's far away! I'd be happy with either. Not that it's my decision! I think she may be swayed by one of the unconditionals. She's already dropped one of her AHs against the wishes of the school but to be honest I'm just glad she's staying on.

Superjaggy · 19/12/2017 18:14

DS has had just first offer today, unconditional for Dundee. Not his first choice but quite a nice boost in any case :)

Superjaggy · 19/12/2017 18:15

*his, not just

Groovee · 19/12/2017 19:14

That's fab @Superjaggy

IndigoApple · 19/12/2017 20:24

Great news jaggy!

prettybird · 19/12/2017 22:51

That's brilliant superjaggy Smile Was that for IR?

Ds hasn't heard from anyone else yet - but is pleased to have one unconditional in the bag, even though he doesn't want to go to Strathclyde so at least he's continuing to Dufy hard Wink

Original poster
WaxOnFeckOff · 20/12/2017 12:51

Great news :)

DS has had lots of acknowledgements and Christmas greetings and links to join tracking things but no actual offers or anything yet. Still early days so I suspect it will be into the new year before he hears anything really.

OP posts:
Superjaggy · 20/12/2017 21:30

Yes pretty, politics and IR (or maybe just politics?!). He's very much hoping to hear from Aberdeen before Friday but it's not looking likely... he's had an acknowledgment letter from them though.

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