URGENT: Route to Abertay advice pls ?

[medianewbie]

Ds has a choice:

HNC in CyberSec then apply entry 2023 in Y1 with the choice of 4 diff degrees

OR 2 yr HND in Software Dev then Y3 entry Computing (only this degree tho)

Further consideration: he doesn't feel ready to apply Uni next year (ASD)
Both HN courses are at the local College so a good 'stepping stone' to Uni.

Is it hard going in at Y3 if 1st 2 yrs elsewhere?

Forgot to say, he got 1 H at A grade, 1xB, 1xC so this next year / 2 yrs is really important to have a shot at Abertay...

I’d recommend the HNC and then the gentler intro to uni in Y1 with the choice of degree - though for 2023 entry you don’t have much time to narrow it down.

Completely different subject but I had a DC with the same dilemma - chose the HNC route and it worked v well.

@Bratnews yes he'd prefer to start @ Y1 I think but won't be socially & emotionally ready by then (autism) so that's why considering HND ...

I'd recommend the HNC and then Y1 entry too. Neighbour did HND locally and then Y3 entry at Abertay (not computing) and found he had to step up quickly. Although he said Abertay had lots of Y3 joiners and uni did a weeks course for them before start. He shared with other joiners too which helps. However Y1 would be gentler.

Could you help him out preparing to apply to take the pressure off eg read the course descriptions/modules and go to the open days. Help him with his personal statement. Help put together pros and cons lists for each degree option. If he is still unsure then go for more general course. He might even be able to apply for more than course so could delay the final decision until June next year (check as this isn't always possible,)

Once he has a place then Abertay should provide him additional help to ensure he gets a good start. You might even be able to meet someone at the open day who could outline what help is available so you and your son could start to think what he might need.

The HMC route is probably the best, as others say, it’s a bit “gentler”, but as much as anything, he could change his mind in a year, amd if this happens, he’s kept his options wide open

thanks @SandyIrvine @Bratnews @JudgeRindersMinder

the HNC is a Tutor he knows from last year, the course is fun, & I think he'd be the Star Pupil this year by the looks of it which he has NEVER had anything like so it'd be brilliant for his self esteem (badly damaged by NT Secondary School)

BUT I can't imagine him being 'ready' for Uni next summer.
I know most parents probably think this but he really IS the 'genius professor' type of Autistic person. He doesn't remember to wash, eat etc without reminders & he needs a lot of scaffolding for everyday life (forgets his shoes etc). He's never made a sandwich or a cup of tea. So, there are MASSES of 'soft skills' he needs to manage 1st. I guess if he does the HNC this year. we could go to Open Days then he could do a 2nd HNc next year if he's not ready (this one we'd have to pay for but its £1800 & he'll get a bursary so that would cover it) That way he'd have 2 HNC's so a choice of courses from Y1 & TIME to be really ready for Uni.

He finds choice unbearable (the choice to do more 6th form or College has run on all summer giving him many literal spasms of severe anxiety) & that would involve more choice but also keep options open too so he could move on as & when HE felt ready. I'm not always going to be there to guide him after all.

With what you’re saying about “star pupil” and his self esteem would make this route a no brainer for me. The last 5 years have seen a huge change in routes for school leavers now, and the acceptance that what you do at 18 doesn’t have to define the rest of your life is the best thing to come out of it.
Whether neurotypical or diverse, 18 year olds are not fully fledged adults and the more options that can be kept open for them, the better

In your son's circumstances I would NOT recommend 3rd year entry.
There's a lot to get to grips with in terms of being responsible for yourself, living away from home as well as the academic rigour of university as opposed to college.

Starting in 1st year means they're all getting used to this together at a gentler pace which will suit your DS better. 3rd year entry means hitting the ground running

Perhaps ask for him to have a place in a student flat with a resident assistant. My DD (3rd year) does this job at Edinburgh Uni. Part of her job is to look out for those not eating properly or not looking after themselves (and nudge them or signpost up if serious). She even got the ASD boy in her flat cooking Hello Fresh veggie food much to the amusement of his mum (he had lived on Greggs/McDs previously).