DS Aiming higher than offer after IB result

[beachhead]

Hi grapevine
DS managed to obtain slightly higher points 39 at IB .
He had offers based on his prediction of 36. But his chosen degrees history& language at Sheffield required 33 points.

So now DS wants to try Endinburgh university now! Which would be fantastic I think. Where he meets the entry requirements for a history & language degree . He actually wanted to take law, but advice has said go via history degree first.
I'm meeting with his school tomorrow to get help. I know he has to wait for A level results day 17th aug ( but im very anxious for him I wonder what chance he has?)

Any experience with achieving entry to a higher ranked university placement please?

There are already some places at high ranked unis being advertised as available at clearing. Have you had a look at what is already there just as a pointer? I wouldn't rule out law either if there are spaces at good unis. Last year friend's songot better than expected a levels -AAA and got onto law at Manchester via clearing. Good luck

Clearing opened on 1 July. Most people have to wait til they get their results to go through it though.

You do not need law to be a lawyer because you can do the GDL post undergrad, but if you are not sponsored, it costs. History is often sought after but MFL Departments will grab you! If he wants to do Law, don't do it in Scotland. (If he wants to practice in England). He should aim higher so good luck in finding a suitable university. He could do a gap year and apply again in the Autumn.

I do wonder why advice was not to do Law first? Did they think he would miss the grade required for a top uni?

Slight thread crash: if a student has met their Uni offer, I had the impression they had to take that place? Sounds like this is not so, if getting better results mean you can go for an 'upgrade' through clearing? Have a DC who is in similar position, having results from Access course way above their Uni offer requirements. Very grateful for any info about this.

If they exceed they can apply for Adjustment but it does mean releasing the firm offer.

OK, googled it. Now my understanding is that clearing is for late applications and missing the grades, and adjustment is for students who've done better than their grade offer. Sounds like a scramble- only 5 days, starting from A level results day.
Does anyone have any experience of this, please?

I think it's UCAS Adjustment that you need to look at

"Adjustment is a process that provides applicants, who met and exceeded the conditions of their firm choice offer, an opportunity to reconsider where and what to study. It starts on A level results day (Thursday 17 August).

Eligible applicants register to use Adjustment in Track. If they are accepted by another university or college, the new choice will replace their original choice as their unconditional firm offer. If this is the case, they will lose their original offer and instead be placed at the new university or college."

There's full details on the UCAS site.

Not sure about Edinburgh but some Scottish Unis offer English Law qualification as well as/instead of Scottish Law (Strathclyde University for sure).

If they try Adjustment, but don't find anything, they'll still keep their place on your original course.

Thanks LIZS do you know at what point they have to let go of the firm offer?
When they get a 'better' one, or before they enter adjustment?

Colleague's son got a good engineering place via Adjustment a couple of years ago. However I remember my friend saying it was nerve wracking (she ended up taking time off work to help him out - not making the calls but helping him evaluate courses at the last minute). He couldn't get uni accommodation but it worked out fine in the end as he found a much cheaper flat share near the uni with other students .

Okay, cross post with ttish, thanks for that helpful info.

DC was originally turned down by highest ranking Uni on their UCAS form. Would it be a good idea to contact them directly, or is that not at all the done thing, and DC should wait to see what comes up at adjustment?
I appreciate they can't make an offer except through adjustment, but firstly it's unsettling, and secondly DC had planned to be away then - hadn't occurred to us that there could be an issue being out of contact on A results day.

Bubbles
I think it is very common advice. I know quite a few barristers and solicitors and I'd say about 50% studied history at uni.

He actually wanted to take law, but advice has said go via history degree first.
OP it really depends on why he was given this advice in the first place. If he has a strong passion for History, then yes he should study that subject, but if not he really would be better taking Law.
I think a relative was given similar advice on the basis that it was harder to obtain a place on a Law course than a History one and he may not make the grades needed. As your son has exceeded his offer, he may now meet the criteria for a Law degree.
PP haven't said this but at Scottish unis most degrees are 4 year courses which would an extra year of tuition fees (if you are from England) in addition to Law courses after graduation.
This article sums things up well targetcareers.co.uk/career-sectors/law/206-what-degree-should-i-do-to-be-a-lawyer

It couldn't hurt for him to speak to the admissions people at the preferred university to sound them out - they may be able to advise on the best way to go about the Adjustment process.

(I also did IB over a decade ago, 39 is an excellent score, very well done to your DS!)

Thank you mum's you all seem knowledgeable.

I take your point tlshiwwya, I need to check the 'scottish' degree qualification validity in England.

Talking to another mum today, the Adjustment period starts from 18th August for the 5 days window.
I've told ds to check all possible degree courses, before we see his teacher tomorrow.