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Secondary education

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Original poster

Y13 son told to cut hair for University interviews......thoughts???

87 replies

NotanOtter · 21/09/2009 20:37

Because I was [shocked]

even more so that ds thought it quite justified and said he was going to even though he loves his hair

Will put pic on profile!

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gothicmama · 21/09/2009 20:41

sorry could not se a pic on profile I would have thought smart and tidy would have been ok he should feel comfortable with himself to do well in an interview. What is teh course he wants to study?

crokky · 21/09/2009 20:41

I haven't seen your picture, but I'd cut it.

My cousin (female) is 17/18 and she went for an interview for a course. It was chemistry and the bloke said to her that given her appearance, she would be more suited to an arts subject (cousin has dyed her hair black with blonde bits)

Of course, it is ignorant of the interviewers to make these judgements, but the fact is, they have the power so their arses have to be kissed!

Original poster
NotanOtter · 21/09/2009 20:44

one on there now!

crooky

did she get in!?

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PandaG · 21/09/2009 20:44

can't comment about current situation, but DH went to all his interviews with long hair (tied back oin a ponytail) and got offers at all the unis he applied to (York, Exeter, Sheffield, and went to Cambridge) Didn't matter then, amnd shouldn't now.

Clean and tidy should be fine, doesn't need to be short surely?

PandaG · 21/09/2009 20:46

lovely head of hair, not outrageous style. Is a bit individual. Why should he have to conform?

Hulababy · 21/09/2009 20:48

Some courses will have different, or strricter ideas, on this than others.

Some tutors will have opinions on this too, which obviously cn make a difference on the day if you get one of these.

I would have though clean and tidy should have been ok, but do bear in mind some traditional courses can't have biased views on stuff like appearance.

Original poster
NotanOtter · 21/09/2009 20:48

my thoughts exactly Panda

dp has longish hair and he too said ds should cut it !

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Original poster
NotanOtter · 21/09/2009 20:49

he is looking to do natural sciences

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BonsoirAnna · 21/09/2009 20:49

He could have it styled a bit, rather than cutting it all off, so that it looks a bit smarter.

Long hair with a sort of swept across the front fringe is very popular with boys right now. I took DSS1 to have his styled this way right before the beginning of term.

SolidGoldBrass · 21/09/2009 20:50

I wouldn't advise anyone to cut their hair against their wishes. Why give in to bigoted fuckwits, who will only change by people calmly and politely doing what suits them best, thanks?

vinblanc · 21/09/2009 20:52

I don't think it is worth the risk, tbh. It will only take a couple of months to grow his hair back to that length.

And, dare I say, it's not a particulary attractive style. It's certainly not going to impress anyone, and there is the risk that will make him look as if he hasn't made the effort for the interview. Net, the risk is all downside.

seeker · 21/09/2009 20:52

I think it depends. Does it flop in his eyes, and is he always pushing it back? Does he hide behind it - especially if he's nervous? Does it make him look a bit Kevin the Teenager? (he doesn't look AT ALL like that in the photo, but just in case!). If yes to any of those then maybe a trim. Otherwise, so long as it's squeaky clean and neat it looks lovely.

cocolepew · 21/09/2009 20:55

No, don't cut it. FFS surely in this day and age people aren't still judging by appearances. Good luck to him.

Original poster
NotanOtter · 21/09/2009 20:56

he is very good socially and not a nervy type or kevin ish in the least

BUT he is a bit of an 'ac toooor' and can mess with it and flick it about......hmmm now i think about it...

however looks much 'prettier' with it long if thats any consolation

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sandyballs · 21/09/2009 20:58

Don't cut it. It looks fab, I love that look on boys.

gothicmama · 21/09/2009 21:00

another don't cut it vote here

Original poster
NotanOtter · 21/09/2009 21:02

awww thanks -will show him this

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noddyholder · 21/09/2009 21:05

How ridiculous.He looks great

edam · 21/09/2009 21:06

Of course he doesn't need to get his hair cut, he's applying to be a student for heaven's sake, not go into the army!

But I haven't actually asked any university tutors about this... just a general assumption that they are used to students looking like, well, students. And, in theory at least, more interested in the contents of your brain than your haircut.

ThixotropicOobleck · 21/09/2009 21:08

Jaysus! Which fuckwit at his school said this?!

OK am not in natural sciences but tbh he looks a WHOLE heap more presentable than most of the lecturers I work alongside...

Only teeny tiny question would be a. if it has an 'applied' stream or placement involving employers, or b. if it something related to medicine, where professional conduct will be an issue from the getgo.

But if not, I'd really tell him not to. it's not even that long/wild...

ReducedToThis · 21/09/2009 21:11

NAO - My sons' headmaster and the head of sixth form insist nobody is prejudiced against a neat haircut, a suit and a shirt and tie, but some people are prejudiced against males with loooong hair and fassshun.

It sort of makes sense. It's important and hair grows.

Penthesileia · 21/09/2009 21:11

He looks like most of my students, TBH!

As ThixotropicOobleck says, have you seen any academics recently? We're not renowned for our sense of style, y'know!

Admittedly, I am not a scientist, but I've never heard any of my colleagues discussing this kind of matter.

deaddei · 21/09/2009 21:13

Notanotter- I think he looks gorgeous!! What about students in the 60s and even worse, the 70s with their lanky hair- as long as it is clean and shiny, what do these unis want?
(what shampoo does he use

Original poster
NotanOtter · 21/09/2009 21:13

thanks all!

it was head of sixth form been at the school like 30 years told him it needed cutting

(same bloke did once tell me ds was very unusual amongst scientists in that he had good social skills)

some people on here have advised to cut it....

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Original poster
NotanOtter · 21/09/2009 21:14

deaddei he uses BASICS - eldest of 6!!!

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