What's the normal for teens to do in the summer between year 12 and year 13?

[eggsbenedict23]

Hi. Have a son in year 12. He is hoping to apply to Oxbridge etc for uni. People who have DC at Oxbridge what did your DC do in the summer before year 13? How often did they "prep"? I want DS to also enjoy his summer and see his mates.

Well, none of mine applied for Oxford or Cambridge, but, to answer the question in your title, all of mine worked- as in, worked for money, not worked on school work.

My teen worked in paid employment too

Mine is going on holiday and to Reading festival. I'm hoping she'll get a job but not holding my breath.

Doing their EPQ and preparing their Art portfolio. Don't think a job is on the cards sadly.

You might be best asking in the Higher Education section @eggsbenedict23

There'll be a few MNers with experience of applying to Oxbridge in there

Not my child but me in the late 90s…..

Saw my friends. Waitressed a bit. (But not much as I was a rubbish waitress so they only called me when desperate!) Went to a couple of parties. Got all caught up on homework, coursework etc. Went to visit a couple of universities with my mum. (Mainly for a nice day out.) Went on holiday. Met a boy. Fell in love. Spent the rest of the holidays staring into space whilst listening to music.

Summer holidays are for raking in the cash, you can work 5 days a week and still have weekends.

I went to Oxford, what I did that summer:

Work part time - I was keen to save to travel during the university holidays

Shag my boyfriend secretly - he turned out to be gay so not really the best sexual experience but hey..

Read a lot, quite a bit around my subject because I was (still am!) passionate about it. That was totally my choice, my parents did not specifically encourage it

DS in 2019:

• Residential summer school (selected in a subject-related competition)
• Consolidated Y12 work
• Family holiday
• Resting and relaxing
• Started prepping for October admissions test (last two weeks of August)

I was thinking about this again and reflecting that I really think the Oxbridge experience is so much better for those who have a lot of initiative and self motivation.

I think it's worth asking your son what he thinks is the best way to prepare and getting him to own that. I went to a couple of museums related to my subject as well - but I researched them and then asked my parents if I could get the train to go, they were supportive but it all came from me. I think it's that sort of thing that they're looking for at interview.