Unexpected

[woolymonkey]

Spider's A Level results were good but disappointing by his high standards in practice exams.  (Though he passed STEP!)

He's missed his offer from Nottingham, which is sad, but got Leicester, his insurance choice.  However, he's decided, based on course content and advice from his Head of Science, that Sussex's Mathematics and Physics degree is better suited to him (more maths less space).  He has the grades they want (plus some to spare) and they've made him an offer.  So we're now waiting for clearing to open so he can reject Leicester, accept Sussex and start arranging accommodation.  It's been quite a frantic day!  Consolation/celebration curry coming up soon.

Looking forward to visits to Brighton and feeling very lucky that Nanamonkey lives in nearby Lewes and is willing to provide emergency accommodation if needed plus some non-emergency meals out in Brighton.

Comments

[desperance.livejournal.com]

One of my not-exactly-godkids just graduated from Sussex, and she had the best time there. (Also, three years of Brighton have turned her into the best person. I hadn't seen her since she was a traumatised and difficult teen; when Karen and I were in Brighton for WFC last year, she sought us out and hung out with us for an evening and a lunchtime, and she was delightful company, charming and interested and smart.)

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

Thank you. That is very good to hear. I grew up near Brighton and went to school there. It was good than and is still good now though very different.

[history-monk.livejournal.com]

Well done to Spider!

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[anef.livejournal.com]

Also, who wouldn't rather live in Brighton for 3 years rather than Leicester? Win!

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

There is that :)

[ms-cataclysm.livejournal.com]

I'm sure Spider will have a lovely time there (although Leicester is a pleasant place too).

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

Both places appeal a lot. It's really about the fact that Sussex maths and physics depts work closely together so he can do a degree that is basically applied maths with added physics. Leicester have a wonderful physics dept but it's all labs and space - the maths doesn't go much beyond what he's already done for further maths.

[bugshaw.livejournal.com]

Congrats, and many fine people (e.g. self) missed a grade and didn't get their first choice, plenty of good things still happen. And Brighton is pretty cool. (LJ ate my earlier comment)

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

Thank you. A lot of people have been outing themselves to us as missed first choicers ;) It certainly helps make it clear how little that kind of thing matters once you get past the August results season.

Personally, I got my first choice but only because my offer wasn't conditional. My A Level results were disappointing (though in hindsight totally fair because I really hadn't twigged yet to how you're supposed to do Eng Lit).