Send teenager 400 miles to Oxbridge interview by herself ?

Person_one

Where would she fly to? Is there a long journey from the airport to the university? What time of day is her interview?

What's SYA? Is that accommodation for interviewees?

gingin_2

Which city is she going to? I am in Cambridge if you need help/ directions. Only problem with Cambridge is the station is a little way out from the town, so I would suggest taxi to the lodgings if she is nervous.

rachbc

god yes - i traipsed all over the country when I did uni interviews - I would have been 16 and a few months (aug birthday). not a single freind had a parent go with them for any interview. She's going to be living without you in less than a year.

Person_one

The only time a parent came with me to interview was when I needed to stay overnight, hotels wouldn't let me book a room on my own as I was under 18.

cannyscot_2

thorsoak wrote: »

Is there anyone else from her school/college - town even - who is going at the same time? No there are not so many round here who want togo to oxbridge -it is too expensive!

Let her go with all the confidence you can muster - if she thinks YOU think she can do it, she'll be fine!

-

That is a great point! -Thanks as I am guilt tripping myself.

euronorris

She'll be fine.

At that age, I was looking for work straight out of school, hadn't heard anything for weeks and so I joined my parents on a family visit in Lancashie (we lived in Kent). Lo and behold, I then got a call asking me to come to an interview 2 days later back in Kent.

So, as my family were planning to stay in Lancashire for a week still, I headed back to Kent by myself (by train) and went to the interview. It was nerve wracking, but it was also good for me and I got the job too.

[Deleted User]

I remember taking the train from Manchester down to Birmingham on my own back when I was 16, to go to the uni open day. I think it was the first time i'd been on the train over a long distance on my own. Quite a fun trip, and certainly felt like a 'growing up' experience.

She'll be ok, and it'll do her the world of good. How 'street smart' is she?

cannyscot_2

Thanks all.

I think yes she should go herself. It be £100 less and she could fly both ways.

The guilt is getting to me as 1 Can't really afford it
2. I have another child who is disabled and it all becomes too much sometimes -feel likeI should be made of rubber!

I just worry that we reduce her chances of getting in by her being agitated/nervous/unsure by the time she gets there.

HooCanTellMee

Hi cannyscot,
It really depends on your girl, she is obviously very intelligent, so how is the common sense? My son was a brainbox, but I would have rather trusted his younger sister to look after herself! That said he is in his third year away from home and although I still miss him, I am so proud that he has grown into a confident young man.
If she wants you to go she will have to put up with the train, but the not wanting to go by herself may be nerves about the interview and you probably won't be going to that! It might be a good chance to see how she will cope alone, looks like she may well be having to fend for herself if she gets accepted, going solo will have to start soon anyway! Be honest with yourself, how much of the worry is yours, I found it very hard to realise that my little boy was grown up, try to help her believe in herself, this could be a wonderful opportunity, I had a niece who wouldn't go to Uni because she didn't want to leave her Mum, what a waste of a chance for a very bright future.
No you are not taking moneysaving too far, if she is planning to go to Uni you may need the money then.
If she has a mobile, cash card and knows how to ask directions, if she needs to, there is no need to feel out of touch. Does she travel alone now, if she can change buses to get to her mates it will be only a little different. Make sure she knows where she has to change trains, try to find the most direct route, get her to organise it, then she will know what to do. Boost her confidence, even if you are quaking! Start helping her to prepare now, it will make it much easier for you both when she does fly the nest for real.

January20

My goodness you lot are harsh! :rotfl:

When my dd went to interviews for university last year, I went with her because in 2 cases, the easiest way was to drive and in the third instance it was an overnight stay in a hotel. She is independent but she was nervous and having me there was a steadying influence. A lot of other students had travelled with one parent too, or were with friends. I would say at least about 50%.

Going to a uni interview with your child doesn't mean that they are not independent, that they cannot do anything for themselves and certainly not that they will not be able to hack going to uni when the time comes (what a silly thing to say really!), it's simply, if you can, giving them moral support!