College problem...

[subbacultcha]

Hi everyone,
I have been stressing out loads recently because I was late applying to the sixth form college I really want to go to and now my chances of getting in are very slim. I'm completely kicking myself because I know I could have got in if I had given my application in earlier. I go to a really high-achieving selective school, do charity work, extra curricular, predicted straight As and everything. So I am going to write them a begging letter! I'm so desperate to go there and I just want them to at least look at my application :(
I was hoping for some advice about what to say...I don't want to sound up my self but I don't want to sound useless either.
Thanks

[maui_butterfly]

its true that squeaky wheels get the grease sometimes, so i would definitely step up and try to advocate for yourself if it is something that you really want. but can you do it happily, and lose the stress around it? that would add a more confident (versus desperate/self-berating) energy to your efforts. people respond to that.

i believe that everything in life happens for a reason, so if for some reason you don't get to go to this great school, its because something more perfect FOR YOU is waiting... whether it be a semester off to travel, work, relax, explore, a different school where you find just the right--something. who knows? you'll look back in five years and probably realize exactly WHY things happened the way they did, so just enjoy the journey and don't stress about it (or beat yourself up for turning your stuff in late... if it happened that way, it was meant to be...)

good luck!

[subbacultcha]

Thank you for your advice! You're so right, people do respond to a positive attitude.

[Cinammon]

Hey

I agree with Maui Butterfly - keep trying! Assume there is a place at that school with your name on it. Maybe ring them, be v nice to whoever answers, state your case, beg(!) etc etc.

And then, if you don't get in, at least you'll know you've done your best, and that it just wasn't meant to be. And again to agree with Maui Butterfly - it'll probably be because something better and more suited to you is waiting.

Maybe there's a reason you didn't apply sooner? Either you didn't want it deep down, or didn't know how badly you wanted it? So this has clarified things ...

Best of luck, whatever happens.

Love

Cinammon x

[subbacultcha]

The reason I didn't apply sooner was I just didn't think about leaving! I'm booked in to go on a ski trip at my current school next year so I thought I was kind of tied down. I just didn't realise how much I wanted to leave, and I found out I couldn't do the options I wanted at my school :(

Well, I've sent the letter and I don't think there's much more I can do...If I get rejected I might go down there and beg!

Thanks for your help Cinnamon and maui butterfly! I just tried to be honest in the letter.

Here's the letter, I deleted my surname for privacy reasons!

Dear Dr Guy,
My name is Hannah ***, and I am a year 11 pupil at Kendrick School. I recently applied to your college, but, unwisely, I had not considered leaving my current school before the application date closed.
As you can imagine, I am now greatly regretting the fact that I had not thoroughly considered, or indeed considered at all, the possibility of leaving my present school. I had felt obliged to remain at the school and had been ignoring my doubts and concerns. I realised, however, that I was no longer excited about school nor enjoyed it. I had accepted this as the norm, but what I had forgotten is how much fun learning can be. I had not considered Farnborough previously as I was under the mistaken impression that it was simply too far away – but upon further research I quickly realised the extra distance was a small price to pay to attend the college! From looking at your statement on the website, one particular phrase jumps out at me: ‘mutual respect and support.’ I absolutely agree that that is a vital part of learning effectively, and it most certainly fits my learning style.
I hope this doesn’t come across as too pretentious, but I genuinely do feel like I could be an asset to the school. Having spent most of my education at high-pressure, high-achieving schools (I attended The Abbey, Reading, for five years before moving to Kendrick for secondary school) I feel I would be adept at coping with the workload. I also feel that I my abilities to motivate myself and manage my time independently have improved greatly within the last school year.
An example of my improvement in time management is the way in which I have handled my Art and Design GCSE. I had fallen behind with Art and Design throughout year 10 and was disappointed to be working at a D grade, but having dedicated a lot of break times, evenings and weekends to endeavour to improve my grade I was delighted to find out that I have exceeded my targets and am now predicted an A grade. Throughout this time I also realised how much I truly enjoy Art and Design, and creative activities in general. I would love the opportunity to study 3D Art, as well as Photography, at Farnborough. I did not include Photography in my provisional choices on my application as I was planning on studying four AS levels, but now have my sights set on five or even six. I sincerely promise you that I will dedicate myself to producing the best quality artwork that I can should I be accepted into Farnborough.
Again, hopefully not at the risk of sounding conceited, I have been a consistently high-achieving pupil at Kendrick School. In most cases, this is down to my commitment and determination to do the best that I possibly can. This is particularly true for Mathematics and Science, which do not come to me as naturally as subjects such as English and History. I work very hard to maintain a high standard of work in the subjects I find more difficult, and I am not afraid to ask teachers for assistance to ensure I have a thorough grasp of challenging topics. I have been predicted an A* grade for my GCSE double science, and an A grade for maths. I also would like to add that several of my other predicted grades have improved since my initial application. Perhaps if you contacted my mathematics teacher, Mrs Glaister, she would assure you of my positive attitude to the subject.
I would also be extremely willing to help out with extra-curricular clubs, student committees, and similar activities. I would be truly grateful for a place at the college and I would want to give back everything that I could. I could also represent the school externally by doing voluntary work. From September 2006 to September 2007 I worked voluntarily at the Oxfam Music shop in Reading, which I really enjoyed doing. I would love to start doing volunteer work again, possibly at a local primary school, this September.
As I mentioned in my application, I also have a keen interest in performing arts, and would love the opportunity to take advantage of the outstanding performing arts facilities offered at the college. I would like to take part in extra-curricular drama and musical activities and to assist with or perform in college productions. I would also readily consider taking on Drama and Theatre or Music Technology as a sixth AS level. Although I did not study music at GCSE, I aspire to work in the music industry when I am older, either in journalism, photography or design. I feel the courses that are offered at Farnborough will help me to achieve this ambition.
For example, my current school offers only English Literature as an A level subject, rather than English Language. I am sure that an English Language and Literature combined course would be a lot more valuable to me in terms of teaching me the necessary skills for journalism than a course solely based on literature. I would like to take the combined English Language and Literature course as I am also passionate about novels, plays and poetry. I value the great understanding that can be achieved by analysing the texts very highly. I have particularly enjoyed studying To Kill a Mockingbird and The Crucible at GCSE level.
The fact that there is a choice of History courses at Farnborough is also very appealing to me. History really is my favourite subject, particularly Modern World History, as I find the way the past has shaped our present world fascinating. I can assure you that above all, I will be passionate and enthusiastic in all aspects of student life if I am accepted into Farnborough.
I realise that it is entirely my fault for not applying to Farnborough in the appropriate time range. Hopefully you can imagine how much I regret that now. In all sincerity, I had not even considered leaving Kendrick until recently. Having since looked into Farnborough Sixth Form College, it is now crystal-clear to me that there is no place I would rather be, and that it really is the place that I can achieve my full potential. I am by no means trying to imply that am any more entitled to a place at the college any more than any other applicant, but I am hoping to let you know how much a place at the college would mean to me.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter. I have attached the application I submitted online on Friday 25th January. I hope to hear from you when it is convenient for you.
Yours sincerely,


Hannah *

[kaybee]

wow. what a good writer :) i could use you to help edit my thesis...... (which is not written yet and is due on tuesday :confused: ;)

[subbacultcha]

Do you really think I'm a good writer? :) thank you! That means a lot to me as I want to be a journalist!

[jacsam]

It's best to at least try because you'll always be wondering if you don't. Also, there is always next semester. I know a semeser seems like a long time but in all reality it's only 3-4 months.

[Cinammon]

Hey, excellent letter! I'd accept you to my school, if I was a Head reading it!

Agree with Kaybee: you are a good writer. Clear, get the point across, convincing (particularly liked the way you recounted your art + design GCSE experience.)

Sounds like you've had a great background.

All the best

Love

Cinammon

[lavendarJ]

Hey there...


I just want to say congratulations...Remember the power of your words (think positive thoughts and trust in you)...If you've missed the application deadline and the university is very anal on this...don't beat yourself up about it. I don't know how realistic it is (meaning if it doable - money/distance-wise) but is it possible to plan a visit? Seek feedback and plan a meeting. Okay, I'll stop yacking so much. Be confident in who you are and your abilities and learn all that you can about the art of communication.

[subbacultcha]

Thank you very much for your feedback and responses everyone!

It's not a university, it's a sixth form college (so for 16-18 year olds) - so it's not that big of a deal really but it seems it because I so desperately want to leave my current school! I can't take it for another 2 years, they put us under so much pressure as it is a grammar school. The only other free sixth form in the area has got a reputation for people dropping out :(

Money-wise so problem because it's free, distance it's half an hour train journey with a 20 minute cycle ride, so not too bad.

Anyway, I got a reply today, here's what the principal had to say,

Dear Hannah,

Thank you for your letter concerning your application to the college. I admire very much the way you have decided to fight your corner - and it is clear to me that you have enromous potential and maturity beyond your years. Well done!

We received your application on 1 February 2008 which was after the published closing date - and about application number 3000 for the 1700 places. So there are roughly 1300 applications sitting in the queue ahead of yours!

It is just not possible within the procedures which I must follow to offer you a place at this stage. The best advice I can give is that you should try to find a place at another school or college (Kendrick itself has an excellent sixth form of course). If you still have your heart set on Farnborough, it is just possible that we will have some places available in August/September and we ask those who are in the reserve pool to let us know GCSE results, via the website, as soon as possible in August.

If there are surplus places at that stage, we will contact applicants and invite them for interview.

I am sorry I cannot be more positive. You sound a very bright young person with a great future ahead and I wish you the very best of success in your life an career.

With best wishes.

Yours sincerely

Dr John Guy

So what I was expecting really! He seems like a nice man. I'm not going to give up though. I'm going to try and do the best I possibly can in my exams to give me the best chance, I'm aiming for 10 A*s. I think if I put my mind to it I have a chance.

I replied to him with this,

Dear Dr Guy,
Thank you very much for your kind words. I really appreciate that you took the time to read and reply to my letter.
While I understand that my chances of acquiring a place at Farnborough are very slim, I assure you that Farnborough is still my first choice for my sixth form education. In the mean time, I will endeavour to achieve the best GCSE results I possibly can and will submit my results in August in the hope of being considered for a surplus place.
Once again, thank you very much for your correspondence.
Yours sincerely,


Hannah **

[lavendarJ]

Thank you very much for your feedback and responses everyone!

It's not a university, it's a sixth form college (so for 16-18 year olds) - so it's not that big of a deal really but it seems it because I so desperately want to leave my current school! I can't take it for another 2 years, they put us under so much pressure as it is a grammar school. The only other free sixth form in the area has got a reputation for people dropping out :(

Money-wise so problem because it's free, distance it's half an hour train journey with a 20 minute cycle ride, so not too bad.

Anyway, I got a reply today, here's what the principal had to say,

Dear Hannah,

Thank you for your letter concerning your application to the college. I admire very much the way you have decided to fight your corner - and it is clear to me that you have enromous potential and maturity beyond your years. Well done!

We received your application on 1 February 2008 which was after the published closing date - and about application number 3000 for the 1700 places. So there are roughly 1300 applications sitting in the queue ahead of yours!

It is just not possible within the procedures which I must follow to offer you a place at this stage. The best advice I can give is that you should try to find a place at another school or college (Kendrick itself has an excellent sixth form of course). If you still have your heart set on Farnborough, it is just possible that we will have some places available in August/September and we ask those who are in the reserve pool to let us know GCSE results, via the website, as soon as possible in August.

If there are surplus places at that stage, we will contact applicants and invite them for interview.

I am sorry I cannot be more positive. You sound a very bright young person with a great future ahead and I wish you the very best of success in your life an career.

With best wishes.

Yours sincerely

Dr John Guy

So what I was expecting really! He seems like a nice man. I'm not going to give up though. I'm going to try and do the best I possibly can in my exams to give me the best chance, I'm aiming for 10 A*s. I think if I put my mind to it I have a chance.

I replied to him with this,

Dear Dr Guy,
Thank you very much for your kind words. I really appreciate that you took the time to read and reply to my letter.
While I understand that my chances of acquiring a place at Farnborough are very slim, I assure you that Farnborough is still my first choice for my sixth form education. In the mean time, I will endeavour to achieve the best GCSE results I possibly can and will submit my results in August in the hope of being considered for a surplus place.
Once again, thank you very much for your correspondence.
Yours sincerely,


Hannah **

That's it Hannah...keep the lines of communication open (visit if you can so that they can put a face to the name)...keep striving and keep networking... I can see that you are proactive and living life with a purpose - Congrats:)

[subbacultcha]

That's it Hannah...keep the lines of communication open (visit if you can so that they can put a face to the name)...keep striving and keep networking... I can see that you are proactive and living life with a purpose - Congrats:)

Yeah I think visiting is a good idea, how do you think I should go about it?
Ask to look round and accost the principal in his office? :o
I think making a visit would show them I'm not giving up!

[subbacultcha]

Just wanted to update, I've finally made a definite decision about next year! Still hopeful about Farnborough so will work really hard to get the best grades I possibly can, but as that probably won't happen, I'm applying to another college to do the IB (don't know how popular that is in the US but it's quite highly valued in Europe) instead of A levels.

[kaybee]

hey--we dont have the IB or A levels in the US--the whole education system is way different here and even differs a bit by state. Generally though, we go to elementary school and then 4 years of secondary school (or some people home-school), and then our university admission is based on a combination of SAT (standard aptitude test) scores, secondary school marks, recommendations, essays, application, extracurricular activities, etc. We dont necessarily have to decide what we want to study in university before we go, and many people often change their majors while theyre there. for some programs such as nursing, etc, there is high competition to get in, but everyone has a shot to get it; even if you have low test scores or something you can always apply the following year or to a bunch of universities. chances are that people can find SOME school that will take them for what they want to major in.

I know you are in the UK and im not sure how things work there. but ive spent a fair amount of time in ireland and my understanding is that there your leaving cert results basically determine what universities you can go to and what programs you can major in; ie that if you dont have a certain level of leaving cert results then you dont even have the possibility of majoring in something, even if you really want to. i prefer the US system because like i say, people can usually find SOME school that will accept them for whatever they want to study. having to choose what you want to do as a career when youre still a teenager, as it is in ireland, seems like way too much pressure, and very difficult, becuase i think we grow and change and develop and often discover new interests and possibilities during our young adult years.

hey good luck, and remember if you cant get into a program you want for university in the uk, you could consider the US

kaybee