Okay, basically. Well - not basically because this may be long.
I love Manchester uni. So I applied there for both Medicine and Biomedical sciences. I looked at the website and it did say AAA - ABB. But I didn't think I would get the AAA offer. Throughout my A levels things have been rocky Medicine wise. So to be honest, I didn't even think I would get any offers and didn't mind doing Biomedical Sciences. I got an interview and was there on there on the interview day when they told us that we would be given our predicted grades as offers. The reason? To stretch us. But they also told us thatof if we firm them they will pull down the offer. I had my interview and got my offer AAA.
Fast forward to results day I got a C in chem. Again. But I also have 2 medicine offers. What am I to do? Should I reject my medicine fers and firm biomed? Could I do that after all it took to attain them? What if I manage to pull through and get an A in Chem?
So I call Biomedical sciences. I try to reason with them and explain my situation. I was told (not very nicely, bet I'm not the first to go) that no, they will not reduce my offer (even though other candidates can enter the same course with ABB) because "they do not want to be anyone's insurance". His words. He said that I have to make my decision.
Needless to say I will not be firming them. I would rather go on a gap year than spend three years on a course I was tricked on. No where on the website did it mention that they tailor the offer to your predicted grades. If it did, I would never have applied. Why accept medicine personal statements if you don't want medicine applicants. I could have applied elsewhere, I chose Manchester because I like the uni but I no longer like the department. By making your predicted grades the offer they have ensured that they will be the highest offer you have. And they've done it in such an underhanded manner. This feels like a pride thing gone out of hand. I may not go to uni this year. And it sucks. They know why insurance choices were made, right? Or is it only for the 'lesser unis and courses'.
Is this even legal? Can I complain to someone?