How do you get over the regret of not applying to Oxbridge?

I know it sounds silly and completely banal but I just can't stop kicking myself for missing the deadline. I got into an okay university but I just don't feel completely satisfied..

It's all my fault, I know, but the regrets and what ifs won't get out of my mind.

I really hate this and used to scoff at people who felt like this in the past but now I just don't know what to do.

Any advice?

(Not going to actually reapply because I've already taken a gap year)

Reply 1

oShahpo

20

At least you weren't rejected :biggrin:

Reply 2

fefssdf

20

Original post by Confusedschubert

I know it sounds silly and completely banal but I just can't stop kicking myself for missing the deadline. I got into an okay university but I just don't feel completely satisfied..

It's all my fault, I know, but the regrets and what ifs won't get out of my mind.

I really hate this and used to scoff at people who felt like this in the past but now I just don't know what to do.

Any advice?

(Not going to actually reapply because I've already taken a gap year)

after your degree you could always apply to do a post grad so maybe one day you'll eventually get into oxbridge ... other than that just focus on getting a good degree ranking :smile:

Reply 3

Doones

21

Original post by Confusedschubert

I know it sounds silly and completely banal but I just can't stop kicking myself for missing the deadline. I got into an okay university but I just don't feel completely satisfied..

It's all my fault, I know, but the regrets and what ifs won't get out of my mind.

I really hate this and used to scoff at people who felt like this in the past but now I just don't know what to do.

Any advice?

(Not going to actually reapply because I've already taken a gap year)

You were on a gap year and missed the deadline. You don't want to re-apply (although you certainly could - it's not compulsory to go to uni aged only 18 or 19).

So either re-apply or move on.

And if Oxbridge still holds some kind of attraction in 3 years time (which it probably won't), apply there for postgrad.

Reply 4

Indeterminate

3

Well there isn't too much of a gap between Oxbridge and the likes of Imperial and LSE.

And even top 10 universities offer great graduate prospects so all is not lost. You've still got a bright future ahead of you :yep:

And yes it beats being rejected :emo:

That got to me a fair bit initially but I'm ok now that I've got a PG place :h:

Reply 5

UWS

21

It's okay they're not that good anyway :wink:

Reply 6

TurboCretin

20

Original post by Confusedschubert

I know it sounds silly and completely banal but I just can't stop kicking myself for missing the deadline. I got into an okay university but I just don't feel completely satisfied..

It's all my fault, I know, but the regrets and what ifs won't get out of my mind.

I really hate this and used to scoff at people who felt like this in the past but now I just don't know what to do.

Any advice?

(Not going to actually reapply because I've already taken a gap year)

If you're not going to reapply then you don't want it enough. Embrace that and move on with your life.

Reply 7

ageshallnot

21

Original post by Confusedschubert

I know it sounds silly and completely banal but I just can't stop kicking myself for missing the deadline. I got into an okay university but I just don't feel completely satisfied..

It's all my fault, I know, but the regrets and what ifs won't get out of my mind.

I really hate this and used to scoff at people who felt like this in the past but now I just don't know what to do.

Any advice?

(Not going to actually reapply because I've already taken a gap year)

LSE is by no means 'an okay university'. It is an excellent university. Your angst appears to be causing you to distort the truth.

Reply 8

Alex621

17

Original post by jneill

You were on a gap year and missed the deadline. You don't want to re-apply (although you certainly could - it's not compulsory to go to uni aged only 18 or 19).

So either re-apply or move on.

And if Oxbridge still holds some kind of attraction in 3 years time (which it probably won't), apply there for postgrad.

Do you think the admissions team would be considerably more harsh on someone who's reapplying, after applying during a gap year; as they're 2 years older than most applicants and could have spent that time strengthening their skills for interview?

Reply 9

Doones

21

Original post by Alex621

Do you think the admissions team would be considerably more harsh on someone who's reapplying, after applying during a gap year; as they're 2 years older than most applicants and could have spent that time strengthening their skills for interview?

They aren't trying to be harsh. They are just trying to find students they think will be an academically good fit.

Of course they may expect a little more maturity from a slightly older applicant.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 10

Doones

21

Original post by ageshallnot

LSE is by no means 'an okay university'. It is an excellent university. Your angst appears to be causing you to distort the truth.

Not sure the OP actually mentioned LSE?

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 11

ageshallnot

21

Original post by jneill

Not sure the OP actually mentioned LSE?

Posted from TSR Mobile

They said they had firmed for Law at LSE in April:
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=64430757

Reply 12

super_kawaii

20

Original post by Confusedschubert

I know it sounds silly and completely banal but I just can't stop kicking myself for missing the deadline. I got into an okay university but I just don't feel completely satisfied..

It's all my fault, I know, but the regrets and what ifs won't get out of my mind.

I really hate this and used to scoff at people who felt like this in the past but now I just don't know what to do.

Any advice?

(Not going to actually reapply because I've already taken a gap year)