Should I take a gap year and reapply?

I think at the end of the day it doesn't matter that much whether you study at Imperial or Southampton. Afaik Southampton is good too for engineering. If you do end up at Southampton I believe you will enjoy it anyway. It's a great uni in a great location, plus it's cheaper than London!

As A Levels students we might think that getting into a good reputation university is everything. In fact it's not. Which university you go to doesn't matter as much as whether you're studying the right course!

So I think in your case it's not worth reapplying - there's no guarantee you'll get accepted next year, although in theory you'll have a lot of time to improve your PS and everything. And you have to find something worth doing during your gap year.

Do you really think taking a gap year is worth the risk?

Thanks very much for the help. I see what you mean. It's a difficult choice because my parents really want me to go into a well reputed university.

If I were to reapply do you think I would stand a better chance of being accepted?

yeah well it's difficult when your parents are the ones forcing you :/ yeah sure it would, since your grades are confirmed and are well above the requirements. remember though if you take a gap year, you'll be expected to write about it in your personal statement so make it worthwhile and maybe put in more efforts in writing the PS, or try and get a better reference letter. basically try and put together a better application!

good luck with your decision!