I'm really confused as to where to go next year and it'd be great if anyone had any advice! Here are my current thoughts:
Oxford
Pros: 1) Definitely my favourite course as it allows me to specialise in the area of History and Doctrine 2) One of the best unis in the world 3) Great prospects and would to an extent 'set me up for life'
Cons: 1) I have an offer from an all-male PPH which is not my cup of tea at all, I wasn't really a big fan of the collegiate system to start with but this takes the biscuit 2) I'm not a genius and I'm very laid back so not so sure the Oxford student work-ethic would bode well with me 3) I used to be a very stressed and anxious person and think Oxford will provoke this characteristic moreso
Edinburgh
Pros: 1) This is my favourite university of all of them and was always intending on going here (applied to Oxford on a flit) 2) The course is my second favourite and I love it 3) Student life here looks perfect for me 4) New College looks stunning
Cons: 1) I may regret not going to Oxford as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity
Durham
Pros: 1) This university reminds me very much of Oxford except I'd be in a huge amazing college with loads of diverse people rather than Oxford's PPH 2) Because Castle is sooo oversubscribed it would be a huge shame to turn it down (If I got Castle, which is apparently very likely) 3) Good graduate prospects
Cons: 1) The course is my least favourite out of all my courses and due to it's nature I don't think I would be able to do a Postgrad 2) Again, as with Edinburgh, I may regret not going to Oxford as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity
So very confused!! The big thing is I want to go to uni for the experience, I am not bothered about the prospects that Oxford brings, well at least I don't think I am...
Pros: 1) This university reminds me very much of Oxford except I'd be in a huge amazing college with loads of diverse people rather than Oxford's PPH
I really don't think you can call Castle (or most Bailey colleges) particularly diverse. Not at undergrad level anyway. Edinburgh and probably also Oxford (in that, the university as a whole is larger with a higher international intake) will be more diverse. True, PPH may be male dominated but there's a big university out there.
The theology department is an excellent department and is in a lovely location. It doesn't seem particularly large and you admit it's your least favourite of the three course wise. I'd advise against going to a university (even if it is your second favourite) if they offer a course you aren't interested in. It may turn out that, once there, you may find you like it after all and discover new interests. It's more likely that you'll only regret your decision, obsess over "what if I'd gone for the preferred course" and then lose your motivation.
Durham isn't Oxford. So don't go there just because it reminds you of Oxford.
How does Durham offer better "prospects" than Edinburgh and Oxford? You've already mentioned that you're more interested in the course and experience rather that prospects/Oxford prestige. So is this really a pro of Durham's?
I get the impression that it's really between Oxford and Edinburgh. Edinburgh looks as though it'll be a great.....I want to use the word "comprimise" but you know what I mean? A great mix of both. You have plenty of pros and the only con is "Oxford's a once in a lifetime opportunity." Edinburgh's an excellent university, if you really like the uni then you should hopefully fully enjoy your experience and will not regret it. It's debatable whether Oxford can really give you more prospects and, even if it does, you admit it's not a major factor.
I will say this though, don't get caught up into the streotype of Oxford and Cambridge students. They are just human beings They aren't all super-brainy, superhuman geniuses and work 24-7. A number of Edinburgh's (or Durham's) students will be the same academic ability as many of Oxford's students.
I really don't think you can call Castle (or most Bailey colleges) particularly diverse. Not at undergrad level anyway. Edinburgh and probably also Oxford (in that, the university as a whole is larger with a higher international intake) will be more diverse. True, PPH may be male dominated but there's a big university out there.
The theology department is an excellent department and is in a lovely location. It doesn't seem particularly large and you admit it's your least favourite of the three course wise. I'd advise against going to a university (even if it is your second favourite) if they offer a course you aren't interested in. It may turn out that, once there, you may find you like it after all and discover new interests. It's more likely that you'll only regret your decision, obsess over "what if I'd gone for the preferred course" and then lose your motivation.
Durham isn't Oxford. So don't go there just because it reminds you of Oxford.
How does Durham offer better "prospects" than Edinburgh and Oxford? You've already mentioned that you're more interested in the course and experience rather that prospects/Oxford prestige. So is this really a pro of Durham's?
I get the impression that it's really between Oxford and Edinburgh. Edinburgh looks as though it'll be a great.....I want to use the word "comprimise" but you know what I mean? A great mix of both. You have plenty of pros and the only con is "Oxford's a once in a lifetime opportunity." Edinburgh's an excellent university, if you really like the uni then you should hopefully fully enjoy your experience and will not regret it. It's debatable whether Oxford can really give you more prospects and, even if it does, you admit it's not a major factor.
I will say this though, don't get caught up into the streotype of Oxford and Cambridge students. They are just human beings They aren't all super-brainy, superhuman geniuses and work 24-7. A number of Edinburgh's (or Durham's) students will be the same academic ability as many of Oxford's students.
Well you've definitely hit the nail on the head so to speak!! Had Durham offered me Theology (grrr...) then they certainly would've been my firm or insurance!! Oh well...
I'm nearly 100% sure that Edinburgh is my favourite university and that I would have the most fun there!! And I'd much rather have loads of fun + prestige than not that much fun + mega-prestige!! I believe the uni experience is much more important than prestige!
But on the other hand, I had to submit UCAS really early, select and send two pieces of written work and partake in four interviews all for Oxford, so was it all for nothing?
I think the major problem with Oxford is the PPH situation and I think that this is a good enough reason not to go but I'm worried most will think it's stupid, but the college you are at affects a lot (I hate stupid collegiate systems)
I'm not going to be able to be as useful as River85 (whose post was just fantastic), but I'll try add by two cent's worth.
First of all, the three cities are three of the most beautiful in the UK, and some of the best unis too - you've chosen really well, and fundamentally I think you'd be happen at any, quite honestly.
River85 made a good point about Oxford having ordinary people not just academic maniacs as is the stereotype, but that said you've rightly acknowledged the heavy work load you'd have there. Of course they still have a good social life (god knows my brother does!) but it is fair to say that it's more focused on the academic side of things. I think your view on the college is one of the most important factors. If you're not going to enjoy where you're staying this will hinder your enjoyment, but of course it's all about balance - will this be offset by the incredible course?
Durham is where my sister went and (I don't know whether this is useful) it struck me as an extremely friendly and welcoming place - you know sometimes a place just feels absolutely lovely sometimes? I love the collegiate system because it adds a very strong sense of community which you perhaps don't get in edinburgh so much - is this important to you? I think you're putting too much emphasis in what you feel you ought to do rather than looking at the bigger picture of what you actually want to do: feeling you should go to Durham because you've got a much coveted place at Castle isn't reeeally a good enough reason to go there (and I've heard from people there (sorry if this offends anyone) that Castle isn't really the nicest college socially). Also, feeling you ought to go to Oxford because nobody rejects Oxbridge might push you into a decision which isn't the best for you. You need to try to get rid of the stigma attached to Oxford - it's not that much better than Durham or Edinburgh, and there's far too much hype attached to it.
And finally *sigh* Edinburgh. I love Edinburgh, it's my top choice (still waiting to hear from them ) so I guess I'm biased, but I've just fallen in love with every aspect of it. It's a stunning city, and a really really good university which will give you good prospects. You like the course almost as much as Oxford, and I think from what you've said that your enjoyment at Edinburgh would offset this.
I think you already know in your heart that you're leaning towards Edinburgh. Sorry to repeat myself, but I really strongly think you shouldn't go with what you feel an obligation to do. They're all amazing places and universities, it's a treble win situation because you're bound to enjoy yourself wherever. It's not possible for you to choose a bad place, just go with your heart.
Sorry for the lengthy and rambly message - I hope I've been of some help!
I'm not going to be able to be as useful as River85 (whose post was just fantastic), but I'll try add by two cent's worth.
First of all, the three cities are three of the most beautiful in the UK, and some of the best unis too - you've chosen really well, and fundamentally I think you'd be happen at any, quite honestly.
River85 made a good point about Oxford having ordinary people not just academic maniacs as is the stereotype, but that said you've rightly acknowledged the heavy work load you'd have there. Of course they still have a good social life (god knows my brother does!) but it is fair to say that it's more focused on the academic side of things. I think your view on the college is one of the most important factors. If you're not going to enjoy where you're staying this will hinder your enjoyment, but of course it's all about balance - will this be offset by the incredible course?
Whilst the Oxford course is my favourite it's not that much better than Edinburgh's, that is, although it's an awesome course it's not so awesome that I could overlook the college aspect. If I was offered a place at a different college then I would definitely want to go to Oxford.
I've always found it easier to get on with girls moreso than guys (although I have friends of both sexes, my closer friends would be girls) so to go to an all-male PPH would be awful and I think ruin the uni experience!
Originally Posted by orange_monsoon
Durham is where my sister went and (I don't know whether this is useful) it struck me as an extremely friendly and welcoming place - you know sometimes a place just feels absolutely lovely sometimes? I love the collegiate system because it adds a very strong sense of community which you perhaps don't get in edinburgh so much - is this important to you? I think you're putting too much emphasis in what you feel you ought to do rather than looking at the bigger picture of what you actually want to do: feeling you should go to Durham because you've got a much coveted place at Castle isn't reeeally a good enough reason to go there (and I've heard from people there (sorry if this offends anyone) that Castle isn't really the nicest college socially).
1) I absolutely love Durham and would love to study there but the course is not at all what I wanted, whilst I think Education Studies is interesting and I do want to become a teacher, I'd rather do a straight Theology degree and then a postgrad...however Education Studies will mean I cannot do a postgrad in Theology
2) The thing that bugs me about the collegiate system is that it can become rather insular and people tend to form close bonds within their college, whereas at Edinburgh everyone is equal...do you get what I mean? However, being at a large college with loads of different people I would not mind at all, but St Benet's Hall is very very small and all-male...I like diversity and SBH is the exact opposite of this...
3) Unfortunately I will probably not go to Durham...
Originally Posted by orange_monsoon
Also, feeling you ought to go to Oxford because nobody rejects Oxbridge might push you into a decision which isn't the best for you. You need to try to get rid of the stigma attached to Oxford - it's not that much better than Durham or Edinburgh, and there's far too much hype attached to it.
While I'm worried about me personally giving up Oxford, my school and my family have hyped it up and I'm worried they'd believe I was stupid/ungrateful/insane...
Originally Posted by orange_monsoon
And finally *sigh* Edinburgh. I love Edinburgh, it's my top choice (still waiting to hear from them ) so I guess I'm biased, but I've just fallen in love with every aspect of it. It's a stunning city, and a really really good university which will give you good prospects. You like the course almost as much as Oxford, and I think from what you've said that your enjoyment at Edinburgh would offset this.
I think you already know in your heart that you're leaning towards Edinburgh. Sorry to repeat myself, but I really strongly think you shouldn't go with what you feel an obligation to do. They're all amazing places and universities, it's a treble win situation because you're bound to enjoy yourself wherever. It's not possible for you to choose a bad place, just go with your heart.
Sorry for the lengthy and rambly message - I hope I've been of some help!
Oh yes Edinburgh is awesome!! I have fallen in with it!! It was always my first choice and only after I received my Oxford offer did I get confused! It's a great uni and the course is actually even better than I originally thought, so the fact that Oxford is my favourite course doesn't really matter anymore! I definitely think I'd enjoy myself more at Edinburgh than anywhere else but I'm worried that giving up Oxford will be a very big "what if..."
I'm really confused as to where to go next year and it'd be great if anyone had any advice! Here are my current thoughts:
Oxford
Pros: 1) Definitely my favourite course as it allows me to specialise in the area of History and Doctrine 2) One of the best unis in the world 3) Great prospects and would to an extent 'set me up for life'
Cons: 1) I have an offer from an all-male PPH which is not my cup of tea at all, I wasn't really a big fan of the collegiate system to start with but this takes the biscuit 2) I'm not a genius and I'm very laid back so not so sure the Oxford student work-ethic would bode well with me 3) I used to be a very stressed and anxious person and think Oxford will provoke this characteristic moreso
Edinburgh
Pros: 1) This is my favourite university of all of them and was always intending on going here (applied to Oxford on a flit) 2) The course is my second favourite and I love it 3) Student life here looks perfect for me 4) New College looks stunning
Cons: 1) I may regret not going to Oxford as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity
Durham
Pros: 1) This university reminds me very much of Oxford except I'd be in a huge amazing college with loads of diverse people rather than Oxford's PPH 2) Because Castle is sooo oversubscribed it would be a huge shame to turn it down (If I got Castle, which is apparently very likely) 3) Good graduate prospects
Cons: 1) The course is my least favourite out of all my courses and due to it's nature I don't think I would be able to do a Postgrad 2) Again, as with Edinburgh, I may regret not going to Oxford as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity
So very confused!! The big thing is I want to go to uni for the experience, I am not bothered about the prospects that Oxford brings, well at least I don't think I am...
Help...?
Thanks for reading!!
wow lol;
well my dad turned down an offer from oxford cos he thought it was too old-fashioned etc, went to sussex and loved it but always said he should've taken the chance to go to oxford...
but it really depends on you!
im like you in terms of work as well - never work hard enough to acheive my full potential really lol - but i don't think oxford would've given you an offer if they'd thought you couldn't handle it. they definitely take that into account!
AND it's your favourite course!
i totally see what you mean about the college thing (that's what was putting me off cambridge as well... but then i didn't get in so that solved that problem lol :P) but tbh you will probably end up spending most of your time either working or at other colleges with NORMAL people in them lol
and let's face it - SOME of the people who go there are perfectly normal
deffinately come visit edinburgh again on the post application day (if theology/divinity do them) as you will then get to see the cities again. also, in 1st and 2nd year at edinburgh you study 3 subjects instead of just one, you can look into other areas of interest and broaden yourself. and as one more thing to say for edinburgh, because a lot of the work in 1st year is similar to A-levels and Advanced Highers, you will have an easier first term and be able to experience uni life more i.e. you have more time for socialising and getting to know people
EDIT: my dad turned down cambridge for st andrews for maths because he preferred the course there so do not feel pressurised into "i must go to oxford because i got an offer"
The PPHs are actually better banter than you would think. The people there are actually normal and like a pint. I wouldnt be worried about the social life there.
All the advice above should be more than enough to help, but thought I'd briefly add my thoughts...
In my opinion, if you are sure that you will be happier at Edinburgh, then you should go there. In 6 months a years time, you would be having a great time, and probably have forgotten all about Oxford. Likewise, if you think your time at Oxford would be less enjoyable, in that same time you may end up wishing you had gone to Edinburgh. However, quite as to how sure you can be on either is purely down to you
I applied to Cambridge for nearly all the "wrong" reasons, didn't get in, and was still dissapointed. I think if you apply, and then acheive an offer to Oxbridge, but doubt your motives for going there, it is worth serious consideration.
Lastly, it's not a completely rare occurence to turn down Oxbridge, as you can see above, and there was a thread a few days ago where someone choose to do English at Durham over Oxford. Don't feel you "should" go there...
The above replies are all awesome!! Thanks a whole bunch!!
I have a lot of thinking to do and will have to sit down with the parentals and other such folk to get some more opinions!! But of course in the end it's all down to me!!
However, something that has occured to me is 1) To go to Oxford and not like it, it will be easier to drop out and reapply to Edinburgh and get a place than 2) To go to Edinburgh and realise I've given up a massive opportunity and reapply to Oxford and get a place (again...)...so that's something to think about too!
Get advice on the courses and universities for arts and humanities subjects including classics, design and media studies.
Useful Resources:
Oxford vs Edinburgh vs Durham?!
Here are my current thoughts:
Re: Oxford vs Edinburgh vs Durham?!
They aren't all super-brainy, superhuman geniuses and work 24-7. A number of Edinburgh's (or Durham's) students will be the same academic ability as many of Oxford's students.
) so I guess I'm biased, but I've just fallen in love with every aspect of it. It's a stunning city, and a really really good university which will give you good prospects. You like the course almost as much as Oxford, and I think from what you've said that your enjoyment at Edinburgh would offset this.
with it!! It was always my first choice and only after I received my Oxford offer did I get confused! It's a great uni and the course is actually even better than I originally thought, so the fact that Oxford is my favourite course doesn't really matter anymore! I definitely think I'd enjoy myself more at Edinburgh than anywhere else but I'm worried that giving up Oxford will be a very big "what if..." 
)...so that's something to think about too!
