Five Choices, Six Options.

I would go with the options I have right now, but the worries of the back-up has me in doubts, nobody can guarantee me getting a minimum of 2 offers, since noone can give me that, realistically, I worry that if I don't have a back-up il be in trouble, just in case things turn sour.

Obviously, I need the grades first

You're predicted AAAB, and applying to the following:

Cardiff- AAB-ABB
Nottingham- AAB
Bristol- AAA-AAB
Bath- ABB
Southampton-AAB

So, if you actually achieved your predicted grades (and that's what the unis will make you an offer based on), you actually exceed four out of five of them. Physics isn't a massively popular course (last year, 5.1 applicants for every place), so combined you stand a pretty good chance of getting at least one offer. No one can guarantee it, but it's pretty good.

Now, for insurance. There is a limit to have low you can take your insurance; I was predicted AAA and had an ABB insurance - didn't find anywhere that met my expectations at a lower offer. So, theoretically, you could use one of those five as an insurance. If that's too risky for your liking, you have a connundrum: BSc at Cardiff for insurance or MSci at a uni with a lower reputation?

Are you very enthusiastic about all of those five unis, or are there some that are just fillers?

Bath/Southampton were ones I didnt go to the open days to, Bath was put down after hearing positive reviews from a friend who went on the open day. Also, a good review of the area by a teacher who lived around there.

Southampton was a filler oddly, because I needed a 5th option. I checked the tables after I made the choice and saw its "technically" the best out of the ones i've picked, I also liked how the Pros sold the Uni itself and the area/facilities.

Im not sure if I should throw out what was once a filler, but now without realizing, a good university.

This is soo hard and its highly frustrating.

I take it you like it at Hull?

Do you think theres any chance that if I had an offer from Cardiff, and I didnt make the Masters' grades, could I phone them on Results day and ask for an entry into the Bachelors?

I think I might just replace Southampton with Cardiff BSc. Seems logical since keeping Bath will mean more varied grade requirements.