Cardiff, York or Sussex for Biochem

I have offers for biochem at 5 universities and have shortlisted this to 3; York(ABB), Cardiff(ABB)and Sussex(ABC). I need to select one for my firm and another as insurance.

Cardiff - Favourite location, has placement year and russell group, but has a generalised first year and lowest in league tables.
York - Favourite course, high in league tables but didn't get 'the feel' for it.
Sussex - Lowest offer, beach location, fairly high in league tables but is very far from where I live (might become a positive) and accommodation not guaranteed if not firm choice.

Can anyone give me advise to help me choose. :smile:

Reply 1

Pheebs1201

If I were you I'd firm Cardiff and insure Sussex, unless you are pretty sure you won't get ABB in which case you should firm sussex! If York didn't feel right, don't go there. You need to be happy with where you go and Cardiff is a brilliant place to go to university!

Reply 2

rach.9

Original post by Pheebs1201

This is what I am thinking will be best. Even if I dont get ABB, I have heard Cardiff are quite good at accepting lower than expected results on the day if you ring them.

Reply 3

Pheebs1201

Yeah I've heard that too :smile:

Reply 4

natashapt

If York didn't feel right to you then don't go for it, you'll spend the next 3 years regretting you didn't go somewhere you felt more at home. York offered me a place for AAA, is the *best* considering league tables, but I went on a visit day and absolutely hated it there, no point in me sticking in a place due to reputation.

Reply 5

rach.9

Original post by natashapt

I know a few people who are considering *lower* unis in legue table terms, because York didn't feel like a place they could live. I absolutely loved Cardiff though, and at the end of the day, a degree is a degree.

Reply 6

Pheebs1201

Well if you love it- theirs you answer! It's frustrating, people say the only reason Cardiff is slightly lowers because it's in Wales- how ridiculous! I think they'll keep climbing the league tables to be honest.

My best friend firmed Cardiff for biochem last week haha :biggrin:

Reply 7

Kerny

Whatever floats your boat though York is the strongest department

Reply 8

kat2pult

I've only been to York and Sussex but I didn't like York but loved Sussex. I love Brighton, I always want to go there! It's a lovely campus and it still ranks well :smile:

Reply 9

94_confessions

Original post by rach.9

This is what I am thinking will be best. Even if I dont get ABB, I have heard Cardiff are quite good at accepting lower than expected results on the day if you ring them.

Original post by rach.9

This is what I am thinking will be best. Even if I dont get ABB, I have heard Cardiff are quite good at accepting lower than expected results on the day if you ring them.

I'd say go for Cardiff as your firm and Sussex as your insurance, especially if Cardiff are known for accepting people who get a little below their offers. It is about prestige and league tables in a sense, but there's no point in going to a uni where the atmosphere isn't right for you. I'm currently in my first year at Sussex doing Biochem, and it's a really good place to go to uni! Also, there is a degree programme with the placement year at Sussex, if you didn't know.

Reply 10

michael clayton

Original post by rach.9

Hey, I applied to Biochemistry too this year. I didn't apply to York because of the distance but what I heard is that it has one of the best departments in the country (top 5ish)- what is unique about their course is that it is taught by both the Biology and Chemistry departments. But if you didn't get the 'feel' for the university then maybe it is best to go with your gut and go with Cardiff?

Reply 11

elandar

Original post by rach.9

Hey I didn't like York much on the open day but now I'm here I love it. Theres a lot about the uni that grows on you, something to consider if the course is the best...