5 optimistic university choices?

I noticed many students are applying to top universities, and there 5 choices almost offer the same grades, AAA-AAB is a common trend I notice. So I was wondering is there any use to apply to low ranked universities, as people are telling me there is no point as you can always get into them through clearing? So should I apply to low league universities.

I noticed many students are applying to top universities, and there 5 choices almost offer the same grades, AAA-AAB is a common trend I notice. So I was wondering is there any use to apply to low ranked universities, as people are telling me there is no point as you can always get into them through clearing? So should I apply to low league universities.

I think it's foolish personally and any of our students doing this would be spoken to to ensure they realise the risks they are taking.

No-one should think it's fun to be in clearing chasing somewhere to study and then somewhere to live - it really isn't a good way to spend August!

Make sure you choose unis that match your predictions, maybe one higher and a back-up. Then when you chose your firm and insurance wait almost as late as you can and be sensible.

But, it depends on individuals' attitudes and plans. I for example plan either to get into a decent university or skip going at all, it's an investment after all and going to a low ranked uni wouldn't improve your prospects and you will be stuck with $37000 of debt!

OK - so we'd chat and I'd accept that as a sensible approach - assuming you understand what a 'decent uni' is for your subject.

You aren't planning on using clearing and that is what we want our students to avoid.

I noticed many students are applying to top universities, and there 5 choices almost offer the same grades, AAA-AAB is a common trend I notice. So I was wondering is there any use to apply to low ranked universities, as people are telling me there is no point as you can always get into them through clearing? So should I apply to low league universities.

Clearing is really the last safety net of the UCAS system - it's not designed to be a routine fallback, and will only contain those courses which haven't had enough applicants. This isn't a situation that most good universities will find themselves in for the vast majority of their courses, and, depending on what you want to study, there may in fact be nothing that interests you, or nowhere offering that course. Also, it's worth noting that there is no point in holding five AAB offers, for example - you'll then just have to choose one firm, and the insurance will be irrelevant (if you miss AAB, you'll just lose all your offers).

If a student has at least AAA predictions, it might be wise to apply to at most two or three AAA courses, one or two AAB courses, and one "safe" (I use the term loosely) ABB. Maybe substitute an AAA course with an A*AA, as there's no harm having one ambitious application over your predictions, but not more, as you'd be far from guaranteed an offer.

What spread would you recommend for a student with A*AB?

What spread would you recommend for a student with A*AB?

A2 predictions or achieved?

Oh sorry, predicted

Actual AS grades?

A2 predictions = A* A B

Sorry I meant what are your actual AS grades?