So - a bit about me and my application process:
1. Since I was about 9, I'd always planned on being a vet.
2. I deferred my uni entry (didn't apply in year 12), as my school was being unhelpful about predicted grades and allowing me to switch one of my subjects around - in the end I studied A2 Biology, Chemistry and Philosophy, with AS Physics. Originally Physics was my third A2, but eventually I was allowed to continue with Philosophy instead as my physics teacher was SO rubbish! Ended up getting an A thanks to my incredible tutor tho
3. I didn't get the grades to apply for vet medicine, but actually wasn't that disappointed. I think it served as confirmation that for some time it really wasn't what I'd wanted to do, but admitting that meant I had to find a plan B.
4. I did then apply to a vet med course in Croatia for international students (it's taught in English), and was accepted. However, the UK government doesn't provide student loans for international unis, so the finances were going to be a big problem.
5. I then applied to forensic science (don't even ask how I chose that!) because my parents were pressuring me to apply to something in the UK. I received 5 offers, but knew I wasn't going to accept any of them, as I didn't have any interest in the course.
6. Having already Googled 'Korean degree UK' before applying to forensic science and not found anything, my mom mentioned she'd found Korean Studies/Korean degrees at both Sheffield and SOAS - since both unis are very well-respected, I found this reassuring in terms of the degree's legitimacy. My parents were very on board too: my mom just wants me out of the house (we don't get on very well), and my dad actually works at Hyundai, which is a Korean company, and could see how useful the degree could be for Korean companies etc.
7. I turned down all my forensic science offers to apply to Sheffield through Extra - let me know if you have any questions about this, I'll be happy to try to help! - even though when I'd emailed them they'd been quite discouraging about my chances of being accepted. What did I have to lose lol
8. I received an offer from them about 1.5-2 weeks later, which I accepted immediately. TBH I've never actually been to Sheffield, but given the mess the whole process has been that's unsurprising. I hadn't been to Croatia either! I'm now in the process of applying for accommodation and student finance.
Let me know if you have any questions about any of this - I'll try to post as things pop-up in the process to give anyone else who's looking at Sheffield/Korean Studies an idea of what to expect.
I hope this will be helpful for someone! x