how do I get over the regret of not applying to Oxbridge? :(

I really really regret not applying to Oxbridge, especially because I stand a pretty decent chance of getting in. I got all 9s at GCSE, have 4A* predictions and got a high BMAT score. Of course, a strong academic profile isn’t enough to secure a place but it definitely helps. I originally didn’t apply because my parents were really reluctant to let me move out, and I guess at the time I just accepted it, but recently I’ve been so upset that I didn’t just apply. I know this must be pretty annoying to read since people have bigger problems, but I really can’t shake this feeling off. What do I do? (

Good grades and a high bmat are just a starting point. They do not guarantee an Oxford place. Medical school is stressful enough without the punishing Oxford expectations. As ecolier, our resident medical expert would say, it doesn’t matter which medical school you go to, you will still end up as a doctor.

Further, my younger son applied to Oxford because he loves research.

25 per cent of the first Oxford degree is a research project so if you don’t like that kind of stuff maybe it’s not the right place to apply to.

As it is Oxford has given him an opportunity to work in some fantastic laboratories and get some research papers published. He is probably going to go into research eventually.

I really really regret not applying to Oxbridge, especially because I stand a pretty decent chance of getting in. I got all 9s at GCSE, have 4A* predictions and got a high BMAT score. Not to mention, the Oxbridge environment/learning style appeals to me. Of course, a strong academic profile isn’t enough to secure a place but it definitely helps. I originally didn’t apply because my parents were really reluctant to let me move out, and I guess at the time I just accepted it, but recently I’ve been so upset that I didn’t just apply. I know this must be pretty annoying to read since people have bigger problems, but I really can’t shake this feeling off. What do I do?

Good grades and a high bmat are just a starting point. They do not guarantee an Oxford place. Medical school is stressful enough without the punishing Oxford expectations. As ecolier, our resident medical expert would say, it doesn’t matter which medical school you go to, you will still end up as a doctor.

Don't regret anything. University is University. I went to Brighton University and many people shamed me for some reason, even though they were on the same teaching League Tables as the University of Sussex and Kent University. Bear in mind I could've applied to Oxbridge, Oxford, Cambridge, whatever, I did 4 years at Sixth Form and got A*,A,A,A,B,B in my final 2nd and 4th year exams, but chose Brighton and loved it there. Some really great and helpful staff over there. See what you get in your final grades, all offers are conditional until results day in August 2022. But honestly, please don't regret anything. Some of these top Universities aren't all that they are cracked up to be from knowing some people that went to them.

I know, of course, you do a lot of excellent and well appreciated work helping people get into Oxford when it's the right thing for them... but you're also absolutely right with your comments here as well.

Oxford isn't right for everyone and Oxford Medicine isn't right for all prospective medicine degree applicants. My daughter was encouraged by her school to apply for Oxford, but chose out of her eventual offers to study medicine at a non-RG University.... she just preferred the course structure and the general vibe of the place. Her degree is ranked at the same level as an Oxbridge medine degree or anywhere else for that matter.

The original poster doesn't explain why they regret not applying for Oxbridge. Hopefully it wasn't for the imaginary "prestige" associated with it.

I really really regret not applying to Oxbridge, especially because I stand a pretty decent chance of getting in. I got all 9s at GCSE, have 4A* predictions and got a high BMAT score. Not to mention, the Oxbridge environment/learning style appeals to me. Of course, a strong academic profile isn’t enough to secure a place but it definitely helps. I originally didn’t apply because my parents were really reluctant to let me move out, and I guess at the time I just accepted it, but recently I’ve been so upset that I didn’t just apply. I know this must be pretty annoying to read since people have bigger problems, but I really can’t shake this feeling off. What do I do?

It doesn’t matter where you go for medical school. The real high achievers are those who work well as a team, respect everyone ( all the staff, the patients and their family) and go that extra mile. There will also be exams to pass, but I think that those with emotional intelligence make the best doctors of all.

I can remember my grandad praising his consultant, dr Hussain, in 1986. See I still recall his name. And mr watoo. The senior registrar who operated successfully on me in 2002. That will be your legacy too, when you become a doctor. Exciting, isn’t it?

I really really regret not applying to Oxbridge, especially because I stand a pretty decent chance of getting in. I got all 9s at GCSE, have 4A* predictions and got a high BMAT score. Not to mention, the Oxbridge environment/learning style appeals to me. Of course, a strong academic profile isn’t enough to secure a place but it definitely helps. I originally didn’t apply because my parents were really reluctant to let me move out, and I guess at the time I just accepted it, but recently I’ve been so upset that I didn’t just apply. I know im kinda sounding like one of those annoying typical TSR students right now, but I really can’t shake this feeling off. What do I do?

I hope that all the feedback on this thread reassures you. It seems very sensible to me! I agree with all of it.
I wouldn't even bother regretting it. There are other great universities out there to focus on.