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Chemistry Research, Durham University
Durham University
Durham

The "Ask a Durham Student" Thread :)

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fn_101
Damn, I suppose that means I'm getting stupid-er (proof, i actually considered that to be a word....) because I honestly can't see myself getting an A in chemistry/maths.

What would you have to say on your PS to be in with a chance or your application being looked at, if you predicted grades were say, ABB or at most AAB?

You would need mitigating circumstances in your reference or a personal statement that just shines pretty much (would have to be pretty original, so i cant suggest exactly what to write).

Though even if they gave you an offer, if you feel you cant meet it then there is no real point in applying. Sorry :frown:
Chemistry Research, Durham University
Durham University
Durham
Reply 761
I know 4 people who didn't reach their grades but still got in. True, that's four out of... how ever many thousand, but it's possible! :P
Reply 762
Hollz127
I know 4 people who didn't reach their grades but still got in. True, that's four out of... how ever many thousand, but it's possible! :P


Do you know how much they missed it by/what their offers where? I'm worried I wont even be accpeted, and allowed the chance to try and reach those grades....
Reply 763
Hollz127
I know 4 people who didn't reach their grades but still got in. True, that's four out of... how ever many thousand, but it's possible! :P


Which courses? I feel so thick being on a course where most have at least AAB and I only have BBB :redface:
Reply 764
River85
If it only affected you for part of your AS? It's difficult to say really. They aren't really too happy about letting some in even with ongoing mitigating circumstances. It was certainly a fight in my case.

Depending on its severity and whether or not you can provide evidence for it (such as doctors letter if it's a medical problem) then possibly. But, given that it hasn't affected you throughout your studies, probably not.


Hmm, well it has affected me throughout studies, moreso in AS because my teachers are quite nice and picked up on it, but I don't want to bring it up with too much hype, as tbh, I want to be better and leave it all behind (however slowly/sporadically the process of recovery is going). Do you mind me asking the process of appealing for circumstances, and what/how much you had to say etc? It's okay if you don't want to.

I can provide medical proof, my teachers actually recommended it before the Jan exams as I wasn't coping well at all, and I submitted a letter from my GP, but was never told if/how much it helped. Hmmm....
Reply 765
fn_101
Hmm, well it has affected me throughout studies, moreso in AS because my teachers are quite nice and picked up on it, but I don't want to bring it up with too much hype, as tbh, I want to be better and leave it all behind (however slowly/sporadically the process of recovery is going). Do you mind me asking the process of appealing for circumstances, and what/how much you had to say etc? It's okay if you don't want to.

I can provide medical proof, my teachers actually recommended it before the Jan exams as I wasn't coping well at all, and I submitted a letter from my GP, but was never told if/how much it helped. Hmmm....


Well, my case probably won't be like yours. You may well be in a better position as you've had things recognised in time. I wasn't able to inform the university until after results day. I'll outline how I went about things.

I had a medical condition which was only under investigation during my A-levels. I was referred in October of my A2 year and wasn't diagnosed until the August - just before results day actually.

When sitting my final exams I got a doctor's later explaining how I was "under investigation". This was sent off to the exam board (it was obvious they didn't take any notice of it. :frown: )

It came to results day and I found out I missed my offer by one grade. I phoned the uni up and was told they weren't going to accept me. I explained that I was unwell during my whole A-levels and was now diagnosed and receiving treatment. They still wouldn't expect me as "Durham is so oversubscribed we don't take into account mitigating circumstances". Enventually, after five minutes of pleasing and getting a second person on the phone, they asked me to get medical evidence and they'd "reconisder my offer". I paid the ridiculous £40 for my GPs letter and, sure enough, a month later (late September) they told me I'd be allowed on after all :smile:

So this was, by no means, the proper way of informing the university of mitigating circumstances lol

I'd get in touch with the admissions tutor of your course and get his/her advice. You may be able to send them medical evidence now so they can keep it on file or at least make sure they are aware of it. Just in case it gets to results day and you haven't informed them. It may then seem as if you are just making excuses (which I probably what it seemed I was doing).

The admissions tutor or secretary would be able to gie you better advice. It wont harm your application telling them know. If anything it will only help you.

If you feel as though you have been affected in any way it's best to tell them as soon as possible.

I wish you the best of luck :smile:
What societies have clothing and do St Aidan's have any? Just ordered the general hoodie and a rugby top, since they're going, apparently. Last time I kept putting it on hold to order something, it disappeared completely.
Reply 767
All colleges have clothing (called 'stash' by most people) and a lot of societies (college sports teams, boat clubs, uni sport teams) do as well. If it's quite a big society, then it'll have stash.

Durham geography is to be recommended if you like cultural theory...
I'm probably interested in the smaller ones though. Some of them are: Howard League, Poker, Mooting, Flying etc. When going to the Freshers' fair next academic year I should sign up to the Flying Society kitted out in Red Bull Air Racing clothing.
Reply 769
Er, I've not seen stash for any of those except possibly poker but it could concievably be out there.
Strange they call it stash though. In America that means something completely different. If they don't have anything, could always try and change that though.
How do they get the merchandising done though? It's just if one of my more serious societies don't have any, I'd like to see if I can change that. :biggrin: Would be awesome in designing shirts and that for the Howard League and the Flying Society.
NDGAARONDI
I'm probably interested in the smaller ones though. Some of them are: Howard League, Poker, Mooting, Flying etc. When going to the Freshers' fair next academic year I should sign up to the Flying Society kitted out in Red Bull Air Racing clothing.


Poker did have it a couple of years ago, I have a hoody and polo shirt, but haven't since. It really depends on the organisational skills of the people in charge.
Reply 773
And if you have a club of 7 active members, the economics are probably not right.
Guys, is there somewhere on the SPA website I can change my home address? Am I just being blind? I'm sure I did it online the last time it changed...
Reply 775
Hey current students,

I would really love to study in Durham for a while, and I've an interview for an exchange place tomorrow at my home university. The best option for my course would be to go the 2nd and 3th term.

Are there modules taught in just these terms?

Would be nice if they were somewhat social science related, but I just want to know if it's possible to finish regular modules in these two terms. I presumed that it was possible but since I searched through the faculty handbook I'm not so sure..

Thanks in advance!
Nynke
Hey current students,

I would really love to study in Durham for a while, and I've an interview for an exchange place tomorrow at my home university. The best option for my course would be to go the 2nd and 3th term.

Are there modules taught in just these terms?

Would be nice if they were somewhat social science related, but I just want to know if it's possible to finish regular modules in these two terms. I presumed that it was possible but since I searched through the faculty handbook I'm not so sure..

Thanks in advance!

All the Durham modules for undergraduates run from October to the end of May (though most of the course tends to be finished by mid march). There might be different arrangements possible for erasmus students however...
I've met exchange students who came after Christmas, so I guess they must have different arrangements.
Reply 778
Thanks guys! Good to know.
Reply 779
If you want to visit Durham but it's not on a wed (where apparently they have tours) is it possible to 'tour yourself' if that makes sense? I mean if you have a map , is it really difficult to navigate around?

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