Durham or Oxford for history?

The main reason that I am considering it now is because the Oxbridge application, at least at my school and area, is a significant commitment as I have to begin preparation next week with my head of year.

It will probably do you good even if you end up not applying.

How do you think that it would be beneficial even if that time is wasted and I don't actually decide to apply?

Presumably you do extra work? Interview prep?

yeah I'll be doing interview prep and start my ps earlier than most, plus any outreach work that I can get my hands on.

Outreach work?

working with people from oxford who attempt to help disadvantaged students apply to the university and give them a better opportunity of getting an interview

Even better for you.

The main reason that I am considering it now is because the Oxbridge application, at least at my school and area, is a significant commitment as I have to begin preparation next week with my head of year.

If thats the case then I would go ahead with that preparation, Durham is super competitive too, so everything that you’ll have done for your oxbridge application will also be a strong advantage for Durham

They thing about the Durham offer is it's practically a free place as I'm likely going to exceed AAB and I know that most of the SP students who apply are accepted.

Go for both if you like them. Saying oxford is lower than Durham for History seems questionable ... it really depends upon which league table you look at (and if this actually matters to you). That being said, if you are going to exceed AAB and like Oxford AND the course (arguably the most important part) then apply! You have nothing to lose. I was in the exact same situation last year.

apply for both! but only apply to them for the course, because history is a very diverse subject with loads of modules. the preparation you’ll do for oxford will be beneficial even if you end up going to Durham. It is very time consuming (I applied for cambridge for history, rejected but oh well) but I got into UCL so I’m excited to start my course. For example I preferred history at Cambridge than oxford so definitely make you decision on that. It’s just 1/5 choices on your ucas application so don’t worry

I have looked at Cambridge for an option but I don't believe I would be competitive enough or get the grades to go there, I could Definitely get one A* In history but I doubt I will achieve it.... I do like the look of Cambridge and the course.