Reapply for Durham or go to other options

Thank you, that's really helped me Like you said I don't think I'm mentally ready to have another rejection from Durham and would have no good plans for a gap year.

I really want to do well still and don't want this to prevent me from achieving my predicted grades still, I'll definitely treat myself though!

I got 7 A*s, 2 As and a B, I don't know how this compares to the average Durham applicant?

And you too, best of luck! What are your plans?

I think that what you should do is find other universities that you like, but apply for adjuctment, or if you don't meet your offers then apply through clearing. Last year I read something like (I may be wrong though) that 40% of people went through clearing to get into uni. But my best friend did it, got CDD in her a levels and got into do environmental science at Reading. I understand Durham is a bit more competitive but people get in places wildly above their grades through clearing becuase the universities are just desperate to fill spots by that point

Ur predicted grades are amazing!! I’m glad u haven’t let this put u off achieving them❤️❤️

My plan is v similar , to apply to Durham , Nottingham, maybe Cardiff (and idk where else) for law, but I’m pretty much expecting a straight up rejection from Durham haha I only got 5A*s 4As and 1B
A lot of Durham applicants use Durham as a backup to oxbridge, so it makes sense that a lot of applicants will have at least 8-10A*s
Anyway who cares about Durham, right? 😂👏

This, I learnt the hard way. Don't get caught up in buzz words and numbers, it may backfire.

I think it's a bad idea to take a year out just to reapply to a particular uni, as there's a good chance you'll face the same outcome next year and you'll have spent a year owt for nowt. A mate of mine did it for Cambridge (after missing offer, resitting blah) and it really was just a waste of time.

Durham is not that unique of a place. Its college system is a glorified halls of residence with a bursar and karaoke nights. The city is small and dreary.

All your offers are from very well respected unis and I think wherever you end up going you’ll eventually feel like it was right one for you! I love Durham too but I went to a Nottingham offed day yesterday and I’m doubting whether to put Durham as my firm as I was so impressed. On top of having a good reputation Nottingham seemed to have a really lovely atmosphere and although the cities a lot bigger than Durham there is advantage of a much more vibrant social life. Most of the accommodation there is catered and have formals every term like Durham. It has a lake which you can row on in the summer, old pretty buildings (including the accommodation halls) and even has a castle again like Durham. Nottingham is defo one worth considering

This, I learnt the hard way. Don't get caught up in buzz words and numbers, it may backfire.

Do you go to Durham then I presume? Do you not enjoy it there?

Far from it, assume you're studying at one of the lesser unis mentioned.

Anyway, Durham is a very quaint city, the college system is fantastic with subsidised societies to join and a more communal aspect - we all eat with each other everyday and have our own college clubs for sports etc.

The college system allows for a fantastic social life with our own college bars and colleges libraries, you will always see people you know.

Not to mention the Law course (along with many other strong courses such as Engineering, History & Geography to name but a few) is only topped by Oxbridge in the UK, constant events with the law society and a beautiful law school.

It is well worth reapplying so that you don't have to go to these lesser unis and screw up your job prospects

A lot of Notts "prestige" is historical. From when it was an A*AA uni and people mistakenly believed this meant it was better than the AAAers; i.e. what QMUL currently does to adds to its prestige. And from people thinking that Notts being an LNAT makes it more prestigious than the non-LNATs. I don't think there is much of an edge in terms of prestige and whatever. Newcastle is alright; don't knock it.

Again, just base it on what you like the look of. Certainly don't choose based on which has a famous chemistry-based YouTube channel!

Far from it, assume you're studying at one of the lesser unis mentioned.

Anyway, Durham is a very quaint city, the college system is fantastic with subsidised societies to join and a more communal aspect - we all eat with each other everyday and have our own college clubs for sports etc.

The college system allows for a fantastic social life with our own college bars and colleges libraries, you will always see people you know.

Not to mention the Law course (along with many other strong courses such as Engineering, History & Geography to name but a few) is only topped by Oxbridge in the UK, constant events with the law society and a beautiful law school.

It is well worth reapplying so that you don't have to go to these lesser unis and screw up your job prospects.

Left in November, because of one death, another with heart issues and father came down with cancer. Never liked the place anyway, but I guess there was every chance I would have stayed without that crap.

Oh right - you really seem to love Durham, makes me jealous

Would you say there's much of an advantage to it over a Nottingham or Exeter? Most people don't seem to think so.

I'm very sorry to hear that Do you think any of the other 4 are any better?

You really should not listen to this individuals advice.


Hear Exeter is good, certainly nothing wrong with Nottingham either.

That's the attitude I'm trying to take now and thank you so much

What do you think will be your firm choice then if Durham say no? Have you managed to look round Nottingham as I haven't yet have an offer so may firm it but was wondering if you had? xx

No problem, I’m so glad to have helped!
I would think Nottingham would be my backup - it seems lovely
I haven’t actually been to an open day there so i can’t personally tell u what it’s like (I’m planning to book one for this summer)
However my sister visited (for medicine) and she said the campus was SO beautiful , and chose it for one of her choices straight after visiting
The medicine course there also appealed to her, but obviously that isn’t relevant here
I heard that notts does mark harshly, but honestly that shows it’s academically tough, which is what an applicant like u is probably suited for.
I wouldn’t read too much into that tho, it’s not a big factor to consider ofc

Thank you - presume Durham is still your first choice?

Best of luck though, I hope you get in and I agree, Nottingham does look lovely having looked at it more
And just wanted to say, if that’s you in your profile picture, you’re absolutely stunning xx