Please help a fellow student out

I’m currently in high school (S5) and Uni applications are getting near and I’m really stressing out with what course to pick and which unis.
I’m currently thinking of applying to either Astrophysics (or a physics & maths related course) or Medicine. Can current uni students please give me their opinions on the unis they are currently attending and what extracurriculars or other commitments makes you look good in applications?
Thank you 🤗

Reply 1

rolandka

8

Hey. Big difference, they lead to very different career paths, so I guess it's a significant choice you'd have to make. I think demonstrating passion for the subject is beneficial through maybe personal projects or online courses.

I could think of a couple for Medicine like volunteering in healthcare settings, shadowing medical professionals, medical summer schools, engaging in medical research. Maybe activities showing empathy?

As for Astrophysics, try math or science clubs, competitions if you are up for challenge. There are plenty of research opportunities here too.

Pick the one that you'd like to do the most! Genuine interest surpasses feigned curiosity

Reply 2

Jhoey

9

Astrophysics at the University of Lincoln is great, I highly recommend studying here. The entry requirements are quite low because it is a fairly new university, but don't let those make you think it is not a good university. The school of maths and physics here is phenomenal. Part of the course is a week long trip to La Palma to visit the world renowned telescopes on the mountains there, as well as a lot of other activities. One of the things I like about this school is that the class sizes are small; it often feels like you're receiving personal tuition. All my lecturers know my name and I've gone out for dinner with some of them and been drinking with others on many occasions. They really, really care about the students here. It's also a high quality of teaching, at least much better than the first university I went to (Keele). (Speaking as someone who is halfway through their third year in Physics with Philosophy and doing a master's here next year.)

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 3

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

17

Original post by kwovn

I’m currently in high school (S5) and Uni applications are getting near and I’m really stressing out with what course to pick and which unis.
I’m currently thinking of applying to either Astrophysics (or a physics & maths related course) or Medicine. Can current uni students please give me their opinions on the unis they are currently attending and what extracurriculars or other commitments makes you look good in applications?
Thank you 🤗

Hiya,

I'm a current 3rd year astrophysics and csomology student at Lancaster Uni and may be a bit biased in saying it's a lovely course that I'd highly recommend you applying to if physics interests you!

The great thing about Lancaster is the variety of pathways you can choose throughout the duration of your course, with choices including: straight physics, particle physics, quantum technology, cosmology, astrophysics, space physics, low temperature physics, etc. It's such an open course that alows you to find out what it is you really enjoy within the subject, with so much guidance and support from lecturers and other personnel within the department. Here is the link to the general physics master course (https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/physics-mphys-hons-f303/2025/) but there are a few other options worth exploring on the website if you're interested.

In terms of extracurriculars I did in order to make my application stand out, I did a few week-long courses within astrophysics, cyberfirst and nuclear engineering (with the Smallpeice Trust) as well as an online course with Airbus (with Springpod). These let me have a taster in terms of what I was interested in and let me decide whether or not I actually enjoyed these subjects!

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
-- Arya (Lancaster University Student Ambassador)

Reply 4

wanga_wanga

15

Original post by kwovn

I’m currently in high school (S5) and Uni applications are getting near and I’m really stressing out with what course to pick and which unis.
I’m currently thinking of applying to either Astrophysics (or a physics & maths related course) or Medicine. Can current uni students please give me their opinions on the unis they are currently attending and what extracurriculars or other commitments makes you look good in applications?
Thank you 🤗

one will pay you well eventually one probably never will but is cool as f

Reply 5

kwovn

OP

2

Original post by wanga_wanga

one will pay you well eventually one probably never will but is cool as f

That's true! I hate how my interests are completely opposites and picking between them is sooo difficult. It has been a couple months and I still cant decide, money or a cool degree

Reply 6

kwovn

OP

2

Original post by Jhoey

Astrophysics at the University of Lincoln is great, I highly recommend studying here. The entry requirements are quite low because it is a fairly new university, but don't let those make you think it is not a good university. The school of maths and physics here is phenomenal. Part of the course is a week long trip to La Palma to visit the world renowned telescopes on the mountains there, as well as a lot of other activities. One of the things I like about this school is that the class sizes are small; it often feels like you're receiving personal tuition. All my lecturers know my name and I've gone out for dinner with some of them and been drinking with others on many occasions. They really, really care about the students here. It's also a high quality of teaching, at least much better than the first university I went to (Keele). (Speaking as someone who is halfway through their third year in Physics with Philosophy and doing a master's here next year.)

That truly sounds amazing! I like how the classes are small and how you are able to form a relationship with the lecturers. I just hate how difficult it is to pick between a very chem and bio heavy course and a physics and maths course :frown:

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