Uni options

Hi,

Do you think it would be a bad idea to apply for only Russell group unis to do Biomed? It’s only coincidence that they’re Russel group, I like their area’s and have heard they’re really good for the course and overall, I think if I applied anywhere else I just wouldn’t want to go there.

I’m hoping to have a competitive application (hopefully high predicted grades also) as I do extra curricular’s, wex, Bio olympiad, volunteering etc etc but my gcses aren’t great- 6/5’s and a 4. However I’m eligible for a contextual offer at all of the unis i’ve looked at, not sure if this would help for admissions other than the grade reduction.

I’ll probably apply to a few safe choices either way but I’m just wondering how risky this is as I don’t know too much about applying yet.

Thank you!

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by nellscott

Whether the unis you're applying to are Russell Group or not isn't relevant. What is relevent is what their grade requirements are, how over-subscribed they are (neither of which we can tell because you haven't mentioned the specific unis) and what your predicted grades will be.

You could apply to all Russell Group universities and have predicted grades which exceed their requirements, or you could apply to all non-Russell Group universities and have predicted grades which are below their requirements. The former would fine, whilst the latter would be unwise.

The fact that you say, "I’ll probably apply to a few safe choices either way" suggests that you understand what the smart approach would be.

Reply 2

nellscott

Original post by DataVenia

Whether the unis you're applying to are Russell Group or not isn't relevant. What is relevent is what their grade requirements are, how over-subscribed they are (neither of which we can tell because you haven't mentioned the specific unis) and what your predicted grades will be.
You could apply to all Russell Group universities and have predicted grades which exceed their requirements, or you could apply to all non-Russell Group universities and have predicted grades which are below their requirements. The former would fine, whilst the latter would be unwise.
The fact that you say, "I’ll probably apply to a few safe choices either way" suggests that you understand what the smart approach would be.

I already meet the predicted grades lol or I wouldn’t think of applying there, in my original message I just meant that I’m hoping to exceed these. I was more asking about the competitiveness of Russell group unis especially for Biomed as it is already a popular course. The required grades are roughly the same at all unis, Russell group or not so by ‘safe option’ I meant a university that is not a Russell group as my main concern is competitiveness despite meeting the entry requirements. Of course I’m not guaranteed a conditional offer when applying even if I meet the requirements, it’s other factors too and I was just wondering genuinely how competitive they are as a whole beyond grades. I’m mainly looking at Cardiff, Manchester and Queens. Thanks.