St Andrew’s versus Durham for science

Hope all is well- Firstly well done! She’s gotten offers to 2 of the top 5 universities (top 4 depending on who you ask) in the UK- she will flourish career wise at either Durham or St A.
Ultimately, the difference between the “prestige” between St A and Durham is minimal; no one seriously believes there is any rift in quality of the degree at the elite level of universities (Oxbridge, LSE, St. A, Durham)- all degrees from there are super desirable and employable, any differences of “employability” would come down to the actual applicant rather than the institution on the degree.
So, she needs to think where she would be happiest- from what I gather as an undergraduate applicant, forming friends and close relationships though the collegiate system in Durham seems to be quite well done, although Hatfield does have a certain “uppity” reputation, so maybe it depends on whether that gels with her personality. I’ve also visited St. A for an ethics cup national final, and it is simply beautiful, if you’re moving from a larger city such as I am, St. A will be a refreshing outlook for your mental health, although, the city is maybe too small for my liking.
I personally chose Durham when applying over St. A’s! I’ve firmed my choice for Durham and am extremely excited to (hopefully) go there, the night life is better than it reputation give itself credit for, the people are lovely and it will set you up with a hugely demanded skill set which will allow you to find jobs in no time.
But, this has to be her decision. Don’t use my experience or my feelings about a university to inform your daughter about where she should go, and don’t try and push her in the direction that you may personally want her to go- for a young person who is dealing with a-levels and stress about the future, it can be hugely alienating to be “funnelled” into a certain pathway in life. By all means, give her support, the information and the time she needs to make this decision- it’s a hugely important one, but make sure whatever desicion she does make it is her own one, and she made it because she wants to go there, instead of because someone else wants her to go there.
Hope this helped.