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4A*s, do I gap year and apply to top universities or stick with firm (chem)

Hi, I recently recieved my a level results for biology chemistry psychology and epq and was absolutely blown away with my results. Top of the year + in each subject.

I picked my subjects for wanting to study vet med, which I changed my mind declined offers and now am here,after accepting my 5th choice backup of chemistry at Bristol University. I couldn't imagine myself studying any other subject and am so excited to study it, I visited the labs and it felt so cool. I have missed my subject so much over this year 13 summer honestly and have always had a passion, but was too scared to go for it.

If I knew that I wanted to study a chem degree back when applying for ucas last year, I would've applied for the TOP universities.
I was wondering if I should take a gap year to study a level maths and then reapply to unis e.g. oxbridge, st andrews, imperial, Durham.

However, is it more important the things tou do at university (e.g. work experience placements> rather than the "name" of the university, e.g. for future study/job??

Or am I being silly and would recieve the same academic experiences at Bristol that i would at any of these other unis.
Don't get me wrong, it is high in the league tables, but a nagging sense of "what if" is driving me crazy.

Apologise if this seems naïve, first gen uni applicant needing some advice.

Reply 1

McGinger

I couldn't imagine myself studying any other subject and am so excited to study it,

You want to do the course, you are looking forward to it, and Bristol is one of the best Unis in the UK for STEM subjects. Thousands of other students at Bristol will also have A* grades - its that sort of Uni. Once you get there and get going on the course, you will know you are in the right place.