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Should I decline UCL then apply for Oxford or Cambridge?

Was originally going to apply for Oxford biology in sixth form but doubted my chances of getting in. I ended up getting three A*s in biology chemistry and geography and got my first choice place at UCL.

Now I’m thinking maybe I should have given it a go. Couple of my friends are going to oxbridge this year. And I sort of feel behind other people by staying at home not moving elsewhere for uni. I’m also worried that I will hate going to central London every day so much it will steadily drive me insane over the course of three years…

If I take a gap year and apply do you think I would still have a chance??? I don’t want to ditch ucl and then not get in anywhere else :frown:

Reply 1

lalexm

Original post by Beth336

Was originally going to apply for Oxford biology in sixth form but doubted my chances of getting in. I ended up getting three A*s in biology chemistry and geography and got my first choice place at UCL.
Now I’m thinking maybe I should have given it a go. Couple of my friends are going to oxbridge this year. And I sort of feel behind other people by staying at home not moving elsewhere for uni. I’m also worried that I will hate going to central London every day so much it will steadily drive me insane over the course of three years…
If I take a gap year and apply do you think I would still have a chance??? I don’t want to ditch ucl and then not get in anywhere else :frown:

Normally I would say that it is not worth giving up a place at an elite uni and taking a gap year just to have a shot a getting into Oxbridge. Your situation is complicated though by whether or not you want to stay in London and live at home. I would always tell students to move out of home as it is not just about getting the full uni experience, but moving out is also great for your confidence and personal development. Only you can decide what is best for you though.

Reply 2

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

I think not liking the idea of living in London is a strong indicator you should apply elsewhere anyway. If you don't like where you're living and studying you will ultimately do worse in the course regardless.

Reply 3

Wired_1800

Original post by Beth336

Was originally going to apply for Oxford biology in sixth form but doubted my chances of getting in. I ended up getting three A*s in biology chemistry and geography and got my first choice place at UCL.
Now I’m thinking maybe I should have given it a go. Couple of my friends are going to oxbridge this year. And I sort of feel behind other people by staying at home not moving elsewhere for uni. I’m also worried that I will hate going to central London every day so much it will steadily drive me insane over the course of three years…
If I take a gap year and apply do you think I would still have a chance??? I don’t want to ditch ucl and then not get in anywhere else :frown:

Nothing is guaranteed and you could be losing a great place for a future unknown. You seem keen on trying your luck with Oxbridge, so you should do so else you might live your life with the nagging ‘what if’ feeling.

Reply 4

starry-projectio

I am in a very similar situation! I have a place at UCL ( for 2024) and am planning to defer it to 2025. I might also consider applying to oxbridge this coming UCAS cycle round. May I ask if I am able to hold onto my UCL place as I apply in the 2025 UCAS cycle round? Or do I have to decline my UCL place to enter? thanks.

Reply 5

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by starry-projectio

No, you cannot apply through UCAS while holding a deferred offer. You would need to give up your offer to apply again.

You can't have your cake and eat it too.