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5th uni option?

Hello!
I'm currently struggling really badly to choose a 5th uni and I'm unsure on where to look.
I'm currently predicted A*A*A in history, English lit and psychology and I want to pursue a history degree
My options right now are:
Oxford - Wadham college (AAA)
York (AAA)
Sheffield (ABB but it's history and Chinese)
Manchester (AAA)
I may or may not also receive contextual offers

Are these realistic choices? Should I pick another safer choice? Or pick another uni that's higher up the rankings? I was considering looking at the likes of UCL but I'm unsure if it's the right decision. My logic is theoretically I can always do clearing if things go really wrong but is that the wrong mindset?
Any help would be appreciated! Plus any uni suggestions!

Reply 1

Maybe choose somewhere midway down the rankings/requirements that's near to home? Just as an acceptable fallback in case life goes pear shaped around exam time?

Doesn't mean you'll take that one of you get offers from Oxford etc, but it's there as your safety net.

Reply 2

Oxford make decisions by 14 January at the latest. Wait until then before making your fifth choice - you have until the 29th. You will most likely have received other decisions as well and will know whether you need a lower or higher choice.

Reply 3

Yes, you don't need to add the fifth choice yet. You can wait to see how the other applications go
Original post
by Erinlol&lt
Hello!
I'm currently struggling really badly to choose a 5th uni and I'm unsure on where to look.
I'm currently predicted A*A*A in history, English lit and psychology and I want to pursue a history degree
My options right now are:
Oxford - Wadham college (AAA)
York (AAA)
Sheffield (ABB but it's history and Chinese)
Manchester (AAA)
I may or may not also receive contextual offers
Are these realistic choices? Should I pick another safer choice? Or pick another uni that's higher up the rankings? I was considering looking at the likes of UCL but I'm unsure if it's the right decision. My logic is theoretically I can always do clearing if things go really wrong but is that the wrong mindset?
Any help would be appreciated! Plus any uni suggestions!

Hi!

If you have any questions about York feel free to drop us a message 🙂

Reply 5

If you are interested in Chinese / Asian Studies, you could look for an English course with a relevant study abroad.

There is also dual subject course at Lancaster - Chinese Studies and English Literature BA Hons (T1Q3) - Lancaster University (AAB)

Reply 6

I've visited a lot of open days with my kids (and I'm looking for a PhD destination for myself). If you’re willing to look beyond Russell Group unis, I also recommend Lancaster. It's ranked higher than most RGs, the out-of-town campus felt coherent, good bus service to the city, plenty of shops on-campus. If things go sideways, Royal Holloway had lots of discounted offers in Clearing this past summer; beautiful architecture, leafy location close to London, and I've met energetic staff from multiple departments. I can't tell you about the History department at either, but the English departments at both impressed me.

Reply 7

For selecting, do we have to choose just Oxford or Oxford and it's selected college (like you selected Oxford - Wadham college)?
Will just Oxford do?
Hi Erinlol<3,
My name is Sofia and I did an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at the University of Sheffield, and now I am back at Sheffield to study for my Masters in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics. I remember how difficult it was to choose a university when I was in sixth form as there can seem so many choices and different options. I think my main advice would be if you have time go to an open day as this really allows you to get a feel for the university environment and whether or not it will suit you. You will also be able to attend subject talks, taster lectures and meet some current students. All were really helpful when I was picking a university.

You can find information about open days at Sheffield here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/visit/open-days. There are some coming up soon on the 19th October and 23rd November 2024!

I picked Sheffield because I attended an open day and really liked the friendly nature of everyone on campus. I have really enjoyed my time at Sheffield, both at the university and in the city as a whole. Sheffield is a very student-friendly city to live, it has lots of things to do but is also not too expensive! I think my general advice would to be to go with your gut feeling about where you think would suit you the most, all the universities on your list are amazing and well-respected universities!

I wish you the best with your university journey, and do ask me any other questions you may have!
Sofia (MSc Cancer Biology and Therapeutics/ BSc Biochemistry student)

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