I’m terrified of making this choice

3

I feel really stuck in my decision between Universities. I am Scottish and looking to study a business course at a Scottish University. The two prominent ones I want to go to are Strathclyde and Edinburgh, however, there are many factors that are influencing me and it is causing a lot of stress. I've got a lot of questions so I am going to list them and any reply however small or big would be greatly appreciated.

- Does a university being a part of the Russel group really make a big difference in a workplace application?
- Is there a divide and snobbery about Edinburgh University? (been looking at the news too much)
- Is Strathclyde seen in a good light in the whole of the UK?

As I write this I'm realising that there are two defining factors influencing my decision, Edinburgh's status and global image and Strathclyde's university feel, location and versatility. Aswell as this I feel as if I'll kick myself for not going to the other uni regardless of the one I end up choosing.

I'm very torn and I'm sorry for this post being a mess but I really need more opinions on this, I'm so grateful for this place. Thank you very much.

FJ

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post

by FQ28622

I feel really stuck in my decision between Universities. I am Scottish and looking to study a business course at a Scottish University. The two prominent ones I want to go to are Strathclyde and Edinburgh, however, there are many factors that are influencing me and it is causing a lot of stress. I've got a lot of questions so I am going to list them and any reply however small or big would be greatly appreciated.

- Does a university being a part of the Russel group really make a big difference in a workplace application?
- Is there a divide and snobbery about Edinburgh University? (been looking at the news too much)
- Is Strathclyde seen in a good light in the whole of the UK?

As I write this I'm realising that there are two defining factors influencing my decision, Edinburgh's status and global image and Strathclyde's university feel, location and versatility. Aswell as this I feel as if I'll kick myself for not going to the other uni regardless of the one I end up choosing.

I'm very torn and I'm sorry for this post being a mess but I really need more opinions on this, I'm so grateful for this place. Thank you very much.

FJ

Have you applied to both universities already? Have you received offers from both universities already? Are the offer grades the same? How do the offer grades compare with your predicted grades?

(I'm asking all those questions as it my be that you get an offer from one and not the other, or receive an offer with grades you'll struggle to achieve, in which case the decision will make itself.)

Reply 2

FQ28622

OP

3

I’ve applied to both universities, however I’ve not received any offers. Edinburghs required grades is 5 As whereas Strathclyde’s are 4 As and a B. I received 5 As at higher in my 5th year and I am doing an additional 3 highers this year all with predicted grades being high Bs at the moment.

Thank you for the reply

Reply 3

FQ28622

OP

3

Original post

by FQ28622

I’ve applied to both universities, however I’ve not received any offers. Edinburghs required grades is 5 As whereas Strathclyde’s are 4 As and a B. I received 5 As at higher in my 5th year and I am doing an additional 3 highers this year all with predicted grades being high Bs at the moment.
Thank you for the reply

Sorry predicted grades are 2 As and 1 B

Reply 4

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post

by FQ28622

I’ve applied to both universities, however I’ve not received any offers. Edinburghs required grades is 5 As whereas Strathclyde’s are 4 As and a B. I received 5 As at higher in my 5th year and I am doing an additional 3 highers this year all with predicted grades being high Bs at the moment.

Thank you for the reply

Original post

by FQ28622

Sorry predicted grades are 2 As and 1 B

I suggest that you wait and see what offers you receive before stressing too much about which (potential) offers to choose between.

Having said that, your dilemma is one which many will face: choose a university which has more "status" or one which just seems like a better fit for you. I suspect that, given such a choice, many would opt for status / image / reputation.

You say that you like Strathclyde because of its "university feel, location and versatility". Do you feel that Edinburgh does very badly in those areas, or just a little worse than Strathclyde?

The fact that you say, "I feel as if I'll kick myself for not going to the other uni regardless of the one I end up choosing" isn't ideal, obviously! :smile:

Reply 5

FQ28622

OP

3

Thank you again for replying,

I’m trying to not stress about this but i certainly feel a bit less anxious then i was when i originally posted this.

Regarding your question about the feel, I don’t by any means think Edinburgh would be bad for that but it’s just that i know i would feel more comfortable in Glasgow and in a new environment. Plus, i feel as if the strath course has more options for me to diversify if i do change my mind in what to do in business.

Thank you very much for the advice i appreciate it more than anything and I’ll take on board your advice and keep myself calm, plus there’s nothing i can do really until i get my application returned.

I’m just going to have a long hard think about it if the time comes 😂😂

Reply 6

Murray27

8

I’m in a similar situation trying to decide between Edinburgh (status, but not the best feel), Strathclyde or Stirling - such a difficult decision!

Reply 7

FQ28622

OP

3

Original post

by Murray27

I’m in a similar situation trying to decide between Edinburgh (status, but not the best feel), Strathclyde or Stirling - such a difficult decision!

I know, it’s just making me question how important this status really is 😂😂

Reply 8

Murray27

8

Original post

by FQ28622

I know, it’s just making me question how important this status really is 😂😂

Probably not - once you get a job will anyone care where you studied?

Reply 9

University of Strathclyde

Official Rep

15

Hey @FQ28622 🙂 It's normal to feel a bit stressed when you're trying to make these choices! As @DataVenia has said - it's a good idea to wait until your offers are back and then you know what you're working with. Try not to overwhelm yourself too much while you're waiting (although I know that's easier said than done!).

You've still got lots of time to decide which is the best fit for you. Once you hear back from your choices don't need to make your final decision until later in to 2025 - so use the time you have just now to continue on with your research. You can visit campuses again yourself if you like, or wait until we run our applicant events in Spring time next year. Chat to current students if you can - ask them what they love and hate about their degrees 📚️ Maybe write a list of things that are important to you (classes/student clubs/location etc) and try to piece together how each of your options fits in to your list - looking at all five of the choices you've included in your UCAS 🤗

If you've any questions please do feel free to get in touch! Happy to help - I know it's stressful! 😅

Caitlin 🎓️
Official University of Strathclyde Rep

Reply 10

Sparklygreentea

10

Original post

by FQ28622

I feel really stuck in my decision between Universities. I am Scottish and looking to study a business course at a Scottish University. The two prominent ones I want to go to are Strathclyde and Edinburgh, however, there are many factors that are influencing me and it is causing a lot of stress. I've got a lot of questions so I am going to list them and any reply however small or big would be greatly appreciated.
- Does a university being a part of the Russel group really make a big difference in a workplace application?
- Is there a divide and snobbery about Edinburgh University? (been looking at the news too much)
- Is Strathclyde seen in a good light in the whole of the UK?
As I write this I'm realising that there are two defining factors influencing my decision, Edinburgh's status and global image and Strathclyde's university feel, location and versatility. Aswell as this I feel as if I'll kick myself for not going to the other uni regardless of the one I end up choosing.
I'm very torn and I'm sorry for this post being a mess but I really need more opinions on this, I'm so grateful for this place. Thank you very much.
FJ

Which subject? The subject matters

I’m terrified of making this choice

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