I am making this post because I have been getting very mixed advice on which of my university choices to insure. It seems that 1.5 months of contemplating this hasn't helped. The two options I have are UCL (A*AA) and Durham (AAB - contextual). For context as to why I am considering insuring an A*AA offer, my firm's offer is A*A*AA.
I study physics, maths, further maths, and music. My predicted grades are 4A*s and in my Y13 mocks, I achieved 3A*s and an A. However, I am super nervous about music (which was my A), as it is quite subjective (60% is coursework based on composition and performance). I am very scared of ending up with a B in the real thing, which means I would miss my firm.
I have been told that UCL will give me a better shot at the Bar. I have no legal connections otherwise, so it's always been a priority for me to go to a uni that will support me with maximising my chances at becoming a barrister. I love the course at UCL and the atmosphere, even though London accommodation seems terrifying to navigate. It is also much closer to home. However, the London vibes do put me off a bit, but I understand that being in London is also great for proximity to chambers, etc. And of course, the offer the A*AA. Because I do further maths, an A* in maths is very achievable; even on a bad day, I have never got below 90% and it is a very objective subject.
Durham is very beautiful, and I love the collegiate aspect. But I have been told that they are facing accommodation difficulties? Would this be even worse for me considering that they would be my insurance i.e. I would not be prioritised for accom, right? In addition, it is very far from home. However, their offer is AAB, which is very very low. I was advised that my insurance should be what I can realistically get though, not an extreme safety choice - the view is that it would be a shame to reject my UCL offer. I am slightly inclined to agree - if on results day, I got A*A*A*B and ended up at Durham, I think I would really regret not having insured UCL (even though Durham is a lovely uni and I'm sure I'd be very happy there).
Sorry for the essay of a post, I just wanted to get some more opinions in addition to the ones I've been receiving (which has been very helpful but quite one-sided, but I suspect the perceived 'prestige' of UCL over Durham is influencing some of it). I've also started feeling the pressure to make my firm and insurance choices before the grind for A levels properly sets in (and with the opening of student finance applications). Massive thanks to anyone who has read all of this.
