Durham college ranking algorithm

I’m applying to Durham for 25/26 and I’m trying to rank the colleges. I really want a Bailey college but I’m a bit worried as I’ve heard things from others that people can get their 16th choice!!?
I was wondering, does firming Durham on UCAS increase the chances of getting your preferred college? I’m either going to firm Durham or Bristol, but not sure which one yet and won’t have decided by the 9th of May (deadline for Durham college rankings)
Does anyone know how the algorithm works? For context I’m taking a gap year and have been offered an unconditional place, so it won’t depend on my grades.

afraid it really it quite random, firming won't make any difference and I don't think your position of having received grades will change what college you get - if anything I would say it means your less likely to be reallocated colleges at a later date. all you can really do is rank all the Bailey, not rank any hill and hope for the best!

Wait why would not ranking the hill help? Thanks for responding

I’m applying to Durham for 25/26 and I’m trying to rank the colleges. I really want a Bailey college but I’m a bit worried as I’ve heard things from others that people can get their 16th choice!!?
I was wondering, does firming Durham on UCAS increase the chances of getting your preferred college? I’m either going to firm Durham or Bristol, but not sure which one yet and won’t have decided by the 9th of May (deadline for Durham college rankings)
Does anyone know how the algorithm works? For context I’m taking a gap year and have been offered an unconditional place, so it won’t depend on my grades.

its random but 90% of people get their 1st or 2nd choice according to an officer from durham. this is info i got from a offer holder seminar. So that 16th choice is definitely a anomaly

I would defo say this isn't the case - the most likely just say that - its probs why they place such an emphasis on how you find a way to fit into any college and shouldn't be apply with just one in mind. most people I speak to get somewhere in the middle for them but id say majority ones the ranked low (catered over non catered for example). speaking for myself, I got put in one I didn't even have ranked but still love it!

Do you know when will they tell us which college we got?

should get your preliminary one some time this month and then it will either be confirmed or reallocated on results day - genuinely don't think too much about this, I don't know a single person that doesn't like the college they are in and if that happens to be the case its so easy to get involved with others (college life is what you make it!)