Bristol University Mechanical Engg - admissions

My son has predicted 4 A* (Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry). 5 9s and 4 8s in GCSE. Physics and Chem gold medalist at Olympiads and other things. He applied for Mechanical Engg at Bristol university got an alternative offer for Civil which is totally not related to Mechanical Engg. What is expected out of a child? He is distraught and wants to take a gap year but what is the guarantee. Need some advice.
Thanks

I would reapply again next year.
I think it was his personal statement that has let him down.
If he is intent on getting onto a degree in mechanical engineering, he should definitely do that. Do not compromise with doing a degree in civil engineering instead - it's different to mechanical engineering.

My son has predicted 4 A* (Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry). 5 9s and 4 8s in GCSE. Physics and Chem gold medalist at Olympiads and other things. He applied for Mechanical Engg at Bristol university got an alternative offer for Civil which is totally not related to Mechanical Engg. What is expected out of a child? He is distraught and wants to take a gap year but what is the guarantee. Need some advice.
Thanks

I think also to look at what other universities are offering and look at clearing. There may well be places there when the time comes. If he takes a gap year and re-applies then make sure you have several different courses you want to go for at different universities and be prepared to flex. It is certainly easier if you already have your grades and you will be offered a firm rather than a conditional offer so you will know where you are by March probably. If you take a gap year then he will need to prove that he has stayed in contact with the subjects over the gap. Universities believe, rightly or wrongly, that subjects like maths and physics degrade without practice. Also for an engineering degree they will want to see some ability to work in a practical sense, so getting a job with an engineering firm or related industry would be a good move. Experience and more maturity is a good look. So look at getting a job. There are lots of eng companies in Bristol (which have a link to the university) so that would be a good place to start. There is also the national materials science building in Bristol and various museums like the Aerospace museum. Engineering is not all about academic grades but also about solving practical problems and making things work, ability to work in teams is also important. Good luck!

My son has predicted 4 A* (Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry). 5 9s and 4 8s in GCSE. Physics and Chem gold medalist at Olympiads and other things. He applied for Mechanical Engg at Bristol university got an alternative offer for Civil which is totally not related to Mechanical Engg. What is expected out of a child? He is distraught and wants to take a gap year but what is the guarantee. Need some advice.
Thanks

Whilst I agree with the majority of what you have mentioned here, there were a few things that I think are worth highlighting.
I think also to look at what other universities are offering and look at clearing
Whilst it's worth the shot, it's unlikely there would be much opportunity for clearing for mechanical engineering at a top university. These degree courses tend to be competitive.
If he takes a gap year and re-applies then make sure you have several different courses you want to go for at different universities and be prepared to flex.
If the degree is in mechanical engineering, you're not really going to be looking for a variety of courses per se. Mechanical engineering is one of the more comprehensive and versatile engineering disciplines. Applying for courses in subdisciplines such as automobile engineering, mechatronics, biomedical engineering, or aerospace engineering can be a little too niche and may potentially limit the scope of what he can go into (not necessarily will, but it might do).