Which offer to accept?

Hi guys I’m really struggling to chose which offers to firm/insure on ucas.
I have 3 offers I’m considering.
Bristol - Psych and Neuroscience Msci (AAB)
Bristol - Neuroscience Bsc (ABB)
Exeter - Neuroscience Bsc (ABC)

For context, I haven’t revised as much as I should have and the grades for the joint msci course are looking unlikely, but that is my dream course and I’m afraid to decline and throw away the opportunity.

My possible combinations are:
Firm: Bristol (AAB)
Insurance: Bristol (ABB)

Firm: Bristol (AAB)
Insurance: Exeter (ABC)

Firm: Bristol (AAB)
Insurance: Exeter (ABC)

I would prefer to go to Bristol uni which is what deters me from putting the last option, basically I am afraid of gambling with my grades and not getting into uni on results day but also afraid of playing it safe with the second/third option when I could have got the grades.
Additionally, there are ways of getting psychological qualifications at Bristol uni without doing the Msci course and realistically attending Bristol is more important to me.

Thank you so much for reading this far and if anyone has any advice previous experiences which may help me, please let me know!

Reply 1

Clearing and Applications Advisor

Have you spoken to Bristol?

It may be that they would automatically consider you for alternative courses with lower grades if you don’t meet your offer and they can’t accept you onto that course with lower grades.

If that’s the case then there’s no real benefit to having both firm and insurance choices at Bristol and you can put the higher offer that you prefer as your firm choice.

Reply 2

LancashireRep4

Official Rep

Original post

by Jennalovescats

Hi guys I’m really struggling to chose which offers to firm/insure on ucas.
I have 3 offers I’m considering.
Bristol - Psych and Neuroscience Msci (AAB)
Bristol - Neuroscience Bsc (ABB)
Exeter - Neuroscience Bsc (ABC)
For context, I haven’t revised as much as I should have and the grades for the joint msci course are looking unlikely, but that is my dream course and I’m afraid to decline and throw away the opportunity.
My possible combinations are:
Firm: Bristol (AAB)
Insurance: Bristol (ABB)
Firm: Bristol (AAB)
Insurance: Exeter (ABC)
Firm: Bristol (AAB)
Insurance: Exeter (ABC)
I would prefer to go to Bristol uni which is what deters me from putting the last option, basically I am afraid of gambling with my grades and not getting into uni on results day but also afraid of playing it safe with the second/third option when I could have got the grades.
Additionally, there are ways of getting psychological qualifications at Bristol uni without doing the Msci course and realistically attending Bristol is more important to me.
Thank you so much for reading this far and if anyone has any advice previous experiences which may help me, please let me know!

Hi @Jennalovescats ,

It seems you are really determined to go to Bristol! The most important thing is the decision you choose makes you happy and enjoy your time at university as this will majorly impact your experience and possible the your feelings towards your course.

If you feel happy to go for the safer option, then this is still an excellent choice. However if Bristol is where you dream to go, then there are some other great options. Firstly, you still have time to put in the work for your exams, just make sure you are efficient with your time and use effective revision methods. Remove distractions and practice, practice, practice. While it may be difficult, try to avoid burnout by taking breaks and doing things you enjoy as this is extremely important.

If you end up not hitting the grades, your first step would be to attempt through clearing, you can try clearing at any university which has the course you desire open for clearing. Alternatively, you could take a gap year and retake your exams so you can hopefully get the grades! Gap years are excellent opportunities to learn more about yourself, get work experience and have some freedom from standard education. You could really dedicate this time to improving your application to university.

Overall, make sure your decision is going to be where you will the happiest, as this can majorly impact the outcome of your degree.

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Central Lancashire)

Reply 3

seri0uscandidate

I would suggest you should firm your dream course at Bristol and ensure Exeter - if you just miss your offer at Bristol you can always go into Clearing and apply for another course there. If you have ABB you should definitely be able to pick something up at Bristol, and if you're just one grade off your offer they might still give you a place anyway!