University choices

SlothBoy2K25

I'm near the end of my open days, then I need to pick my top 5.

Any advice on how to put them in order?

Reply 1

LondonMetIz

Official Rep

Original post

by SlothBoy2K25

I'm near the end of my open days, then I need to pick my top 5.
Any advice on how to put them in order?

Hi there!

Open days are a great way to get a feel of what life is like at the different universities you're interested in!

I think a lot of people are focussed on how the universities rank on different lists like career prospects and student satisfaction, etc.
While those statistics can be useful to consider to an extent, I would say the most important thing to consider is what YOU thought about the universities during the open days!! Which university had the better atmosphere and activities planned for you? What do you think about the location? What do you think about the course modules?
This is where you'll be spending a lot of time for the next few years so try not to let others influence you too much - people have very different experiences at university.

Put your favourite as your firm choice and put one with lower grade requirements as an insurance choice so you can be sure to get a place 🙂

I hope you have fun wherever you choose to study, and good luck!!

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 2

McGinger

At the point of application, you don't 'put them in order' regarding any sort of preference.
This has not been part of UCAS applications for about 20 years. You just list your 5 choices, and UCAS will put them in alpha-order for simple ease of viewing. You only choose a Firm and Insurance choice much later - when you have offers etc from all your choices.

The usual advice for your 5 choices is :
• 1 choice just above you predicted grades - 1 grade and not in a vital subject
• 3 choices at your predicted grades - these are your most likely offers
• 1 choice well below your predicted grades - this is your protentional Insurance choice so make sure its still a course/Uni that actually interests you