GCSEs for September / curious to hear your experiences!

Good afternoon,
I'm Ali, a student going into year ten in September, and I'd, first, just like to say thank you for accepting me into such a lovely space of like - minded people, I feel very glad to be here!
My courses are:
1. English Literature (predicted a 9, from my recent assessments)
2. English Language (also a 9)
3. Higher Tier Maths (7)
4. Biology (7)
5. Chemistry (7)
6. Physics (7)
7. History (7)
8. Media Studies (N/A)
9. Art (7)
10. Religious Studies (9)
I was wondering if any of you have chosen similar options, and if you could let me know anything at all you found helpful, what to expect etc.. I'll add again, I'm open to hearing ANY of your experiences - thank you so much!
I am aiming for 7s, 8s and 9s, ideally as many 9s as possible, and I'd love to know how you guys have got on, if aiming for similar grades with these subjects.
Additionally, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Russell Group Universities - I would, ideally, like to apply for top Uni's, although I do go to a small state school with a debatable reputation, so I assume that does disadvantage me - I do hope I don't sound hubristic, but I have always been quite a 'high achiever,' often attaining higher grades and more academic recognition than the majority of my school, which maybe 'cancels out' the idea of my school not being an esteemed one? I'm eager to hear your experiences.
Thank you! Take care,
Ally x x

Are you aware of the exam boards for each subject?

Most of my GCSE choices were different to yours, but most GCSE choices are not prohibitive to A-levels. Do you have any ideas about what course you want to do? There isn't much point in considering Russell Groups if you don't know what course you want to do and also you need to consider whether a university is right for you, because a more prestigious university may not be as good for you as a non-Russell Group.

Good afternoon,
I'm Ali, a student going into year ten in September, and I'd, first, just like to say thank you for accepting me into such a lovely space of like - minded people, I feel very glad to be here!
My courses are:
1. English Literature (predicted a 9, from my recent assessments)
2. English Language (also a 9)
3. Higher Tier Maths (7)
4. Biology (7)
5. Chemistry (7)
6. Physics (7)
7. History (7)
8. Media Studies (N/A)
9. Art (7)
10. Religious Studies (9)
I was wondering if any of you have chosen similar options, and if you could let me know anything at all you found helpful, what to expect etc.. I'll add again, I'm open to hearing ANY of your experiences - thank you so much!
I am aiming for 7s, 8s and 9s, ideally as many 9s as possible, and I'd love to know how you guys have got on, if aiming for similar grades with these subjects.
Additionally, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Russell Group Universities - I would, ideally, like to apply for top Uni's, although I do go to a small state school with a debatable reputation, so I assume that does disadvantage me - I do hope I don't sound hubristic, but I have always been quite a 'high achiever,' often attaining higher grades and more academic recognition than the majority of my school, which maybe 'cancels out' the idea of my school not being an esteemed one? I'm eager to hear your experiences.
Thank you! Take care,
Ally x x