Are these uni choices realistic?

I'm currently a year 13 student, applying for BSc Neuroscience, and i was wondering whether these choices were realistic for considering my predicteds and my work experiences, etc.

I want to apply to:
Nottingham
Sussex
Southampton
Exeter
Queen Mary
(also considering Keele)

My predicteds:
Biology - A
Chemistry - B
Math—(haven't received it yet but it's looking like a B)

I have work experience shadowing doctors (neurosurgeons and neurologists), hospital volunteering, etc., only to name a few relevant experiences.

I'm aware that all except Notts ask for ABB, but I was wondering how likely I'd be able to get in considering I had a strong personal statement as well.

I'm also open to taking recommendations on other universities to consider, as I've also thought about having a biomed safety, but having to change my whole personal statement just didn't seem feasible.

Thank you!

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

What grades do you typically work at in class tests? If you usually work at ABB then having 3 choices at ABB, Notts at AAB and one choice lower (BBB or BBC for example) that would be the best options for you. If you typically work at say BBC but your teachers think you could get ABB in your final exams then only 1-2 choices at ABB or above are recommended with the rest lower than this, perhaps considering foundation year programs at these unis for example.

Reply 2

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

Hi, it's great to hear you are thinking of applying to the University of Southampton.
You are absolutely right, the entry requirements for BSc neuroscience at Southampton is ABB, and with these as your predicted grades and a strong set of work experience and volunteering, you have a great looking application!
As others have mentioned, it can be worth applying for an 'aspirational choice', which in your case would be Notts. It is also worth having a 'safety' choice, where the entry requirements are lower than your predicted grades.
I study biology at the University of Southampton, and have had a great time. In first year I had overlap with lots of neuroscience modules, as well as sharing facilities and lecturers. If you have any questions about what it is like to study at Southampton please don't hesitate to reach out!
Rachel (UoS student ambassador)

Reply 3

LancashireRep4

Official Rep

Original post

by naeehha

I'm currently a year 13 student, applying for BSc Neuroscience, and i was wondering whether these choices were realistic for considering my predicteds and my work experiences, etc.
I want to apply to:
Nottingham
Sussex
Southampton
Exeter
Queen Mary
(also considering Keele)
My predicteds:
Biology - A
Chemistry - B
Math—(haven't received it yet but it's looking like a B)
I have work experience shadowing doctors (neurosurgeons and neurologists), hospital volunteering, etc., only to name a few relevant experiences.
I'm aware that all except Notts ask for ABB, but I was wondering how likely I'd be able to get in considering I had a strong personal statement as well.
I'm also open to taking recommendations on other universities to consider, as I've also thought about having a biomed safety, but having to change my whole personal statement just didn't seem feasible.
Thank you!

Hi @naeehha ,

Those are some great university choices! 😊

When it comes to deciding if options are "realistic", I always recommend following this layout.

1-2 aspirational options (highly competitive/ slightly above predicted grades)
2-3 on target options (align with you predicted grades)
1-2 safety options (below your predicted grades).

Most importantly, you must have at least one safety option. Using this layout you can determine which options are realistic. Additionally, it's okay to apply for a slightly different course using the same personal statement, in fact I recommend checking out this UCAS article for applying for multiple courses. There should not be much you need to alter.

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