St Andrews vs Durham vs Imperial

1

Hey all,
Sorry for the long message below (Also I've posted this in multiple forums to get different opinions).
I have applied to study biochemistry/Natural Sciences at Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, St Andrews and Durham. I've already been rejected from Cambridge (test results weren't great) and got offers to study BSc in Biochemistry at Durham and MBiochem at St Andrews. I haven't heard back from UCL and Imperial yet. I'm doing the IBDP and have 4 HL (Maths AA, Chem, Bio, English B) and 2 SL (Business, German A). I'm also predicted 44 points. now my issue is that I am not so sure about the reputation of each of the Unis. From what I've heard, Durham only has a very good reputation in the UK, whereas UCL and Imperial are ranked among the top unis worldwide. Apparently St. Andrews does not get very high rankings based on its research output, which relative to unis like manchester or glasgow is quite small due to its small size. Personally If I do not get an offer from Imperial or UCL, I will probably go for St. Andrews, as I like the town and the Biochemistry course there. If I get offers from either of the London Unis, I do not know what to choose. Obviously latter have a better name and higher international renown but I do not know if I will be able to stand the glassy modern and characterless sight of Imperial or the crowds around UCL as I have previously studies at a public school in the countryside inside a grade I listed building. I feel like Londons size could crush me.
So, any suggestions, opinions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Reply 1

Wired_1800

20

Original post

by Earendil_

Hey all,
Sorry for the long message below (Also I've posted this in multiple forums to get different opinions).
I have applied to study biochemistry/Natural Sciences at Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, St Andrews and Durham. I've already been rejected from Cambridge (test results weren't great) and got offers to study BSc in Biochemistry at Durham and MBiochem at St Andrews. I haven't heard back from UCL and Imperial yet. I'm doing the IBDP and have 4 HL (Maths AA, Chem, Bio, English B) and 2 SL (Business, German A). I'm also predicted 44 points. now my issue is that I am not so sure about the reputation of each of the Unis. From what I've heard, Durham only has a very good reputation in the UK, whereas UCL and Imperial are ranked among the top unis worldwide. Apparently St. Andrews does not get very high rankings based on its research output, which relative to unis like manchester or glasgow is quite small due to its small size. Personally If I do not get an offer from Imperial or UCL, I will probably go for St. Andrews, as I like the town and the Biochemistry course there. If I get offers from either of the London Unis, I do not know what to choose. Obviously latter have a better name and higher international renown but I do not know if I will be able to stand the glassy modern and characterless sight of Imperial or the crowds around UCL as I have previously studies at a public school in the countryside inside a grade I listed building. I feel like Londons size could crush me.
So, any suggestions, opinions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

I suggest the following based on your offers:

UCL
Imperial
St Andrews
Durham.

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post

by Earendil_

Hey all,
Sorry for the long message below (Also I've posted this in multiple forums to get different opinions).
I have applied to study biochemistry/Natural Sciences at Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, St Andrews and Durham. I've already been rejected from Cambridge (test results weren't great) and got offers to study BSc in Biochemistry at Durham and MBiochem at St Andrews. I haven't heard back from UCL and Imperial yet. I'm doing the IBDP and have 4 HL (Maths AA, Chem, Bio, English B) and 2 SL (Business, German A). I'm also predicted 44 points. now my issue is that I am not so sure about the reputation of each of the Unis. From what I've heard, Durham only has a very good reputation in the UK, whereas UCL and Imperial are ranked among the top unis worldwide. Apparently St. Andrews does not get very high rankings based on its research output, which relative to unis like manchester or glasgow is quite small due to its small size. Personally If I do not get an offer from Imperial or UCL, I will probably go for St. Andrews, as I like the town and the Biochemistry course there. If I get offers from either of the London Unis, I do not know what to choose. Obviously latter have a better name and higher international renown but I do not know if I will be able to stand the glassy modern and characterless sight of Imperial or the crowds around UCL as I have previously studies at a public school in the countryside inside a grade I listed building. I feel like Londons size could crush me.
So, any suggestions, opinions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

I think it’s far more important to pick a uni you actually like rather than the one best recognised. Once you’re looking at all the top unis you’ve listed, there’s not much in it in terms of which is best as it’s so hard to figure out. If you’d love St Andrews, you’re more likely to get a top grade there and make connections which is so valuable, whereas going to ICL/UCL (which it sounds as if you’re not keen on) could lead to your grades dropping and you not enjoying your time there. I understand the concern of employability and competition, but in all honesty any of those unis are really highly regarded, so go with which one you can actually imagine liking being at for years. Good luck and I hope you at least get all your other offers so you can make the choice!

Reply 3

DurhamRep Rosie

Official Rep

8

Original post

by Earendil_

Hey all,
Sorry for the long message below (Also I've posted this in multiple forums to get different opinions).
I have applied to study biochemistry/Natural Sciences at Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, St Andrews and Durham. I've already been rejected from Cambridge (test results weren't great) and got offers to study BSc in Biochemistry at Durham and MBiochem at St Andrews. I haven't heard back from UCL and Imperial yet. I'm doing the IBDP and have 4 HL (Maths AA, Chem, Bio, English B) and 2 SL (Business, German A). I'm also predicted 44 points. now my issue is that I am not so sure about the reputation of each of the Unis. From what I've heard, Durham only has a very good reputation in the UK, whereas UCL and Imperial are ranked among the top unis worldwide. Apparently St. Andrews does not get very high rankings based on its research output, which relative to unis like manchester or glasgow is quite small due to its small size. Personally If I do not get an offer from Imperial or UCL, I will probably go for St. Andrews, as I like the town and the Biochemistry course there. If I get offers from either of the London Unis, I do not know what to choose. Obviously latter have a better name and higher international renown but I do not know if I will be able to stand the glassy modern and characterless sight of Imperial or the crowds around UCL as I have previously studies at a public school in the countryside inside a grade I listed building. I feel like Londons size could crush me.
So, any suggestions, opinions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Hi there,

This is a tricky decision! When picking a university, I think the best choice is the choice where you'd be happiest. You'll be there for a number of years, so it's important to choose somewhere to study where you'll feel happy, supported and comfortable, rather than the best reputation. 🙂

If I were in your position, I'd spend the time looking at the modules for each of the universities, checking out accommodation/location, societies and consider which of these align with your interests best. 😊 It can be really difficult to decide, especially when you have so many great choices, but I hope these points give you something to consider.

Let me know if you have any questions about studying at Durham,
-Rosie (DU Representative)

St Andrews vs Durham vs Imperial

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