I need help with my uni application

I’ve applied for university but they’re all none Russell group and I got accepted . The reason why i applied for them is because i do a btec and i was under the impression that no Russell group uni will accept me for mechanical engineering not even at a foundation. After reading online and talking to my classmates I found out that I had a decent chance at getting into university of Manchester via the integrate foundation year. Should I withdraw all my offers and apply for the foundation year at uom at ucas extra or should I just stick with my original choices.(btw I got all distinctions last year and I’m predicted to get all distinctions this year)

Reply 1

EssexOfficialRep

Official Rep

11

Original post

by Anonymous

I’ve applied for university but they’re all none Russell group and I got accepted . The reason why i applied for them is because i do a btec and i was under the impression that no Russell group uni will accept me for mechanical engineering not even at a foundation. After reading online and talking to my classmates I found out that I had a decent chance at getting into university of Manchester via the integrate foundation year. Should I withdraw all my offers and apply for the foundation year at uom at ucas extra or should I just stick with my original choices.(btw I got all distinctions last year and I’m predicted to get all distinctions this year)

Hi 😊

I would suggest looking through the UCAS Extra page, another chance for you to gain a place at university or college, between 26 February - 1 July 2026. If you used all five of your choices on your original application and you’re not holding an offer, you might be able to add another choice: https://www.ucas.com/applying/after-you-apply/types-of-undergraduate-offers/extra-choices

I hope this helps and good luck with your applications! 🍀
From EssexOfficialRep 💫

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

UniofLawstudent2

Official Rep

11

Hi,
It sounds like you’ve worked really hard and your results are strong.

If your ultimate goal is to study mechanical engineering at a Russell Group university, it makes sense to explore that pathway, but you should weigh the risks carefully.

Withdrawing your current offers to go through UCAS Extra for the integrated foundation year at Manchester could give you the Russell Group experience, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get the place, and if you don’t, you could end up without any confirmed offer. Sticking with your current non-Russell Group offers guarantees you a place to start your degree this year.

Looking at the worst-case scenario, you have to ask yourself if you'd be okay starting uni a year later if it doesn't work out, and how you would utilise that year.

One way to approach it is to make a decision based on your priorities: do you value the prestige and opportunities at a Russell Group more than the certainty of your current offers? What will you do if they don’t accept you?

Either way, you’ve clearly shown strong academic performance, so both routes could lead to a successful outcome in engineering.
Good luck with your decision,
Ulaw Alfred.

Reply 3

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by Anonymous

I’ve applied for university but they’re all none Russell group and I got accepted . The reason why i applied for them is because i do a btec and i was under the impression that no Russell group uni will accept me for mechanical engineering not even at a foundation. After reading online and talking to my classmates I found out that I had a decent chance at getting into university of Manchester via the integrate foundation year. Should I withdraw all my offers and apply for the foundation year at uom at ucas extra or should I just stick with my original choices.(btw I got all distinctions last year and I’m predicted to get all distinctions this year)

RG won’t automatically be any advantage for Mech Eng. You should be looking for courses with a placement year and decent links to industry. That might be a RG, but your current choices could just as easily tick those boxes.

Extra has been suggested above, but just note that you’d need to reject all your offers, and even if successful wouldn’t have the option of picking an insurance choice. It still might be a good route depending on what you decide - but remember to check with any uni that they are still accepting applications first.

Reply 4

concealed-candid

2

Original post

by Admit-One

RG won’t automatically be any advantage for Mech Eng. You should be looking for courses with a placement year and decent links to industry. That might be a RG, but your current choices could just as easily tick those boxes.
Extra has been suggested above, but just note that you’d need to reject all your offers, and even if successful wouldn’t have the option of picking an insurance choice. It still might be a good route depending on what you decide - but remember to check with any uni that they are still accepting applications first.

My current choice are mmu, Salford, Sunderland, Brighton and university of Lancashire

Reply 5

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by concealed-candid

My current choice are mmu, Salford, Sunderland, Brighton and university of Lancashire

I don’t really know anything about their Mech Eng programmes so give specific advice.

Have you been to all their offer holder days? That’s a good time to ask about placements and industry links. I’d also see if you can talk to any alumni, or if they have any recent graduate info.

Reply 6

UniLancashire

Official Rep

16

Original post

by concealed-candid

My current choice are mmu, Salford, Sunderland, Brighton and university of Lancashire

Hi @concealed-candid,

It's great to hear that we are one of your choices. Please get in touch here or direct message us if you do have any questions. You can also find contact details for other teams at the university here.

Best wishes, ^Zac

I need help with my uni application

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