university admissions corrupt

I was very careful not to emphasise my extra curricular activities too much, had one small paragraph about them at the end of my personal statement.

i thought it would be better to reapply than go somewhere I didn't want - 1st year my only offer was Nottingham which was my insurance choice - and felt that because I got the grades I shouldn't go to a uni I didn't want to. Then last year I got an offer from York - again I looked round the uni and made the decision that York was not for me (I know it is a very good university but it didn't appeal to me). So yes the situation is partly my fault, but still finding it difficult to come to terms with the fact that despite getting the grades I won't be able to go to my first choice uni.

and yes of course im bitter i worked hard to get good grades and they seem to mean very little. and i am passionate both about english and history.

is this what you aimed to show in your PS?
because if so, that may well be your answer-
both are extremely competative- if you don't show absolutely dedication to the one you are applying for, you will be written off by all the universities you are applying for

which subject did you apply for?
what sort of things did you talk about in your PS?

i sympathise with you OP- this must be an extremely frustrating experience!

who's that in your sig?

I would have killed for an offer from York. This makes me dislike you >=[

I did English, History, Maths and Psychology. Also did the English AEA and got a merit. Did them over 2 years, getting 4 As (most of them very high) for AS so my predictions were 4 As as well.

Maybe you're not putting enough emphasis on the subject in your personal statement?? I mean it's great that you've got grade 7's and 8 in instruments XYZ, but what if the other candidates have voluntarily taught english as a foreign language and written their own play, or had a poem published? Maybe you are concentrating too much on extra curricular?? Especially as now you're on your third year out, these achievements might have happened some time ago, and the universities want to know more recent developments?? I'm applying for my third time because I keep changing my mind, but mentioned nothing of what I had done at school/college because three years on it's really not relevant anymore. I focused on what I had been doing with myself since.

Maybe you're not putting enough emphasis on the subject in your personal statement?? I mean it's great that you've got grade 7's and 8 in instruments XYZ, but what if the other candidates have voluntarily taught english as a foreign language and written their own play, or had a poem published? Maybe you are concentrating too much on extra curricular?? Especially as now you're on your third year out, these achievements might have happened some time ago, and the universities want to know more recent developments?? I'm applying for my third time because I keep changing my mind, but mentioned nothing of what I had done at school/college because three years on it's really not relevant anymore. I focused on what I had been doing with myself since.

I could put it down to your attitude. Typical unwarranted self-importance.

Agreed - one can also apply to Cambridge on the Mature student quota, where it is not competitive at all.