Ucas decision time: 'I rejected a Russell Group university and never looked back'
Growing up in Durham, there was always an expectation that I would apply for the city’s university. Teachers at my sixth-form college urged me to go for it, given my predicted four A* grades. They said I would thrive there.
Only I wasn’t convinced. I had known for a few years that I wanted to become a journalist, but there were few Russell Group universities that offered specific vocational courses. On top of that, I just wasn’t sure that I wanted to go to a highly academic university. Like many high-achievers, I like working at my own pace and often struggle under pressure, so I worried that I’d feel suffocated at somewhere like Durham or Oxbridge. Might I be better suited to a less prestigious university?
In the end, I applied for a cross-section, including Salford University, Sheffield Hallam and Manchester Metropolitan – all based in the north, and all offering the kind of vocational courses I was interested in. Into the mix, I threw two Russell Group universities, Leeds and Sheffield, partly because the courses appealed to me, but also because I still felt like I needed keep open the option of going to a “good” university.
I was offered places at all five of my choices. So I was faced with the tough decision of selecting a university as my “firm” choice, and another as my “insurance”. It is a process that thousands of students will doubtless be going through right now, as universities start replyingto Ucas applications.
After looking around all the universities, the one I could really see myself at was Salford University. It wasn’t a Russell Group, or a particularly established university. It had only recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and came with the relatively low entry offer of two Bs and a C. Yet the course was very hands-on and easy-going, which suggested I could work at my own pace, and was based at the BBC’s MediaCity, meaning I’d be working around professionals.
Not everyone agreed with my choice. When results day came and I received my four A*s, there were a lot of raised eyebrows at school. “With those grades, you could be going to Oxbridge,” people said. “Are you sure you really want to turn down Russell Group universities? Salford is a very rough area. Wouldn’t you rather at least go to Leeds?”
It was hard to ignore the pressure, but I knew what I wanted to do. It helped that my parents supported me, trusting me to make the right choice about my education.
I’m now two years into my degree at Salford and I’m certain I did the right thing. Contrary to people’s expectations that I would squander my potential, I’m thriving. I’m on track for a first-class degree, and am gaining real experience in my field. The relatively relaxed course – it takes around 10 hours a week – means I still have time to work part-time for a local monthly magazine, as well as spend a few hours a week in a retail job to help with my living expenses. I don’t think anyone at Oxford would be able to hold down two jobs and their degree without having a breakdown.
Of course, turning down a Russell Group university isn’t the right decision for everyone; I’ll never know how I would have fared had I accepted a place at Leeds University. But I know I wouldn’t have anywhere near the amount of opportunities I have now.
I’m right in the middle of the action at Salford, and I’ve met an amazing variety of people from different backgrounds. I have the freedom to create my own career path and grow my confidence without feeling I have to constantly meet ever-increasing academic targets. I’m developing at my own pace. Coming to Salford is a decision I will never regret.
What you need to know about Ucas decision time
by Ucas adviser Tim Jenks
1. Even if you have all your offers, you don’t need to accept immediately. You have until June 8 to decide, so take the time to think about it rather than jumping in.
2. Go and see the universities, but don’t just stick to the campus. Look at accommodation, think about finances and speak to existing students on forums and blogs. Get a feel of the university before you decide.
3. It’s up to you to decide how you want to choose your “firm” and “insurance”, but it’s often best to choose a university with a lower entry grade for your insurance.
4. Don’t panic if you choose the wrong ones. Ucas gives you 14 days to change your mind about your acceptances - even if you apply on June 8.
5. If you don’t get the offers you want, don’t panic. You might still find a course you want through clearing, and if not, you might want to take a year out. Call us if you have any queries - we can help you through the process every step of the way.
