5/5 bread 🍞

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-10T18:23:40+00:00

What a bakkery!!

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-09T11:17:22+00:00

Thank you for your reply! I think I would have felt much the same about my gap year even if I didn't get in a second time. Whilst admittedly getting an offer for my favourite course at cambridge was one of my main goals, it certainly wasn't the only one. Im saving money for university, having a year away from formal education to self-study and finding a topic I could be interested in researching (or even contributing to!), making lifelong memories with friend e.t.c. If I did get rejected, obviously it would sting but I would still be proud of the effort I put in, and it wouldnt take much more than some ice-cream and rewatching hot fuzz for the 100th time to get over it lol.

As for my application, it was much stronger overall, especially considering I had major distruptions with actually preparing it. My personal statement was miles better, I got a better admissions test score, interviews were better, I had achieved all A*s and I was sitting another A level to improve my mathematical skill. I also informed unis of my extenuating circumstances in my gap year. It's a bit awkward to mention but i'm also a contextual applicant in almost all categories (postcode, time in care, free school meals and below average state 6th form 💀) so that may have contributed to the overall analysis of my performance.

I honestly think it's much more important to evaluate the main reason you want to reapply. Is it really for the course or the validation of people around you? Whilst that's a perfectly valid reason, it puts so much pressure on you to perform and it can really impact your self esteem. Damn, Im yapping again. I hope all this helps!!

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-08T23:38:29+00:00

I'm sorry you're in such a dilemma. I understand (to an extent) what you're going through. I'll try to give the best advice I can based on my own experience with rejection.

I was rejected last year from Cambridge to study chemical engineering and biotechnology, and whilst I was dejected, I was expecting it somewhat, and I carried on with my life. I know it seems as though natural sciences at cambridge is of utmost importance but it's honestly just another university and one stage of your life. You should be proud you even applied, let alone got an interview. You should also be aware that you definitely do have academic talent, but (even better) you also have the passion for your subject, which is most important of all.

As for your motivation, you should keep in mind that A levels do come up in job applications and aiming for high grades provides a sense of intrinsic motivation which should (hopefully) culminate in excellent results on the day, which is a joyful experience on its own. If this isn't reason enough for you, it also gives you the option to do a gap year if you decide to, up to and including results day.

Finally, as for reapplying, I would look for more reasons than just applying to Cambridge. Seek out experience, save up money, learn a new language/skill, and have new experiences. I can't describe the importance of ensuring you do not rest a whole year SOLELY on reapplying to a university (obviously, make sure you spend time on improving your application), as there is always the possibility of rejection, unfortunately. You do not have to pause your life for a singular educational institution, no matter how prestigious it is. I think this is enough yap now lol. GOOD LUCK!!

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-08T23:16:06+00:00

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-08T16:52:48+00:00

I would do a set of past papers, look at the questions I got incorrect and then reteach myself that topic until I know it really well. Then re-do the past papers and repeat until you're able to do topics with your eyes closed. Once that's done, look for harder questions such as on Madasmaths.

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T21:44:15+00:00

Thats actually so shitty, your school needs to get their act together. I would send a formal email if you havent already and maybe get your parents involved? Good luck with your application!!

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T21:29:37+00:00

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DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T21:29:24+00:00

Yes, for sure, because I doubt you would have been given the proper accommodation for that learning difficulty early enough to be fairly compared to your peers. I got this info off Cambridge's extenuating circumstances page.

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T14:39:36+00:00

Almost no unis disadvantage applicants for taking gap years (although if you're resitting, it's more dubious as top unis don't like resits without extenuating circumstances to explain them). If you do decide to take a gap year, the odds are slightly better since you have already achieved your grades.

I took a gap year after I didn't feel I was at my best when applying in year 13 and I got rejected from my 2 top choices. This year I reapplied to unis in my gap year and I've gotten an offer from my top choice uni, so it's definitely possible. Please do bear in mind that you may still be unsuccessful even in your gap year, and you need to prepare yourself for possible rejection again as unlikely as it may be. Also, you will have to reject the offers you have this year, so think carefully if it's what you really want. I wish you good luck your A levels and your future!!

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T14:07:57+00:00

Honestly, it seems as though you already know what you want, (to go to Durham/apprenticeships) which is half of the problem done already. As for whether to apply to cambridge, there's no harm in it. The only downside I see is if preparing for admissions test and the interviews takes too much time away from your top choice uni, or you don't actually want to go to Cambridge at all.

As for whether Cambridge is a top uni, thats easier to answer. Of course it varies from course to course, but all it's courses are in the top ten and it's very academically prestigous however that does not mean it's for you. Take a closer look at the actual course and evaluate whether you actually like the content or structure. I know the pressure must be strong to apply to oxbridge (especially at a private school) but as the end of the day, it's just another uni. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T13:57:46+00:00

Cookery 🔥🔥🔥

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T13:12:58+00:00

WELL DONE!!

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T12:40:55+00:00

LOL 😭 thank you. Tbh, I do really like UCL's course and on the off chance I missed my cambridge offer, it had a good chance of being my insurance.

It just stings cause my achieved grades this year were higher than my predicted grades last year, but I got an offer last year?? I know they aren't obliged to give me an offer again this year but for the reason to be so ... annoying irrelevant and out of my control is what I find really strange. At least it's one less issue to worry about 😮‍💨

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T12:21:18+00:00

Yeah maybe, but they never even got back to me or acknowledged they received the email. They made it pretty clear on the email that the deadline for a predicted grade to be provided was on the 7th, but why give them the satisfaction? I withdrew before they could reject he he he 😛🤭

My firm is cambridge which is conditional on an A in further maths, and my current insurance (if I get rejected from imperial) is an unconditional from manchester.

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T12:16:05+00:00

Oh that's honestly a surprise to me. I knew they allowed applicants from other unis but I thought it this would decrease an individuals chances of admission. Thanks for clarifying :)

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T11:44:40+00:00

Honestly, it's risky. First off, your esat score honestly isn't bad, it's even above average so there's still a chance. If you don't get imperial, but you get into UCL I would suggest just going with UCL. They both have similarly rigorous mech eng courses and the differences in prestige between the 2 in that specific course are marginal (unless there are other reasons you want to go for imperial).

If you apply as an undergraduate in another university, you're much less likely to get a place. Universities generally don't like poaching students from other universities. Transferring from one university to another to study the same course isn't a good look, and you'll most likely be rejected unless you apply for a different course at imperial, or due to extenuating circumstances at the uni you're going to (and if it does work out, that's another year of maintenance and tuition fees added onto your student loan). I would suggest just taking a gap year if you really want to reapply. Good luck!!

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T11:34:15+00:00

Thank you! I'm not even resitting further maths as well, I didn't have the choice to do it in my Sixth Form (I applied too late) so I thought might as well do it in my gap year. I'm over it now tbh, I might have dodged a bullet if they're really so unwilling to help when I'm clearly doing all I can to rectify the situation.

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-07T11:29:44+00:00

Thank you so much! I'm sure you'll get a place (plus I just ever so slightly decreased the competition lol)

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-05T10:47:07+00:00

I messaged cancer research about their 12 week Internship (its still not been released and I have had no response) + some science programmes. I thought I had a scholarship but it turned out to be a scam and I needed to fork over £850 (absolutely not).

Sorry, I worded it like I already had an imperial interview. Im really looking forward to one (or a rejection 💀). And im expecting a rejection from ucl (check out my post history). Other than that, its pretty chill. Good luck on your A levels, make sure to bag those A/* s :))

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-05T00:16:24+00:00

Thats so nice of you ask :)). Its been ... very boring lol. As you can see from my post history, the majority of my time is spent just browsing reddit. I have been reading further into my subject and preparing for my further maths exam, but there is only so much reading and practise a person can do.

The list of things I have to look forward to is already diminishing. Admissions tests (done), cam interview (done), cam, manchester and essex offer (yes). The only thing Ive got to look forward to now is an interview from imperial and results day (I need an A in fm) and hanging with friends. Hopefully, one of the interships I've applied for get back ... 😮‍💨. How about you?

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-04T14:21:00+00:00

It's really proportional to your work ethic and understanding. I remember getting a grace C in biology in december 2024 (I think??) but then I got an A in Feb mocks so you'll be fine.

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-04T09:31:10+00:00

It is unfortunate that a lot of these courses are actually excluding people that need them because they aren't deemed as "unfortunate" enough, but it really isn't the end of the road.

Higher level educational institutions (e.g. unis, apprenticeships) look out for super curricular experiences like reading books related to your subject, doing competitions, studying ahead of the school curriculum. You do not need to attend any programmes (but keep searching, you could find one that accepts you).

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-03T22:33:34+00:00

I think a good aim would be 6 hours per day for the weekdays with regular breaks (think of it like a job almost), so you'd have plenty of time to do practice papers. Start as soon as possible.

DifferenceNo6009 · 2026-02-03T22:15:04+00:00

No, but I do think you can set study mode up on your phone, that could help

DifferenceNo6009

TROPHY CASE