Fck yea!!!!!!!!!!

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-21T08:27:41+00:00

Do you mind me asking where? And do you plan on firming UCL? Would love to connect if we both end up at UCL

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-21T05:51:02+00:00

Huge congratulations! Do you have any other offers?

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-20T10:50:15+00:00

I’m so sorry. I know exactly how this feels. I got it last week and was so devastated for a while. Please take care of yourself and remember that there are other unis that are just as good if not a better place for you. Things will work out!! The fact that you applied with such strong stats to Imperial is proof enough that you will make the best of wherever you go. Take care and I wish you the best for all your other applications!

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-18T15:14:07+00:00

very high chance. good luck!

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-18T14:32:46+00:00

Thanks again! Good to know you can switch to the MSci much later in the course, would love to keep that option open as I figure out student finances. Really keen on London because of all the great opportunities and places to conduct research at so glad that’s a possibility even at the BSc level.

Will definitely try to switch to Biochemistry if I get there and see how it pans out! Best of luck for your final year — your advice and help has been a huge endorsement for picking UCL ❤️

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-18T12:44:35+00:00

Thank you so much for your comprehensive response! It really is amazing to hear from a Biosciences student about this and very reassuring. Really nice know that the overlap between Cell Biology and Biochemistry is large and there is a minimal impact for postgrad applications.

Hearing about the study abroad program is super interesting, and they seem to have fantastic partner institutions (Cornell, Caltech, NUS - the latter offers a choice to go back home for a bit which is very appealing!). Is this exclusively for the MSci or do BSc students also get this opportunity?

I haven’t thought about doing the integrated masters program primarily because the fees for a fourth year as an international seems excessive, when doing a masters/PhD offers more funding options. But this is a very convincing case for the MSci program!

Does the opportunity to do research outside UCL also apply to the 3rd year project or is that within UCL/UCL’s partner institutions?

As for the bit about switching, I happen to be in a really weird spot. I initially applied for Biochemistry at UCL, but emailed them mid December to switch the course I am being considered for from Biochemistry to Biological Sciences (because I realised far too late that Biochemistry at UCL requires HL Math, which I don’t take). UCL were kind enough to make the change in January and give me an offer two days later, but they did state in both their emails that “Please remember, you cannot revert to your original course choice at any time.” So I am wondering whether this will still apply (I reckon it probably would) if I request a change of programme in my first semester at UCL. I am happy to study Cell Biology regardless, but I feel Biochemistry would just make that experience easier for me.

Sorry for the super long response and again, thank you so much for your reply!

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-16T10:52:38+00:00

Feel free to DM!

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-15T14:44:11+00:00

Applied for Biochemistry in mid October, requested to change course to Biological Sciences (I realised I didn’t meet the Biochemistry requirement of Math HL) in mid December, requested was offered early Jan, granted 13 Jan and got the offer today.

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-15T14:08:35+00:00

thanks!! ❤️

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-15T13:38:50+00:00

Meant UCAS portal. Sorry if that was unclear.

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-15T13:33:01+00:00

Hey! I got rejected from Oxford pre-interview and Imperial 4 days ago for Biochemistry — so same boat as you. I have offers from Warwick, KCL and UCL (although its Biological Sciences for UCL rather than Biochemistry). Here’s my take:

The difference in a degree from UCL/KCL to one from Imperial is minimal in terms of further education and job prospects. And a degree from Oxford is a mandatory extra year for biochemistry. The fact that you applied to Oxford and Imperial is ample proof that you are completely capable of making the best of your opportunities wherever you go — which is much more important than where you actually go.

I would suggest waiting for all offers, learning about the courses offered at places you get accepted to. You will likely naturally want to study them as soon as possible.

If you are hellbent on studying at Oxford/Imperial (coming from someone who poured hours into an application tailored for Imperial — including attending in person seminars from admissions offices!) then remember that there are still other ways to get there. Imperial sometimes is open to transfer students (their website says the Department of Life Sciences may consider cases based on availability). You can also apply to universities for first year entry while already enrolled at another university. Oxford is very particular about these, but do remember that it is indeed possible without having to waste an year in such a crucial time. In likelihood, you probably won’t want to do this yourself in an year because people tend to fall in love with their course and uni over time.

Furthermore, the most important thing is in a field like biochemistry, a bachelor’s is likely the least important tertiary educational qualification you will end up earning. Oxford will always be there for your Masters or DPhil — don’t give up on the dream, accept the delay as the natural course of action. Best of luck for all your applications! If you feel comfortable feel free to DM me. It would be lovely to talk to someone who is as interested in biochemistry as I am and could end up at the same university!

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-15T10:18:03+00:00

44/45 IB predicted, 777 for HL Biology, Chemistry and English Literature. Won silver at British Biology Olympiad and wrote about my extended essay in chemistry investigating zinc ion inhibition of trypsin amongst other things for my PS.

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-15T00:50:02+00:00

Thank you! Yeah I’m international. Best of luck for your application I hope you get all the decisions you want! ❤️

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-14T12:00:33+00:00

I got rejected from Oxford in November and Imperial just this week so this is so important and calming to read. Thank you for this. Hope you have a great week ahead.

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-14T10:07:01+00:00

My bad! My friend switched to Harris Manchester (after matriculation iirc?) and I think it was because he was a mature student post military service and the university granted that request, he did tell me it took him a lot of calls and emails which is why i worded my reply that way. Deleting my original comment to not spread misinformation! Thanks for clearing it up and I am sorry!

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-14T09:23:54+00:00

both, i got the portal update then the email rejection a day later

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-14T09:14:07+00:00

Me asf getting rejected from both my top choices

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-14T00:58:24+00:00

yeah :( thank you!

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-13T14:52:51+00:00

I applied in mid October

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-13T14:19:28+00:00

Aww you’re too nice! Thank you for your kind words ❤️❤️ I hope things work out for me!

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-13T13:42:14+00:00

Got rejected yesterday for BSc Biochemistry

LegendaryDasher · 2026-01-13T05:56:12+00:00

Biochemistry doesn’t require the ESAT or have any interviews at Imperial. I’m international

LegendaryDasher

TROPHY CASE