Anyone influenced by admission statistics?

**asklepios** · 21-07-2007, 01:15 PM

So, I'm applying for 2008 entry, and keep changing my mind about which courses I want to apply to. I go back and forth with whether this school or that school is better, and whether this school or that school is more or less likely to admit me, and whether I should apply to this graduate programme or that standard programme. To be honest, I'm driving myself nuts and it's getting a little boring. I've been told to not play the numbers game and just apply places I'd like to go. "BUT!" My mind screams out, if 2 out of the 4 schools I apply to have 30-40 applicants per place, wouldn't it make more sense to only apply to 1 such school? Or would it make more sense to apply to only 1 school with a decent chance of getting in? I'm definitely applying to one school that will be hard to get into (graduate course) and definitely one that will not be as hard (note, I didn't say easy) to get into (standard course). It's the two in between that are doing my head in. Anyone else playing the numbers game? Or does everyone just go with the schools they like best? How did you decide which schools to apply to? I've read prospectuses, pored over websites, these forums, the alternative prospectus, and tried to get to some open days (the London schools are always at times I'm out of the country, or else fully booked by the time I find out about them).

**The-mayan-prophecy** · 21-07-2007, 07:01 PM

xxx

**tcdlewis** · 22-07-2007, 01:41 AM

If you can afford a 5 year course then it seems logical to up your chances by applying to them

**Arch_Angel** · 22-07-2007, 01:46 AM

If you can afford a 5 year course

I sadly cannot

Although broadcasting this probably ain't too wise, the 4 Unis I've applied to are the lowest in admission that I'm qualified to go for, unfortunately 2 are GAMSAT (hate hate). I'm not bothered where I end up, I just want to go somewhere, where ever you go you'll enjoy it if you want to.......that said don't rob my idea

Much love

Nik

**cyberjay** · 24-07-2007, 04:56 PM

The only numbers that count for me are the GAMSAT score (also hate, hate) and the number in my savings account. If they don't add up the game's over! I'm not in a position to move and I don't have a science degree so the only options for me are Notts/Derby and Keele as they both run GAMSAT entry GEPs for 2008 and are near enough for me to commute. Like Arch Angel, if somewhere; anywhere, offers me a place, I'll bite their arm off.

**henyansk** · 31-07-2007, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by asklepios

Or would it make more sense to apply to only 1 school with a decent chance of getting in? I'm definitely applying to one school that will be hard to get into (graduate course) and definitely one that will not be as hard (note, I didn't say easy) to get into (standard course).

Hi Asklepios,

For what it's worth I applied to 2x GEP (Newcastle and Southampton) and 2x standard (Newcastle and Leeds). Newcastle GEP and Leeds 5yr offered a place after interview, and Southampton offered without interview. The only rejection was from Newcastle 5yr - outright, not even an interview.

So it's not necessarily true that the standard courses are easier to get into, especially for graduates. They can have very pedantic entrance requirements which they don't necessarily publish - you can have better academic grades than they require and all the subjects they want, but your non-standard path may mean they won't even consider you, so best find out before you waste a precious choice.

My advice would be to make sure and speak to admissions at every uni you are considering and ask them if they would encourage an application from you. Also, I would make sure and submit your UCAS form as early as possible - on certain 5yr courses there are a limited number of places for mature candidates and you can miss out if your application arrives near the deadline.

Also do try and visit/talk to as many as poss - you'll find they're very different, and you may find the places which appeal to you most probably do so because they are trying to recruit people like you.

Good luck!

**Renal** · 31-07-2007, 03:03 PM

If you want to play statistics, you should apply to Cambridge which has the lowest applicant

ffer ratio, closely followed by Oxford...

Because different schools look for different, and unstated, things, I made my choices based (mostly) on where I wanted to live and study rather than any kind of 'data' which I didn't know how to interpret.

**asklepios** · 31-07-2007, 03:13 PM

Haha! Well, I am applying to Cambridge, but not because I think it's easier to get into.

It certainly does illustrate how misleading the numbers can be. For instance, a school that attracts a large number of applicants, but as their 2nd or 3rd or even 4th choice but who go on to their first choice or whatever would make it appear more competitive than it actually is.

I've ruled out a few schools because I wouldn't want to live in those areas. I won't name them, for fear for of offending everyone on this forum. I agree with the advice to apply places you want to live. But when I look at King's and the fact they receive 40 applicants per place to their GEP, it makes me think twice about the wisdom of applying there.

**thom5455** · 31-07-2007, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by henyansk

They can have very pedantic entrance requirements which they don't necessarily publish

A very important point here. These pedantic hidden requirements may include:

- Their estimated 'prestige' of your previous university (yes, its true!)
- A first class honours only policy (despite their prospectus stating a 2:i)