Urgent Advice, gap year or uni?

Tuition fees shouldn't really factor into the equation in my opinion. Sure, it sucks, but the universities have implemented various procedures to insure university is still affordable (generous bursaries, fee wavers etc.), and the government has raised the minimum salary figure in which a graduate must be earning before they can start paying the loan back to over £25,000. The only real difference is that it'll take a bit longer to pay off.

The rise in tuition is necessary, because the tories are going to cut higher education funding one way or another. Unless tuition goes up, our universities will quickly drop in standards. So, if you're not happy with Leicester, then don't go.

When I applied, I had Soton as my firm and Winchester as my insurance. I loathed the thought of going to Winchester, to the point where if I were to loose out on my place at Soton and only got into my insurance, I'd turn them down and retake my A2 year. Luckily that didn't happen and I got what I wanted.

But I do understand how you feel. Nobody should have to settle for second best in my opinion. Follow your brain and your heart.

If Manchester is your dream, then drop out of Leicester and go get it! But keep in mind that you'll have to go through the whole process of applying again. What happens if Manchester reject you again?

Did you have predicted grades of ABB and suitable looking AS grades? If so, then chances are it wasn't your grades that put them off, but something else. Also, take a look at their entry requirements carefully.

Is the subject you achieved a C in vitally important for the course? If not, then go for it. I hope this helps and good luck with whatever decision you make.

Personally, I think you'll probably have a great time at either. Leicester isn't so bad, I got a conditional and visited the uni myself (I turned them down though) and It looked pretty good from what I saw. It's also pretty strong in the league tables, coming out in the top 15 for both the guardian and the times universities guides.

However, Manchester is a great university as well, with a huge student population, making it really diverse. You can really get lost in the crowd there!

If I were you I'd take the gap year. It isn't something I would advise many people to do with the increase in fees but it sounds like the gap year is what you really want to do. If you really wannt to travel then here is your opportunity.

Post-uni, chances are you will get a job and you might end up never going through with it, Plus I don't know anything about the relative job opportunities you're likely to get from either university, but if Manchester is better, as you imply, then it'll be better for you in the long run.

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