u/Insightful_Error

I need some serious perspective because my mother is completely obsessed with league tables, but I feel like I'm looking at this way more logically than her.

I am choosing my Sixth Form to do Chemistry, Biology, Maths, and Further Maths. My current GCSE predicted grades are 4 9s, 4 8s, and 2 7s (with 9s in Maths and Sciences). My parents have already confirmed they are paying for private tutoring regardless of which school I choose.

Here are my three options, ranked by logistics:

• Option 1 (Current School): An ultra-selective, very small Sixth Form. It has high entry requirements and gets the best results in my area. The catch: The total daily commute there and back is 2.5 hours, which completely exhausts me. On top of that, a lot of the best teachers are literally leaving this year. My mother is saying that I will be wasting all the effort I have put in if I don't go there.
• Option 2 (The Wildcard): A really good academic school with a much better 50**-minute total commute**. It’s the perfect middle ground, but it's oversubscribed and I'm currently stuck on the waiting list.
• Option 3 (The Local): A standard local Sixth Form that is just a 15-minute walk away. It doesn't have the same elite reputation, but it would save me time and energy.

My argument to my mother is that of course my current school gets better results—they are starting off with better people because of their entry requirements! It's pure selection bias.

Since I am tracking for top grades and getting private tutoring anyway, I carry my potential with me. Spending 12.5 hours a week sitting on public transport instead of sleeping or studying feels like a fast track to burnout, especially with Further Maths.

Am I making a mistake if I ditch the "elite" school to save my sanity and time? Also, if I actually hit my predicted 9s in August, what are the chances of using those results to force my way off the waitlist for Option 2 on Results Day?

Edit: My current school is a grammar school , I know that universities are cutting down on private school admissions, but are grammar schools affected by this?

We've all seen those moments at the dinner parties where two people married to other people just click better than the actual couples.

If we ignore the cheating scandals and look strictly at compatibility, which singles should have been matched together from the start? Who is your top prediction for an alternate couple that would still be together today?

Im thinking:

• Rachel & Luke: The ultimate wholesome success story. Warm, maternal energy meets a steady, genuine country guy. They’d be living on the farm with three kids by now.
• Gia & Danny: Gia wanted constant validation and reassurance, and Danny actually has the communication skills to handle that, unlike Scott.
• Stephanie & Grayson: The corporate power couple. Both are ambitious, driven, and look great together, even if the personality clash might cause fireworks

Hi Everyone,

I’m currently in Year 11 and I’ve decided on applying to med school. I know it’s a long road and super competitive, so I want to get ahead of things before Year 12 hits.

I’m currently predicted all 9s in Science, and I’m also C1 level in French and Spanish. Are there any specific unis that value languages or have international links that would be good to look into?

I have a few questions for those who have been through it:

1. UCAT prep: When is actually the best time to start? Is it too early to look at now, or should I wait until the summer before Year 13?
2. Resources: Which are actually the best resources and worth the money? (Medify, MedEntry, etc.?)
3. The application timeline: Can someone give me a "dummies breakdown" from now until getting an offer? Is the process at all similar to the 11+?
4. Work Experience: How much do I actually need, and does it have to be in a hospital?

I’m mostly worried about the UCAT timing and making sure I don’t miss any random deadlines. Any advice or "I wish I knew this earlier" tips would be amazing!

Thanks in advance!

Hi Everyone,

I’m currently in Year 11 and I’ve decided on applying to med school. I know it’s a long road and super competitive, so I want to get ahead of things before Year 12 hits.

I’m currently predicted all 9s in Science, and I’m also C1 level in French and Spanish. Are there any specific unis that value languages or have international links that would be good to look into?

I have a few questions for those who have been through it:

1. UCAT prep: When is actually the best time to start? Is it too early to look at now, or should I wait until the summer before Year 13?
2. Resources: Which are actually the best resources and worth the money? (Medify, MedEntry, etc.?)
3. The application timeline: Can someone give me a "dummies breakdown" from now until getting an offer? Is the process at all similar to the 11+?
4. Work Experience: How much do I actually need, and does it have to be in a hospital?

I’m mostly worried about the UCAT timing and making sure I don’t miss any random deadlines. Any advice or "I wish I knew this earlier" tips would be amazing!

Thanks in advance!