The main aim of my blog is to allow sixth form or college students to know what university is really like, and that it really isn't the be all and end all if you don't get the necessary grades to get into your first choice.
About me
Okay, so, my name's Eleanor Haigh and I'm 18. On September 13th I'm travelling up to Manchester to become a first year undergraduate Broadcast Journalism student at the University of Salford. Salford might not be the biggest or most heard of university in the world, but it's definitely perfectly positioned for any prospective journalism students as it's right in between the two new BBC buildings!
Despite giving me an unconditional offer following my interview, Salford wasn't my first choice for university. I wanted to go to the University of Leeds and had absolutely set my heart on it. I worked incredibly hard throughout year 13, studying for 4 A2 exams and 2 AS resits. Unfortunately however, my efforts clearly weren't hard enough, as I fell two grades short of the compulsory AAB grades Leeds wanted. Of course I was absolutely devastated and wanted to resit the year. However, after talking to family, friends, teachers and neighbours I came to the conclusion that it would be pretty stupid to turn down an unconditional offer, as during my interview Salford clearly saw something in me that they really liked and felt they could work on to develop a well rounded broadcaster. Therefore, I accepted my offer and am in the process of boxing up my life for the next year!
The more I think about it the more excited I am to go to Manchester, and I realise it would have been silly for me to resit the year as there is absolutely no guarantee I won't be in exactly the same position next year, something which I definitely wouldn't be able to cope with. There's also no guarantee that Leeds or Salford would offer me a place again next year, as they may believe that I've already had my chance. Therefore, for any of you currently in that position, or anyone in that position next year, you really need to weigh up all the pros and cons, is it really worth resitting the year? At the moment I'm considering a transfer to Leeds in my second year if I get the grades to do so, however, this may change depending on how I find Salford when I actually get there!
Despite it feeling like the end of the world, I'm incredibly excited about what my new life will be like when I start it in three weeks. Also, not getting into Leeds has made me more determined that ever to finish my three years at university with a first. As many people have already said to me, sometimes, it's not meant to be, but, everything will work out in the end, even if it's not quite how you expected it to.
