Is the whole ‘russel group’ thing just snobbery?

[MrsPBlotto]

DD is 17 and has applied to university this summer. Granted her course is very vocational so perhaps this bias only applies for academic subjects. All but one of the universities she’s applied to are post 1992 and the one uni she has applied to that’s not one is not an RG. I’m not bothered in the slightest as for the field DD wants to go into a degree is a degree and I’m far more concerned that she’s happy at the university she goes to.

However, I’ve seen a lot of posts here and comments from other parents saying that an RG is the best of the best and almost implying russel groups are the only universities worth going to. I’m not sure this is actually true as I know a lot of people who’ve gone to ex poly unis and been far more successful in life than those who’s gone to RG’s (granted that’s anecdotal). And I really don’t understand where this bias comes from that somehow a self proclaimed group of 20 or so universities are somehow the best of the best and any others (especially if post 1992) are not worth the money. Is this just snobbery and people trying to set themselves apart or is there any truth to the idea russel groups are inherently better universities?

Don't know why I said OP there! Apols to the OP!!

A “mere doctor”? I’m a lawyer and many doctors out-earn me. Bloody hell, this thread is something.

That would make me very sad as I would love to have grandchildren. If she decides not to then I will support her but surely she's more likely to make this decision if she is not financially stable.

My brother is an anaesthetist and he only earns £150k a year. That's not enough to buy a home in a neighbourhood that is similar to where we live now. That's what I mean, I have the greatest respect for doctors but I think they're underpaid.

I kind of hope this poster is on a wind-up, but if not, I feel incredibly sorry for her poor daughter.

I don't understand what is wrong with not wanting your kids to live a really difficult life.

This cannot be real.

Does your anaesthetist brother on 'only' 150k not have the required wife ? Does she work?

She's a stay at home mum. She qualified as a GP but went in stress leave and refuses to go back.

Nope.

Many women are choosing to be child free.

Hey, more money for her!

I agree. It must be a pisstake.

You can believe what you want. I live in London (Wimbledon) and to live in a nice area with low crime near a good school in a 3 bed family home that is done up properly you need £750k - £1M or so.

Well, I could tell you what I think is wrong with your approach but it would take a while because there is a lot. And I can't really be arsed because I don't actually think you're real.

You’re going to have to stop, my heart is breaking for him.

Considering the amount of training and the years it took my brother to become a consultant and the fact that my husband reached the same salary as a second year associate at a law firm don't you consider that underpaid ?

Oh I'm not doubting where you live or that houses in some areas are very expensive. I'm well aware of that.

I'm doubting that you could come across so badly without deliberately intending it -especially the twattish comments about "mere" doctors and accountants. I also struggle to believe that anyone would actually want to set their kids up with such a life limiting obsession with money - so for your dd's sake, I can only hope that you're not for real.

I think it’s more that some lawyers are overpaid tbh…

I think a lot of lawyers are overpaid, if that helps.

He's a consultant anaesthetist?

They usually earn upwards of 200k. Easily. Plus private side hustles. Overtime for on call.

And, no, I tend to think those lawyers should be paid less...

Snap!

My brother is an anaesthetist and he only earns £150k a year

Only!!!
A £150k salay goes a long way where I live.

This thread is getting bonkers.

Oh, and DD doesn't want children, and I am happy for her not to want them.

These are just worries my husband and I keep to ourselves. I hope we haven't shown it at least.

As a lawyer I can't disagree with that. But property prices in London are no joke!

Well, she's only three so probably not yet.

She could go and live in the -gasps- North. More bang for her buck.

He doesn't locum or overtime or night shifts. You get paid more for those things.

Your child is 3 and you're already worrying about whether she is "smart" or not. I guarantee that your weird attitude and expectations will be apparent to her as she grows up - whether you intend it or not.