university - how to chose? Russell group really necessary?

[Slartybartfast]

just after advice for dd
one of her teachers said she should go for a Russell Group owing to her predicted grades.
another suggested she should go where she is happy because she will meet likeminded people, and therefore be happy.

why would a russell group be better?
doing eng lit.

Russell Group universities are large, research-intensive places. There are plenty of excellent, smaller universities that do not entitle them to RG membership because of their size, e.g. St Andrews.

You should always take the highest possible opportunity available to you. That is how I make my choices and have always found it to be a solid policy.

People hum and haw about personality and like minded stuff but really, as long as there is self confidence, we are all capable or learning and making friends in any situation, regardless of how foreign it is to us. So you might as well go with the choice that gives you the greatest opportunity to achieve what you want in life.

As for UCAS applications, I am a firm believer in choosing two places with standard offers matching predicted grades, one which will be a stretch, and two which are on the low end of predicted grades.

Definitely do not put down five Russell groups, which are going to give A*AA to AAB offers. You need a range.

As English Literature is offered just about everywhere, it is necessary to narrow down choices, e.g. by region, city/campus, large/small.

whatuni.com is an excellent site for screening unis.

I would think about course content and city vs campus and employability. English Lit doesn’t lead directly into a career, so she will ultimately have to compete with arts graduates from other universities. Even Cambridge English grads do not walk into jobs. I would look at two or three RG as they are possibly better regarded for this. Bath tends to be more business oriented and less arts oriented. There will be a variety of grades required within RG.

It’s a bit limiting to just look at universities where there are people like you (you think?). It’s a preconceived notion that is somewhat immature. If she wants a city with lots going on, there are plenty to choose from. Ditto a campus where everything happens on site.

I think choosing a niche course is a bit limiting and the best courses at the best universities don’t do thus. Also the lecturers offering the niche texts can leave or not be teaching that year. It’s probably best to stay general and aim high.