Applying to Universities with grades in hand

[mushroom3]

DD has taken a gap year, so is applying with 2020 grades
. Should she re-apply to her previous choices (missed firm by one grade, insurance was full), or just new ones? Should she apply to places whose standard offer matches her grades or apply to those who advertise 1-2 grades higher? (particularly as if firmed grades may be one grade lower) It's a bit difficult for her to judge what to do with the unprecedented circumstance this year!

[MarchingFrogs]

In the meantime, for those with unexpected (or even planned) time on their hands between now and next September...
www.gov.uk/government/publications/package-of-support-for-students-who-have-to-defer-their-studies/package-of-support-for-students-who-have-to-defer-their-studies

[MarchingFrogs]

If the universities which she firmed and insured are still the ones she really wants to go to, then it would seem odd not to reapply, but bearing in mind that the one which she missed out on by one grade may say no again. I'm assuming that she hasn't sat the October exams in that subject to try to improve it?

Was / is it's a Russell Group university actually her main criterion, rather than course content? For some things at least by only considering RG, one would miss out on really interesting options at, say, Sussex, UEA or St Andrews.

[DeeandraReynolds]

I did this but many years ago. I spoke to universities over the phone and checked if they would be likely to take me. Then applied and got 6 unconditional offers, (obviously...I'd checked beforehand, but we don't need to tell people that- 6 unconditionals are 6 unconditionals)! I ended up going to a good uni. Like consistently top ten. It was a 'plate glass' uni, so maybe similar to your dd.

[PresentingPercy]

I wouldn't. Just start again. She will be judged against this year's applications.

[mushroom3]

Lower ranking RGs, has anyone had any experience if doing this in previous years? Should she email admissions teams of 2020 firm and insurance?

[PresentingPercy]

Depends on subject. Depends on university. RG is a wide spread and includes Oxbridge and Imperial. Other lower ranking RG might be more flexible but depends on course. I might kite fly for 1 or 2 but not for any subjects at some RG universities!

[mushroom3]

All were in clearing (initially until CAGs were used). She got the grade required in the subject she wants to study, the dropped grade was in another subject and Russell Group Unis.

[SusannahSophia]

I’d go 2-3 aspirational and 2-3 at grades achieved. Worth a punt. Did you keep an eye on whether any were in clearing?

[NotDonna]

I think it very much depends on her subject, what grades she has and which universities she’s considering.

[titchy]

What grades and subject?