THE UNIVERSITIES WERE REALLY HELPFUL

I knew all along I wanted to do some kind of science degree, and one day it just popped into my head that I fancied genetics. I got hold of the UCAS Handbook and found 18 possibilities. Then I got hold of prospectuses and got it down to 10. I couldn't make up my mind whether I fancied a campus or non-campus university, so I decided to apply to some of both. One teacher at my school was in touch with people at some of the unis on my list and it was useful to find out how they were getting on. I came up with my final choices and all went well filling in the form - I just followed the instructions. I got loads of offers, but by then had decided to do medicine. I contacted the universities and asked whether I could transfer once I got in or if I would need to re-apply. Some said I could transfer, if my A-level grades were reasonable and I did OK in the early part of the course.

I went to loads of places but fell in love with only one, which I accepted for genetics. Looking back my big problem was having to make decisions before I was ready.

I wish I had relied less on the conflicting advice of my school's advisers and more on contacting universities direct; they were really helpful.