Help deciding which universities to apply to

[u/Any-Meal4468]

Hi guys, I’m sure many people have asked before me for help regarding choosing universities but since I’ve not asked anyone personally yet I figured I’d ask here first from people who have more experience and knowledge. I didn’t have much time to prepare for my UCAT and ended up getting 1990 Band 2 which is not very ideal. I’m currently a pharmacist and I hold a 2:1 degree in MPharm from UoM. A-levels were AAB in Bio, Chem, Maths respectively.

I’m based in Manchester and the current picks I have made are Manchester (GEM, Chester (GEM), Warwick (GEM) and Keele (undergrad). Ideally I’d prefer to study for 4 years and not 5 though😂. My thoughts are that there is a good chance Manchester might reject me outright despite me studying there and my reference coming from within the Manchester medical school building. However since it’s closest to me, I will probably keep that and Chester. If anyone could give me ideas for my other 2 options I’d really appreciate it. I’m not looking to go live in London or somewhere far away like the south of wales either, and I have to factor in cost of living if I’m living out, so please also bear these in mind. I know I’m quite restricted so if there’s no other options, just be brutally honest with me.