You can only do 1 UCAS application, and everybody sees it. If one course is very different, approaching the uni about a second essay as @ourfearfultrip did, might work- but I wouldn’t bank on it, especially for Oxford. Their tutors are specific that they ‘want students who love their subject as much as they do’. Telling them that you want a humanities course (PPL) there, but are applying to science courses elsewhere suggests a somewhat divided heart. I imagine that they would wonder why she wasn’t applying for Biomedical Sciences, which has a neuroscience specialization.
The degree of difference in the courses is evident in the entry requirements: PPL likes, but does not absolutely require a science or math and an English. Biomedical Sciences (at Oxford) requires two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Calc BC, similar to UCL’s neuroscience course, which requires chemistry plus at least one of Bio, Physics or Calc BC.
Has your daughter read the course descriptions (year by year) for the courses she is interested in?
Thank you so much@collegemom3717. Your response is so helpful. She had AP Chem and AP Bio in junior year, she took AP and SAT subject tests for both courses. She has meeting with counselor tomorrow about this, we will discuss with counselor.
Our son waited weeks for his teacher rec but it came just in time. UCAS app officially filed yesterday! Now it’s on to the HAT exam 11/2 and the waiting begins.
@CuriousInCincy Good Luck! An open application for Oxford? Where is he taking the HAT?
@collegemom3717 Is it true that all 5 universities see the whole application, including where else you have applied and for what subject(s)? I thought they don’t see where else you have applied to keep the process fair, which is why the PS is crucial, one which mentions multiple disciplines is not likely to go down well at all.
sorry if I wasn’t clear, @elguapo1- they all see the same application, but they don’t see who it goes to. So if the OP’s PS is all about neuroscience, and asks to submit an ‘extra’ one for a different course, even if that university says fine, they will still see the original PS.
I’m guessing that it was a pretty unique course that @ourfearfultrip was applying to, which might make the uni offering it more understanding about students needing to apply more broadly. As you note, for more mainstream courses, applying to courses as different as humanities and sciences would seem problematic.
@2018momnj, glad to be of help. One note of caution, though: if the counselor is not familiar with the UK system their ability to help may be somewhat limited. The weight of course selection is quite different than picking a major for a US college. If they are not familiar, it might be helpful to think of it as deciding whether to apply to the school of engineering or liberal arts in a US university- except that there are no do-overs. Again, be sure your daughter has looked at the course details carefully- the system is not very flexible!
@CuriousInCincy, congrats! & good luck on the HAT 
@curiouslnCincy,good luck to your son.
(also, @2018momnj, if your daughter got 5s taking AP Bio & AP Chem in one year, 1) wow! congrats to her - that is a great achievement and 2) that bodes well)
@HazeGrey Yes, an open application to Oxford for History. He would be happy at any college, and I’m told they often “trade” students anyway based on availability of slots. He is taking the HAT in Dayton, OH about an hour from us.
@2018momnj Thanks very much! It’s all excitement and anticipation at our house. We understand the odds for Oxford and he would be thrilled with any of the others. Edinburgh is probably at the top of his wish list. He’s applying to Trinity Dublin too.
@collegemom3717 Thank you so much! Our school counselor is very familiar UK system, since my daughter’s school have 1 or 2 students admitted by UK school every year ( out of 90-100).
Actually my daughter did not get 5 for AP Bio, but has Sat 740. AP Chem is 5 and 800 for SAT2. she was not confident about the requirement and not sure if she should apply Oxford or not. but her counselor thought she meets the combination requirements of AP and SAT subject test , that is why we add Oxford on the list last minutes…
She likes UCL very much, king’s college , Edinburgh are also on the list. Counselor also suggest St. Andrews…
@CuriousInCincy you should hear about shortlisting around Thanksgiving. Are you planning on traveling to Oxford for the interview? We did and I think my son was glad to do that.
@HazeGrey Yes, we are fully prepared to travel for the interview if he is invited. Thanks!
@2018momnj, that’s great that your daughter’s counselor has experience with UK unis! You might also look at Durham. It is a collegiate university (like Oxford and Cambridge), is well respected and a happy uni experience.
I don’t think Durham offers neuroscience. St Andrw’s is probably a safety or close to that for @2018momnj 's daughter.
I must admit, I would be concerned by that 4 (I assume) in biology, even with a SAT2.
What APs is she taking this year?
RE: Edinburgh application. In addition to the standard e-notice that his application has been received, our son got a nice email from someone on the History faculty saying that he would get a decision in 4-6 weeks at the latest. That would make for a great November surprise!
@Conformist1688 she is taking AP BC, AP stats, Physic honor, philosophy and English. Our highschool is not into AP that much, she is at top tier of her class level.
That was fast. Our son just got his first response: unconditional from Exeter! Much happiness at our house. And wondering what might happen with the other four. But what a relief to have one confirmed so soon!
Super news, @CuriousInCincy! Mid-Oct & a really good option in his pocket