Applying to the best universities in the UK means getting to grips with the UCAS application process which, at first glance, can seem daunting. You may be confused about what is required, when to submit things, and how to make the most of your university application experience, particularly when applying to competitive Russell Group universities.
Don’t worry, because help is out there!
We’ve compiled a list of top tips and advice, gained from our many years of supporting students to achieve some of the best GCSE and IB Diploma results in the country, to guide you through choosing the perfect course and university. We’ll also take a look at putting together the ultimate personal statement to help you stand out in your chosen subject area.
Choosing The Perfect Course
In the UK, there are over 50,000 different university courses with all sorts of different specialisations to consider. But how do you find the perfect one for you? There are two key questions to ask yourself to ensure that you find a course that you will both, enjoy and that will prepare you for your chosen future career.
What Subjects Do You Enjoy At School?
Firstly, think about what you love and excel at in school. Do you have any subjects that you find yourself looking forward to during the school day more than others? Are there any topics that come more naturally to you, or big questions you love to ponder? What subjects are you likely to get the best results in?
Choosing a subject that you have a natural affinity and passion for will enrich your university experience. At uni, you will be spending time carrying out independent research and analysis, reading the work and theories of experts in the field, and coming up with your own ideas and hypotheses – not to mention writing extended essays on the subject. There is more independent learning and reading than you may be used to doing at school or sixth form. For those who have studied the IB Diploma, the Extended Essay and TOK elements will have already given you a excellent grounding in independent research and study skills.
By choosing a subject that you are genuinely interested in, you will be much more excited to independently research your subject, not only making the learning experience more fun, but likely resulting in a better grade at the end of your time in higher education.
What Career Do You Want?
Another big consideration for your course is to consider what degree will assist you in your future career path. There are some degrees such as medicine, veterinary science, law and architecture which lead to clear-cut professions, and for which you will need to take specific courses to qualify.
However, when it comes to other careers, there can be several different options you can take. To break into the financial industry, for example, you might choose Economics, Mathematics, Accounting or even Business Studies as your degree subject (and then specialise in particular financial modules). Similarly, if you’re looking for a career in politics, there are all kinds of degrees that can help you get there, from English Literature, to languages and even Philosophy.
Choosing The Perfect University
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There are several different factors to consider when you are looking for the right university for you. Do remember that this is the place where you’ll spend at least three years of your life! Some uni experts suggest writing a list of all the things you want from a university before considering your options, dividing them into negotiables and non-negotiables.
The Courses
Different universities tend to excel or have research expertise in specific subjects. If you are keen on becoming an expert in physiotherapy for example, The University Of Liverpool is ranked one of the highest universities in the country for its physiotherapy courses. Cardiff University is renowned for journalism, Durham for English and Bristol for Geography. It is important to look at the course specifications, modules, course length and the teaching staff too.
The Location
Consider university as your new home – you will be living there for at least 3 years after all. Think about how far you would like to be away from where you live now. Do you want to be able to pop in to see your parents for a cup of tea and bring them some washing? Or do you want to seek independence during your time at the university?
Also have a look at the city and what it has to offer. As a university student, the nightlife, sports venues, events and culture is vital to consider. What do you like to do? And what cities offer that?
For international students, it’s important to consider the local airports and train stations. What’s the point of finding the perfect university if you can’t get there easily?
The Societies
Whether you’re interested in sport, drama, music, debating or technology, there is something for everyone at university. However, just like the courses, different universities excel at different things.
When it comes to sport, some universities rule the societies roost, so if you fancy playing for some of the top sports teams in the country, it’s worth looking at Loughborough, Birmingham, Nottingham. Whereas, Oxford, Durham and Glasgow have been renowned for their debating abilities for decades, Southampton, Cambridge and Bristol take the lead in music.
If you head over to the university website, BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) league tables or society social media pages it might help you understand where your ideal university ranks for your chosen extra-curricular activities.
The Finances
University can be VERY expensive, so it is vital that when considering your university that you look at how much it will cost. Prices vary depending on location, your nationality and your household income.
There are many different organisations that are able to help you out with the finances, so if you’re UK based, try looking at the Student Finance website.
Writing Your Personal Statement
For many students, one of the most difficult parts of applying to university is writing a personal statement. Your personal statement holds a lot of weight because it is what makes you stand out from the crowd – showing off your writing skills and your ability to craft a persuasive pitch! However, with the right approach and know-how, structuring, writing and finessing your personal statement doesn’t have to be a headache.
Structure
One of the hardest parts of writing any piece of important work is how to approach its structure. At school, especially if you’re an IB Diploma Programme student, you’ll be used to approaching essays, assignments and other pieces of work by creating detailed plans. This is not too dissimilar from the approach we suggest taking with your personal statement.
As a basic structure, we suggest dividing your personal statement into four paragraphs that span over one page of A4 paper. The following paragraphs could follow this format:
1. Introduction and why you are choosing the course
This section should give a brief overview of you as a person and why you would like to choose the course, including referencing why this subject appeals to you. This means that if you are applying to different courses, you should adapt your personal statements to suit. Perhaps consider how you would introduce and sell yourself as you would if someone were to ask why you were applying for a specific position at an interview.
2. Current studies and how they relate
Here you should discuss what you are currently studying in your IB Diploma or your A Levels as well as any subjects that relate to your chosen course from previous education. It might be helpful to use course specific jargon that you have picked up during your studies in this section to convey your knowledge of the subject.
3. Experiences
In this section you need to talk about a range of things you’ve done during your life that will not only make you an excellent candidate for your course but also to show that you are a well-rounded individual with a deep interest in the course you are applying for. This could include any extra-curricular clubs, work experience, school trips, travelling or volunteering that you may have done during school, sixth form or in your own time. If you can link it to your subject, then so much the better.
4. Your Future
To conclude your personal statement, it’s a good idea to round things off by referencing your future plans. This shows ambition and forward-thinking, as well as linking all of the paragraphs together to really sell yourself as a desirable candidate for your chosen course.
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It is important to consider that for different universities and courses, the application process does vary. Those looking to study medicine, law and engineering, or hoping to apply for Oxford or Cambridge will potentially need to prepare for further examinations, interviews or tests. Keep your eyes on our blog for more uni application top tips in the coming weeks.