Get UCAS Ready Week: Applying to University
The focus of today’s Get UCAS Ready Week blog post is Applying to University.
We asked all the RO Partner universities for their advice on making your application and writing your personal statement. Take a look through their top tips below!
- University of Birmingham
- University of Exeter
- University of Leeds
- University of Leicester
- Loughborough University
- Newcastle University
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Warwick
- University of York
Not sure what the Get UCAS Ready Week is? Read the Get UCAS Ready Week Introduction here.
University of Birmingham
Top tip!
Your personal statement is your chance to convince admissions tutors to offer you a place on the courses you’re applying for. You should showcase your passion for your subject and show that you have the motivation and ambition to succeed. You want to show genuine interest in the course you are applying to and that you have taken the time to properly research what is involved.
Resources from the University of Birmingham:
University of Exeter
Top tip!
Check what support you’re eligible for alongside your contextual offer that’s linked to your qualifying criteria. Support and criteria, from pastoral to financial and more, differs from uni to uni and this could have a huge impact on your experience as a student and beyond.
Resources from the University of Exeter:
University of Leeds
Top tip!
Get someone else, like your tutor, family or friends, to read your statement to check for any errors and makesuggestions before you submit it. You may need a few drafts before you are happy with the final version, but different perspectives can help shape your statement into the very best version of itself.
Resources from University of Leeds:
University of Leicester
Top tip!
Make sure you research the course you want to apply to. The same course at two different universities can be very different due to topics taught. Do a comparison of the course you want to study and the universities that offer it so you can attend the university that has the topics that interest you the most.
Resources from the University of Leicester:
Loughborough University
Top tip!
Make sure you share any individual needs or experiences (such as a disability or mental health condition / time spent in care or any caring responsibilities), as early as possible with the universities you are applying to. This way they can ensure any adjustments or support are in place before you arrive.
Resources from Loughborough University:
Newcastle University
Top tip!
Try to visit as many Universities as you can that you are interested in studying at. Events like Open Days are the best way to get a feel for a University and to learn more about things like accommodation, extra support available and the course(s) that you are interested in. Many Universities also run virtual events and so be on the look out for opportunies like these for places you are interested in.
Resources from Newcastle University:
Queen Mary University of London
Top tip!
Visit universities and speak to current students and staff. Open Days and Taster Days are an excellent opportunity to find out more about universities and courses – you can also get top tips to support your application.
Resources from Queen Mary University of London:
University of Warwick
Top tip!
If you’re thinking about applying to university, it’s important to research the courses you’re interested in. Although different universities may offer the same subject, the course content, teaching methods, assessment styles, and optional modules can vary, so take the time to compare them and find the course that best suits your interests and learning style.
Also, attend as many university open days as possible. Visit a range of universities, whether they’re close to home or further away, as each institution has its own atmosphere and community. Open days give you the opportunity to speak with academics and current students, explore the campus and facilities, and get a real feel for what it would be like to study there. These experiences can play a valuable role in helping you decide which university is the right fit for you. Also make sure you check out for your courses GSCE/A-Level requirements as some courses may need specific grades for your course.
Resources from the University of Warwick:
University of York
Top tip!
One tip is to think about the way a course is taught. You can use this to help you plan for your personal statement and any interviews as they will look for skills relating to the course teaching style
Resources from the University of York:
