Every year, many students prepare for the UCAS deadline in January to apply for their desired courses. While it’s an exciting step, it can also be stressful to choose the right course and university. Here’s our guide to help you navigate this important journey:
1. Choosing the right course
Selecting the right course is a crucial decision, so keep these factors in mind:
- Choose a course you genuinely enjoy and are excited to study for at least three years.
- Ensure that you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course. This includes the subjects you studied in GCSEs, A-levels, or a completed degree if applicable. If you’re in Year 12, make sure your predicted grades match the course requirements—this is essential for securing an offer.
- Look into the course details. Understand what you’ll be studying, and what career paths it can open up for you.
- Attend open days (online or in-person) to gain a better understanding of the courses you’re interested in.
- Speak to your teachers or career advisors to discuss your options. Their guidance can help you narrow down your choices and ensure you’re making a well-informed decision.
- You have the option to apply for up to five courses through UCAS. You can choose the same course at different universities, or different courses at the same or different universities. Use these wisely!
2. Choosing the right university
Selecting the right university is another major step. Consider these points:
- Decide whether you want to commute from home or move out. This decision will impact the universities you apply to, as some may be too far for daily travel.
- Visiting universities, either virtually or in person, can give you a better feel of the campus, the facilities, and the student life. Choose a place that excites you and makes you feel comfortable.
- While it’s important to like the university, you also need to meet the entry requirements. Each university has different criteria, so make sure you meet the academic requirements for your preferred options.
3. Writing your Personal Statement
The personal statement is a key part of your UCAS application and gives you the chance to showcase your passion for the course and your suitability.
- Write about why you’re passionate about the course you’ve chosen. What sparked your interest? Avoid generic phrases; universities want to hear your unique perspective.
- Highlight any work experience, volunteering, or extracurricular activities that relate to your course.
- Discuss the subjects you’ve studied and how they’ve prepared you for the course. Mention any particular projects, coursework, or topics you’ve found interesting and how they’ve shaped your decision.
- Talk about your career aspirations and how the course will help you achieve them.
- Make sure your statement is well-organised. Refer to our recommended structure below.
- Spelling and grammar mistakes can leave a poor impression. Make sure to proofread your statement multiple times, and ask teachers or friends for feedback.
Our recommended structure:
Paragraph 1: Motivation and Commitment (500 – 600 characters)
Paragraph 2: Work Experience (1000 – 1200 characters)
Paragraph 3: Academic Background and Extra Reading (800 – 1000 characters)
Paragraph 4: Extracurricular Activities and Volunteering (1000 – 1200 characters)
Paragraph 5: Conclusion (200 – 300 characters)
4. Securing a strong reference
A strong reference is an essential part of your UCAS application!
- Typically, your reference will be written by a teacher, tutor, or career advisor who knows you well academically.
- Give your chosen referee plenty of notice—don’t leave it to the last minute.
- It’s helpful to provide your referee with a list of your academic and extracurricular accomplishments, career goals, and any specific points you’d like them to highlight in their reference.
- If you have work experience or skills that are particularly relevant to the course, make sure your referee is aware of these.
- If you’ve faced any personal challenges or difficulties that may have impacted your academic journey, consider discussing this with your referee.
- Once you’ve requested the reference, follow up with your referee to ensure everything is on track, but be polite and respectful of their time.
Good luck and contact us for our Personal Statement Reviewing Service. For just £40, you’ll receive two comprehensive reviews.
- The first review will be completed within 48 hours, followed by a video call to discuss feedback and suggestions for improvement.
- After you’ve made your edits, we’ll provide a second review within 48 hours to finalise your statement and ensure it’s polished and ready for submission.
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