Applying to university is much easier if you break it down into chunck. Here’s how to apply to uni in five steps!
Choose a course and university
Choices, choices! First, you need to decide what you want to study and which university you want to go to. Be sure to thoroughly check university websites. They will give you loads of information on student lifestyle, student support resources, courses, the local area and much, much more!
Think about:
- What subjects interest you and suit your nature, whether you have studied them before or not
- Which subjects might be useful for a future career you might gain personal and professional satisfaction from
- Whether work experience is built into the course (this will help your CV when you graduate)
- The university’s reputation for things that matter most to you (whether it’s lifestyle, ethics, location or educational excellence)
- Whether you can get funding support to help you overcome life’s barriers
- Your likelihood of meeting entry requirements for the course
You will make new friends and discover new interests wherever you study, so you don’t have to follow the crowd when you leave school or college. Try not to base your university application on where your friends want to go. This is your chance to put yourself first and think about what’s right for YOU.
Double-check all key application dates
Make a note of all key dates, like UCAS application deadlines. If you are struggling with your UCAS application, make sure you have checked any application extension periods.
Make sure you understand meet entry requirements
Each university will set entry requirements for course places. That means that, as a student, you will meet all the requirements (usually based on qualification grades) to successfully land a place on your chosen course.
Entry requirements can vary for each university and course, so check the university’s website to make sure you fully understand the entry requirements for any course you are considering. Some courses will have much tougher entry requirements than others.
You will get UCAS points awarded for your post-16 qualifications, and the higher your grade, the more UCAS points you will get for it. Qualifications that would count towards your UCAS points to help you meet entry requirements include (but are not limited to) GCSEs, A levels, BTECs, and Highers. You may also be asked to undergo an admission test or produce a portfolio of work. These would also count towards your entry requirements.
Start writing your university application and personal statement
Once you know which course you are applying for, it’s time to start writing your application!
Our UCAS jargon-buster will help you understand all the terms around your application.
Our UCAS personal statement tips will guide you through the process of writing your personal statement so that you can ensure your application stands out from the rest. You have full control over what you say about yourself, so make sure you demonstrate your passion, motivation, drive and suitability for your chosen course!
Use your waiting time to do more research
Once you’ve sent off your UCAS application, the long wait begins! Don’t just forget all about it, though. You can use the waiting period to research more about the university you have applied for. What societies can you join in Fresher’s Week? What support does the uni offer in terms of accommodation, careers advice, work experience, student finance, and wellbeing? See if you can attend a University Open Day, if you haven’t already. You can attend physically, and you can also explore the possibility of Virtual Open Days too.
Aim for success and start thinking about ways to save and earn money to help your student loan stretch as far as possible. The future is bright!
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