Featured article by Peter McAllister, Marketing Enthusiast and Independent Technology Author
Applying for a university can be a stressful and exhausting process. Not only do you have to choose the perfect course, but you have the entire application process to worry about. In this article, we are going to help you with that, by explaining everything you need to know about University Applications in the UK.
UCAS:
The university and colleges admissions service, also known as UCAS, handles all University applications. Before doing anything, you’ll need to register with them at their website. Their website also has information regarding application deadlines, tuition fees, and contact details if you need to speak with them directly.
Choose your course:
After registering with UCAS, you’ll want to start browsing the available courses and make your selection. This is the crucial part! It’s where you can finally choose the path that can lead you to your dream career. If you have any doubts, speak to your friends and family. If you aren’t sure what to choose, try and think about your interests, or even take an online test. When you’ve found the perfect course, make sure you note the code, as you’ll need to put this in your application.
Write your personal statement:
It’s time to start your application! Before you submit, you want to make sure you have a killer personal statement, as you only get one! The first thing you’ll want to note in your personal statement, is why you want a place in the course. Make sure you show your interest, link any related experience, and talk about how this course can help you with your career goal. Then you’ll want to include what you, as an individual, can bring to the university. If you’re having trouble, try browsing the web for insight on personal statements, or ask your friends and family for advice.
Submit your application:
After you’ve filled out all the required information, it’s time for the big step… Submitting your application! Before you do so, make sure you re-read everything and make sure you have the right career codes. Also, ask a teacher, friend, or relative to read through it as well so they can give it a once over. Once you’re satisfied, you can submit it!
Track with UCAS:
UCAS Track allows you to monitor your applications, see their progress, and deny/accept offers. It offers you advice on what the next steps are, and you can even choose to defer and change course details.
Prepare for your interview:
After successfully completing your application and receiving an offer, chances are you’ll be soon getting ready for your university interview! There are many steps to help you prepare for this, but the main one is to be yourself! Be extra professional and respectful, but also remember to be honest. To help prepare yourself, ask your friends and family to read you some university interview questions so that you will feel more confident.
And there you have it! Good luck with your application, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. If you still have questions, don’t forget that you can contact UCAS directly. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious about this process, remember to take a breath and seek help if needed.
