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Preparing for your application is essential...
Whether you are putting together your personal statement, researching whether higher education is for you, or preparing for an interview, there's never been a better time to prepare for your UCAS application.
Universities are looking for students who can:
Demonstrate a passion for their subject
Showcase their engagement with the sector and/or the topics related to that sector
Explain how they have developed skills - especially the skills needed in certain jobs
Talk about how they know university is for them
Have started to think about career goals from their degree
Below are things you can do to prepare for your application to university
Your (potential!) pre-application checklist. Have I...?
Researched the career:
Especially important in courses linked to careers like medicine, teaching, nursing, engineering - have you looked into the career at all? Have you gone beyond information to speak to real people in the field? Try: work shadowing, open events, jobs fairs, virtual activities.Get work experience:
Work experience or volunteering can either be relevant or relatable, but both are great! Learn skills needed in the workplace and potentially even get to try out skills you will use in your future job. Try: volunteering with a charity, getting a work placement, finding part-time work.Join a sports club or society:
The College offers a range of societies and sports clubs, but you might even find some outside of college! This could be a new hobby, something you have always loved or something to drive yourself! Try: picking up a sport, joining a society, looking into local societies in your subject.Attend university tasters and open days:
Universities always open their doors to prospective students to showcase what they offer and give you a taste for university life. These may even be offered through college. Try: speaking to universities at fairs, sign up for an open day (virtual, on campus, course specific), join an open lecture.
You may find sector specific virtual experience by looking for employers in your chosen sector!
Develop new (and sought after skills):
Universities look for students who are skilled and able to learn. This is particularly impressive if it is related to your course, but can also just be for fun and to show you're well-rounded. Try: learning a new language, picking up a new hobby or skill, blogging or using social media to document your progress.Take part in a 'summer' school:
Some universities offer exclusive opportunities to stay with them, usually during periods like Summer or Easter, but sometimes outside of this. This normally involves trying lessons and living in student accommodation! Try: researching summer schools and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone by signing up!Do wider reading on your subject:
You can show an interest in your subject by taking some time to read beyond your current course suggested reading. It might even give you an advantage on your classmates! Try: reading further than your subject, creating presentations on a topic you have found, find and read from university reading lists.Keep up-to-date with the latest developments:
The news is always full of the newest developments, but sometimes even engaging with podcasts or videos can give you a quick insight into your subject. Try: listening to a relevant podcast, watching a documentary on your subject, reading news articles and journals.
Try a challenge:
Nothing looks more impressive than pushing your own limits, especially in the pursuit of knowledge. This can show your drive and motivation, even if you aren't successful. Try: writing a blog or novel, doing your own research challenge, putting your name down for a sporting challenge, taking part in an enterprise activity.Visits, events and field trips:
This one is also tonnes of fun - get out and about to places and events that are relevant for your subject area. This will show a passion as well as immerse you in the topic. Try: heading to the threatre or cinema to see an adaptation, take a trip to the museum, keep an eye out for events and exhibitions.Take time to do online learning:
Online courses or MOOCs are often free online courses you can do from the comfort of your home to give you a snapshot of a subject. They are structured learning which takes off some pressure you might feel to look yourself. Try: taking the plunge and signing up for a course today, some can only take a few hours.
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