Bill Bowkett talks about how he applied for university and what you can do to perfect your ucas application
So, University. It is a pretty daunting word for many, but an exciting one for others. Academically, university is the Premier League of education, that will challenge even the most clever clogs out there. With that though, universities have so much more to offer in terms of preparing you for the future. Whether that would be socialising, managing money or generally giving you a feel of what it is like to be an adult. Before you can even think about your time out on campus though, you have to apply way in advance, through a website called ucas.com. I am going to give you a rough guide of what the process was like and what I learnt from it.
1-Know if University is right for you!
University at Knights Templar is a very popular path for students, over 77 per cent of Year 13s applied this year. Of course, not everyone will be thinking about gaining a degree. Some will would prefer to go straight into work and start earning. Many might like to do an apprenticeship in something they are passionate about. Others would consider university in the long term, but might like to take a gap year away from school. These are all great optionss. Many successful people in the world never went to university. To those considering university, it is a big commitment that you must stand by. As of last year, university costs £9,250 a year, so question yourself whether university in the long term will be beneficial and worthwhile for you. Although, according to The Telegraph, a graduate earns on average over £500,000 more than a non-graduate.
2-Choosing the right course
Now this is where things get fun (and very stressful) for applicants. What would you like to learn about for the next 3 years or so? At the end of the day, you need to put on your personal statement why you would like do that course (more on that later). Some jobs require certain degrees, like Medicine to become a doctor. In my opinion though, I think you should pick a subject you are passionate about and you enjoy. I want to go into a career in journalism, but applied for Politics, because I was intrigued in the subject and that if I do not go into the media, then my degree can open other opportunities for me. But remember, just because it says the same course at different universities, it does not mean they are exactly the same. Look at the specific modules for learning to have a more indepth look into the course.
3- Choosing the perfect university
This section is almost endless. In the UK, there are over 150 registered universities, plus great options abroad as well. There is a university for everyone. Whether you are sociable, sporty or academic. But don’t immediately set your heart on Oxbridge just yet. Have a long research into the entry grades for the universities and the lifestyle - ask yourself, would I fit in well there? Go on many open days, it gives you a feel of what it is like being there, and spend a good amount of time with your family looking at the university websites. Also, don’t worry if you are stuck choosing universities; you are allowed to pick up to five options your application. I would say go for a safe option you know you could get into and then pick an aspiring one you can work hard to hopefully achieve.
4-Fill in your application
This bit is always the boring bit, but your teachers and parents will help you out with this. These are things like personal details, grades, work and student finance.
5-Write up your personal statement
Out of everything that I have said, this is the tricky bit. Four thousand characters to represent yourself and why you want to study at university, isn't much. It’s like a mini CV. If you want help to structure your statement, go to UCAS for more information. My best advice is to write simply and honestly. Don’t try to sound clever and be careful to avoid arrogance. Try to write like you are writing to a teacher or a family member about yourself and why you like learning about whatever it may be. Also, include what you want to get out of your three years. Just remember to check it and edit it again and again.
6-Send it off
Send off £20 to UCAS, click send and - bang - you have applied to university. From this point onwards, you can track your application and see how many offers you have. My advice would be to apply sooner rather than later. The deadline is typically in mid-January, but I got mine off in early November and received my primary offer within two days. It is the university's decision whether they would like to look at offers past the deadline. But get it in before the date and you will know your options before the end of May.
7- Go get those grades and boss your A Levels!
Unfortunately, getting a place at a university does not mean you can forget about your exams. You still need to get grades to get in. And if you do not do well, you might have to go through clearing or look for alternatives to college. So focus hard and do the best you can.
For help on revision, read Sasha’s article on How To Survive Exams