Support with UCAS
UCAS Support in school – a student perspective!
“Our UCAS support began with Mr Mirshemirani delivering an introduction to the UCAS process. I found this so helpful as each slide was very detailed and explained thoroughly the steps that are needed for the further education. We were introduced to logins for websites that will benefit us greatly such as UCAS hub and the further importance of Unifrog. The highlights of the presentation were that not only did Mr Mirshemirani go through the direct process of applying to universities and potential apprenticeships but included useful tips and guides that would initially affect the UCAS process: things like going over the importance of revision and upcoming mocks. One thing that most people found immensely effective was the printed booklet that was given out during the assembly, this contained a space for tracking your progress of the steps of UCAS and which is very helpful and reliable as having a physical copy in writing gives us something fall back on when in doubt.”
“During our PRESS lessons for the recent Fridays, us sixth form students have been allocated time specifically to research the options post a level. During these lessons we have even had small presentations on ways to make the process easier, such as how to start drafting ideas for personal statements by looking specifically at what each course demands from the applicants, which is aided by us signing up to the UCAS hub—on this we have managed to already create a shortlist of universities and options for after sixth form! As well as this, we have received many worksheets to help us organize our research completed so far, filed in our future files.”
“On Friday during PRESS, The IntoUniversity organisation came in and talked to us about UCAS applications regarding personal statements. I found it helpful, especially the triangle that breaks down extracurricular, core curricular and super curricular. I learnt how much to write for each section and now I'm looking forward to starting my personal statement.”
Advice from a student!
“It is important to note that when writing an application to a university, you write enough for 2 A4 pages. This means that you should write enough about yourself so that your achievements are recognised, and are able to compete with other applicants. However you do want to filter out key information, and expand on more relevant achievements such as work experience related to your chosen course. Doing work experience shows universities that you've had exposure within your chosen field, and the more exposure you've had and can talk about, the better.
Other relevant points to include in your application that universities look for are:
- Why you've chosen the course
- What skills you have for the chosen course
- What skills and ambitions you have for your future career.
Looking at course modules at your chosen university and expressing an interest in them or talking about study you've done on the topic makes you appear to be more ambitious about not only starting the course, but completing and going further with a career related to it. This helps universities filter out students they know will enjoy the subject and therefore excel.
The tone used in your application doesn't need to involve extravagant words, but rather be more informative. This is more helpful at getting your point across. Keep things straight to the point, clear and concise.”
Early Applications
“Some sixth form students are contemplating applying to Oxford or Cambridge University. To aid with our choices we were able to meet an Oxford alumnus who could answer our questions. This allowed us to be more informed on our future choices as the need to make them are quickly approaching. We enquired about interviews and dorm life to get a better understanding of how Oxford works. We now feel more ready for encounters with universities and we can now have a stronger faith in our future."
“For those of us who want to pursue a career in Medicine or Dentistry, UCAS application deadlines are imminent. Throughout this process we have been getting support from our A-level Biology Teacher and Head of Science, Ms Jude, who has helped us devise our next steps towards strengthening us as candidates, from planning work experience opportunities to practice/mock medicine interviews. We have also worked towards strengthening our applications independently through planning to attend open days, the Into University medicine workshop where we were provided with guidance from current medical students, as well as participating in summer programmes such as the Nuffield Research Placement.”