UCAS application

Four key things that your child should do to craft a compelling UCAS application

-Dr Kirsten Dickers, Head of Sixth Form, Oxford International College (OIC) Brighton

UCAS applications are being prepared by many Sixth Form students in the UK, for university places before the January 2025 deadline. But what can your child do to make their applications stand out?

Formerly an admissions officer for the University of Cambridge, I have reviewed many applications and with so that, I share my advice for you and your child to help them craft a compelling university application.

Prioritise a course over a university in UCAS application

Choosing a university based on reputation alone can be tempting. However, students should focus on selecting a course they enjoy that aligns with their interests. This will lead to a more positive university experience, increased engagement and better outcomes for your child. Understanding the nuances of their course will enable your child to better tailor their application to showcase their passion and enthusiasm for the course, helping them to stand out.

Research

Choosing a university is a huge decision, so at OIC Brighton, we encourage our students to undertake proactive and independent research when applying to university, which empowers them to make informed decisions. By reading entry requirements, exploring individual modules and lecturer’s specialities, visiting university Open Days, and more, students can better their understanding of the universities and courses they are applying to.

UCAS Application should focus on relevance

For UK university applications, students should emphasise their recent, relevant experiences to demonstrate passion for their chosen subject; extracurricular achievements or accomplishments that are not directly related to the course should be minimised. While these are wonderful things that indeed make your child a well-rounded student, spaces on some courses are limited, so your child should focus on wider exploration and reflection. Often, students with great personal statements haven’t done lots of different activities but show different ways of experiencing their subject, such as attending lectures, exhibitions and even reading articles, all of which enables them to demonstrate curiosity and create the oppourtunity to reflect on how they have deepened their interest in their subject.

Choose authenticity over perfection

While hiring an application tutor is becoming increasingly common, university admissions officers want to understand why your child wants to study a course and the best way for them to demonstrate this is to write their own application. This will evidence their personality and passion for a subject. Admissions officers are well-equipped to identify an application that sounds like it was written on behalf of a student; personal statements that are seen to be professionally written may be deemed inauthentic and untrustworthy. At OIC Brighton, our students benefit from tutors who ensure their applications are written in a way that will attract the interest of an admissions officer but reflects their age and abilities.

Although grades remain important, crafting a compelling personal statement goes beyond achieving the grades required by a university. It relies on showcasing a deep interest in their chosen subject, exploring beyond their classroom learning, and reflecting on their experiences to inform their understanding.

Parents News UK has another article on University application