You’ve decided what you would like to study, and you’ve got a good idea of where you would like to go to university.
Now is the time to make your application to sing your praises and shout that your university needs me! (Although our application experts always advise against writing that!)
Some courses are competitive and there aren’t enough spaces for everyone. Many universities don’t publish their admission statistics. So rather than dwelling on the ratios think about how you can better yourself to secure a space. That can be through gaining subject-related experience or achieving some key personal goals.
We have spoken to some of the UK’s admissions departments to bring you 8 effective ways to make your application stand out from all the other eager prospective students.
1. Research your university course
Your application is the university asking if you are best placed to study with them, so make sure you give them a great answer by getting your research right.
When it comes to writing your application, it’s really important to tailor your application to that course. You are applying to several universities so this is where your research will pay off.
University courses vary widely and whilst you might want to study English Literature, each course will offer different content and modules. English Literature at Newcastle will probably offer a very different experience to the same course at Bath.
When you start writing your application look at the different University courses and see what they have in common. Take these aspects in your application to make it specific, yet relevant to all your chosen universities.
We spoke to Paige, an admissions expert at Oxford Brookes University about what admissions departments are looking out for when applying:
“The most essential part of a university application is your personal statement – the chance to sell yourself and explain to admissions tutors why you want to study your chosen course. This should be easy if you’ve chosen the right course and university for you.
Make sure you’re passionate and enthusiastic in your personal statement – our top tip is to show you’ve done extra reading and research, as it’s what admissions tutors are struggling to find in most applications.”
2. Start reading books related to your subject
Have a look at the reading list for your dream course and read (or listen to) a couple of the books on the list. This is a great way to get engaged with your chosen subject. Even better, referencing these readings and what you enjoyed about them in your application will be a great way to stand out as well.
A Cambridge spokesperson said how important it is for students to be engaged with their subject. Universities like students who love to learn, so don’t be afraid to reference some books you’ve read and how they have bettered you as a Scientist/Writer/Designer (or whatever it is you specialise in). As well as a desire to learn, this shows universities you have two more things they love in students: aspiration and confidence.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering is not only great for the world, people around you, and a feeling of fulfilment, it looks great in your university application. What’s more, as we mentioned in our last chapter it is a way to earn additional UCAS points. You can earn up to 50 extra UCAS points and help out a good cause by taking an ASDAN Community Volunteering Qualification.
There are many other volunteering programs that will be a great asset to have on your university application, you can find a few of them in this guide.
4. Get course-related work experience
Getting work experience in your desired career before you start university is a big win. Whilst it can be really difficult to secure relevant experience, your confidence and perseverance in trying to do so will speak volumes. Make sure you talk about the process of getting the experience, even if you don’t manage to secure anything.
Commercial Director of Distinctly, Elizabeth Walker, offers her thoughts on work experience:
“Even just a short period undertaking work experience can be invaluable for students. The main reason is that whilst academic studies provide a plethora of beneficial skills, the mindset of the workplace is something that can only be acquired by spending time in such an environment and understanding the challenges that this presents.
From the perspective of a university assessing applicants, whilst grades are of course the main criteria for acceptance, those students with even a short history of work experience will be looked upon favourably.”
5. Get an award
A great achievement you can aim for alongside your studies is The Duke of Edinburgh Award (you may have heard this referred to as ‘DofE’).
Young people who have taken part in The Duke of Edinburgh Award demonstrate many attributes. In particular, you show commitment to a particular programme over a given timescale. You have developed new skills and have gained knowledge through your choice of activity.
The whole programme is completely voluntary and completed in your own time. Given the time commitment that each award requires (this increases for each level), participation and completion show you’re determined to follow things through to the end.
Not only will the DofE award make your university application stand out, but there are also innumerable rewards you can take with you into your career.
Mike founded his very own DofE supported adventure company, RockRiver Expeditions:
“In undertaking the programme, you can develop both hard and soft skills, which are transferable to their everyday life and future work. The awards looked great on my university application and helped me start my very own outdoor adventure company running DofE expeditions for avid adventurers!”
The award is designed to stretch and challenge you whilst allowing you to grow and develop at your own pace. It allows you to learn how to deal with and interact with peers and adults over numerous challenges.
6. Learn another language
If you’re browsing this a week before the application deadline, then this tip may seem a little far-fetched, but who’s to say you can’t dust off that GCSE Spanish and give it another go?
Of course, it’s likely you won’t have enough time to become fluent, but learning shows a great commitment to study, plus it might help you on your next holiday. You can express in your application that this is a goal you are working towards.
The ability to learn a language shows incredible perseverance and advanced memory skills. At university, you’ll likely be mingling with peers from all over the world, and it is a great way to show you are interested in other cultures. At Tutorful we have tutors that can teach you all languages, from Spanish to Mandarin!
7. Improve your grades
Of course, your grades are going to have to be spot on for a university to give you an offer. If you’re struggling, or think you’ll find your current grades difficult to achieve – consider private tutoring to give your exam results a boost and learn some new revision techniques.
If you have an edge on fellow students with your predicted grades, making them a reality means you’ll have a better chance at securing your dream university offer!
8. Believe in yourself
You’ve made it this far, which means you’ve already done a lot of hard work. Well done!
Be proud of what you’ve achieved so far and have the confidence in your university application to express that you can do whatever you set your mind to.
As you’re getting your head down with your application, remember this all-important benefit of really standing out in your university application, as Sarah Brookes of Graduate Careers Experts Prospects summarises perfectly:
“A great university application is an important first step towards a potentially life-changing experience. University provides students with the chance to not just study a subject they’re passionate about but also offers opportunities to develop new skills, confidence, and independence.
People with a degree are more likely to be employed and command higher salaries, so don’t underestimate the importance of getting that university application right.”
