Application Tips
We know that applying to university is often a strenuous process that at times raises
more questions than it answers. This is why our team have come up with a set of
facts and tips that will help you stay on top of your application.
Here are some of the facts you should know:
Where to apply
All the undergraduate applications to British universities are managed online by
UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. www.ucas.co.uk
When
The applications can be made one or two years prior to the year of enrolment. In
other words, for courses starting in 2012 the deadlines are:
-
15 Oct 2011: for all courses at the University of Cambridge and University of Oxford as well
as for courses in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine;
-
15 Jan 2012: for all other courses, with the exception of performing arts; 24 March 2012: for
design, drama, dance and other performing arts.
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31 March 2012: by this time universities will send you an offer
-
5 May 2012: after considering all their offers, this is the deadline for making
a firm choice and an insurance choice;
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18 Aug 2012: the clearing application system begins.
How
UCAS is a centralised, online platform which allows you to apply to a maximum of
5 universities, out of the 115 Higher Education institutions in the UK. This means
that you will be sending the same application to all of them.
Tip: Since you will only write one personal statement for all of
the 5 universities you selected, it is important that you choose similar courses.
Also, if you are applying for a joint honours degree, you should clearly express
your interests in both sides of the degree.
Tip: look for academic excellence Although students consider a
myriad of criteria when making their choices, ranging from proximity to hometown,
to sport facilities on campus, we recommend that you first take into consideration
the universities' academic reputation.
An easy way to quantify this is by looking at Subject Tables and League Tables.
Subject Tables rank universities by how efficient they are in teaching a certain
subject. Teaching quality is a factor that can impact you experience of higher education
profoundly. Therefore, we advise you to apply to institutions in Top 10-15.
League Tables rank universities in general, according to their student:staff ratio,
employability of graduates, as well as competitiveness of admissions.
Tip Ideally, in order to have a balanced, reliable set of choices,
you should aim for:
-
1 high shot: a university of excellent standards that you hope to impress with a
brilliant personal statement and great A-level results. Situated in Top 15 in the
League Tables
-
2-3 realistic choices: universities of very good standards, whose criteria you feel
confident you can meet. Situated in Top 30 League Tables
-
1 insurance choice: a less competitive institution that you can attend in case you
fail to meet the requirements of your preferred choices. Situated in Top 50 League
Tables
More facts and tips coming soon