Applying to university is a stressful time. You have to think of everything the admissions people might want to hear. You need to rack your brain for everything you've ever done of any importance. You've got to decide to study a subject which will determine much of the rest of your life.
And, on top of all that, all your mates are applying too. We feel for you – and we think for your teachers too.
However, they have all done it before. They know what the application process involves and what it is like to go through the fuss of submitting your application. You, on the other hand, may not – so it is essential that you listen up.
Here, we will give you some tips for writing your statement. We'll tell you what to include and how to make your application as engaging and appealing as possible. From the role of extracurricular activities to the importance of work, we'll cover the lot. Because no matter what you are told, it is not all about exam results or grades.
Let's take a look. You'll find links to more detailed articles in each section. We hope you find it helpful – and that you all get into the university courses of your dreams!
Find Relevant Work Experience
Let's start with some things you might not necessarily expect to consider for university admission: relevant work experience – or work at all.
Whilst you might not think that it is necessary to have work experience to go to university, you would be right – this is precisely what makes it so valuable if you have it or can get it. This applies particularly to relevant work experience.
So, if you want to study English at university, can you get some work experience at a publisher? If you want to be a doctor or are aiming for medicine courses at university, could you try to work in a care home or something similar? Or, if you're a budding engineer, can you try a little placement at an engineering agency?
Whilst it is not required when you apply to university, it can add a lot to your application.
Why Do Universities Care about Relevant Experience?
Why might university and college admissions people care about relevant work experience? Because it shows that you have gone out of your way to go over and above in pursuit of your subject. This equates to an unquestionable dedication and independence that few applicants can prove.
You can learn more about why universities like this in our article on relevant work experience for universities!
How to Get It?
Of course, there is the question of how exactly to get that work experience. With so much else on your plate, it is expected that you may feel you don't have the time to do it.
However, that's just the start. Then you need to know where to look too.
Try out your career services at school – or, if you can identify a place where you would like to work, send a speculative letter. In most cases, they'll be happy to have you.
Get a Job
If you cannot get strictly relevant work, any employment can impact the admission decision.
Weekend jobs are not just about the money – although that, of course, is wonderful. Instead, they give you many skills and say a lot about you as a person too.
So, if you have a weekend job, feel free to mention it. If you don't feel like you could handle one, get one.
Why Professional Experience is Great for University Applications
A Saturday job doesn't show just that you can stack shelves, sweep floors, or make cups of tea. Instead, it evidences many skills useful for university and some valuable character traits.
Firstly, weekend jobs give you life skills, the soft skills or transferable skills that come in handy in all different circumstances. We mean things like time management, problem-solving, and independence of thought – something not naren'trily taught in schools.
Then there is the thing about your character. Work makes you more mature, independent, and experienced in the real world. Believe it or not, these are great virtues for your studies.
How to Get Work?
Whilst the world of work can be challenging to navigate, there are many places you can look as a teenager after a Saturday job.
Talk to your careers advisor, or search job sites for the broadest opportunities.
Find out more in our article, How a Job Can Help Your Uni Application.
Have Interests Outside of School
One of the most common application questions regards extracurricular activities, or those you do outside of school or college. Think of what interests you and you actively pursue the sport you play, the band you’re iyou'rethe club you attend.
Of course, you are told these make up a significant part of writing a personal statement. And this is right – no matter what you do.
The Importance of Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities show that you have an interest outside of school. They show that you are a properly well-rounded human being. The evidence that you are more than just your secondary school teaching or test scores.
Doing great at school is all well and good. But throwing yourself into different interests, ideas, communities, and activities is even better. It shows that you are curious, proactive, and open-minded – and your personality has more to bring to your studies.
Are there any Extracurricular Activities that Matter More?
Whilst you can often be forced into the Duke of Edinburgh or Young Enterprise, it is not really that there are more “valuabl"” extrac"rricular activities than others.
Because it is not so much what you do or like – as long as you do or want something. Instead, it is how you frame your experience of this particular thing. How does it add to your academic record? How could it help you in the subject you are going to study? Why did you decide to dedicate your time to that particular thing?
You can learn more about putting outside interests on your university application in our article!
Be Involved in School Activities and Competitions
In the same way, activities and competitions based in your school can look great on your application for university admission. These can be anything from school council to a lunchtime chess club: they can all be helpful for you in your admissions process.
Why Contributing to Your School Community Matters
Why? Because you will contribute to your school community – like universities hope you contribute to student life during your degree.
Universities don’t judon'tnt to take in students who will perform well academically. They also want students who create a positive, exciting vibe for the institution. If you can show that you have committed in the past to make this, then great!
Examples?
As with extracurricular activities in general, there is no end to possible examples of productive school activities you could involve yourself in. Take part in an essay-writing competition, or start a science club – anything!
Find out more about school activities and competitions here!
Advice for Writing Your University Application
Once you have finished brainstorming all of the clubs and activities you participate in, you need to sit down and write a personal statement. How are you going to do that?
You can find out more in our piece on advice for writing your university application, but here are some things to get you started.
Before Writing Your Statement, Plan it.
Brainstorm, brainstorm, brainstorm – and then plan what you will include. What activities make the best examples? What are you sure you can talk about during the interview?
Planning your personal statement is crucial to your admissions success.
Sell Yourself Well, Don’t JuDon'tst Life Experiences
Your experiences are great, but don’t godon'theavy on the lists. It would be best if you thought best about how you frame the things you include. What skills do they show you have?
Your UCAS Personal Statement is Personal, Remember
Finally, remember that your statement should be unique. Write much less about your subject than you think. Write just about you.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
