Applying for university
With up to five different courses at separate institutions to select, but only one choice in the end, the UCAS process can feel like a lotery. Then there’s the new- look personal statement to deal with too! Here’s how…
F
illing out forms is something a lot of people dread, whether it’s down to a fear of making mistakes or a lack of knowing what to write. But the UCAS form is probably the most important one you’ve faced so far. As intimidating
as the process might seem at first, half the batle is just to get started and ensuring you’ve lef yourself enough time. Afer this, the most important thing to bear in mind is: Rule number one: make sure you follow the instructions!
Filling in a UCAS form Applications are made online and the same form will go to each of the
(maximum) five courses at institutions of your choice. (The limit is a maximum of four, however, for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.) Consequently, as admissions staff point out, it’s best to remain neutral about colleges and universities on your form and not mention specific courses by name. That’s not to say, however, that researching the universities and the types of courses you are interested in isn’t important – it is, particularly when you are invited to attend an interview for a place at university. In order to process and send off your form, you’ll receive a ‘buzzword’
from your school or college. Like any application form, it asks for personal details, qualifications (anticipated grades as well as those achieved) and any employment history. So far, so straightforward – but do check and recheck all the information you enter, as mistakes are easily made!
References All applicants need a referee. This should be a current or previous teacher, but
can also be someone who knows you in a professional capacity – such as an employer, if you have a part-time job, for instance. The referee cannot, however, be a member of your family or a friend. The ‘buzzword’ links the application to your school or college and so a teacher can write a reference if appropriate. They’ll also be able to look over the application and provide help if required.
Tell us about yourself... The personal statement obligation has changed – much to the relief of
many – from one longer piece of text to three separate sections, each with a different question to help shape the focus for your answers. Rather than writing a long-form essay, which can be stressful, you provide answers to specific questions instead. All three, which you must answer, are: l l
Why do you want to study this course or subject?
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
l
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and in what way are these experiences useful?
These changes came into effect in September 2025, UCAS says each section will have a minimum character count of 350 characters, which
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