Hello everyone.
This blog post is going to focus on University applications and the processes you have to go through when applying for a course for further education. It will give some background information on how my process was and will give you the chance to ask me about any queries regarding this process.
The application process can seem a daunting task for students to undertake, but really, it isn't as bad as it seems!
The majority of students apply for a course through the UCAS website. I believe the UCAS website application is the best route to go for when applying for a course in which you want to succeed. It provides helpful tools, such as the course finder, to really make sure the course you are choosing is right for you. It also gives you the opportunity to start your application and then save it and log back in anytime you want to complete it - giving you the chance to make your application strong and healthy.
Firstly, you will create a UCAS account membership, which will enable you to use the functions of the UCAS website to maximum. Then, you will supply a variety of personal information such as your birth date, residential status and email address, which will be the main source of communication between UCAS and you.
After this, you will link your Student Finance information with UCAS if you have begun to complete the Student Finance application. This page will show based on your answers given in the personal information section of the application.
Now, the best bit, looking for your courses. Be sure you know what you want to do and what you would like to achieve. You have the option to choose up to five courses. For me, this part was easy as Bolton is one of the few University's in the UK that offers a course specialised in my subject area, plus provides a strong community of helpful staff and faculties. This feature of the application allows you to search for your subject area, which then shows you what Universities and Higher Education Institutions offer that course.
The next few sections deal with inputting some information on your past education, including you grades and any currently studying, as well as your past employment history.
Probably the part of the UCAS application most students find daunting is next - the Personal Statement. Don't be put off by your personal statement, it's not as bad as it sounds! This part is all about you; why do you want to study the course you have chosen? Why would you be a good student? Why should you be chosen? These are just a sample of the few questions that should be answered during your personal statement. Some students can write their personal statement in one, others like to do it over time. I wrote my personal statement over a few days as I wanted it to be as interesting and strong as possible. I suggest using a notes page/bullet points with short statements for you to use as a structuring guide.
Finally, you just have to get a reference, preferably from the course you have most recently studied, pay the application fee (do not be put off by - definitely worth it!) and send off your application!
After sending off your application, it turns into a bit of a waiting game. This was the part of applying to University that was most anxious, yet exciting! Tracking allows you to see the progress of your application once it has been sent. There are three parts to this section of the application, receiving your offers, replying to your offers and accepting your place! Offers allows you to see whether your chosen Universities have offered you an interview or place on their course. Don't worry if you don't hear anything for a while - think about all the people applying at the same time as you!
After receiving your offers, you can reply to them, and pick your first choices of University. When you get the results for your course you were most recently studying you get to decide which offers to reply to.
If you don't receive any offers from your choices of Universities and courses, you will go through the clearing process. Clearing allows you to see what courses still have places and what could be suitable for you. In this case, you will directly contact the Universities to see if they will offer you a place on their course. This link provides further information on the clearing process: http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/undergraduate/results/if-you-have-no-offers
Here are some links to provide you with more information on the University application process -
http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/undergraduate
http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/undergraduate/filling-your-application
http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/undergraduate/filling-your-application/your-personal-statement
http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/undergraduate/tracking-your-application
I hope this blog post has lifted your fears of your University application process and has provided you with a variety of information to help you with this process. If you have any queries or questions, please, don't hesitate to comment on this post.
Thanks, Tom.
