UK Universities Admissions
Your go-to guide for UK Universities Admissions
UCAS
If you're looking to apply to a UK university, you'll need to go through UCAS, which is like the central hub for all applications.
Just remember to keep an eye out for two big deadlines: October 16th if you're applying to Oxbridge or medical-related subjects like medicine, veterinary science, and dentistry for 2024 entry; and January 31st for all other applicants.
When you're filling out your UCAS application, you'll need to spill the beans on your academic background and grades (existing and/or predicted grades), pick your programme/s, write a personal statement, get a school reference, let them know about your financial situation, and share any employment experiences you've had.
Which programmes?
When you're filling out your UCAS application, you can choose up to 5 programmes that you're interested in.
But, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. For instance, you can only apply to a maximum of four medical-related programmes such as medicine, veterinary science, and dentistry, and you can only apply to either Oxford or Cambridge, not both.
Now, when you're picking those 5 programmes, keep in mind that you can only submit one personal statement in your application. So, it's usually a good idea to focus on one subject area, like economics programmes from different universities or related subjects, such as Land Economy at Cambridge and Urban Planning at UCL, or Economics from LSE and Economics and Management from King's College London.
That way, you can really show off your passion and knowledge in that particular field.
Other things to note:
Choosing your subject
Choosing a subject area to pursue at university is an important decision, and it's never too early to start exploring potential options. We recommend that students begin to consider their options 2-3 years before graduating from high school. Our consultation can help guide you through your thoughts. This gives them enough time to research different subjects and courses, attend university open days, and speak to subject experts and career advisors.
Once you've decided on a subject area, it's important to start building your profile by accumulating subject-related experiences. This could involve reading books and articles, attending lectures and conferences, participating in academic competitions, or undertaking relevant work experience or internships. Building a strong profile not only helps you stand out to universities, but it also helps you confirm your interest in the subject area and develop relevant skills and knowledge.
Personal Statement
When it comes to writing your personal statement, it's best to start is during the summer holiday before your final year of high school. This is because students are usually less distracted by school work during the summer, allowing them to tackle the personal statement more effectively. If you're unable to do it during the summer, we recommend setting aside at least two months to write the statement.
Writing a personal statement involves a range of activities, including reading about the subject, reflecting on your learnings, and often revising your drafts over and over again. Most students write four to five drafts before finalizing their statements. It's important to take your time and ensure that your personal statement is well-structured, engaging, and highlights your strengths, achievements, and passion for the subject area.
Aptitude Tests
Certain subjects or universities may require students to take an admissions test as part of the application process. For example, the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) is required for law programmes at LSE and UCL. It's important to check the requirements of the programmes you're applying to and prepare accordingly for any admissions tests.
Interviews
In addition to admissions tests, certain programmes may require an interview as part of the selection process. For instance, some engineering and science programmes at Imperial College include an interview stage. It's important to double-check if the programmes you're applying to require interviews, and to start preparing early if they do.
Medical-related programmes such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and physiotherapy usually require interviews, as they involve frequent interaction with patients. The interview format may vary depending on the programme and university, so it's important to check the specific requirements and prepare accordingly.
Interviews usually take place from November to March, so it's a good idea to start preparing around August. This could involve researching the interview format, practicing your communication and interpersonal skills, and preparing responses to common interview questions. A strong interview performance can make a big difference to your application, so it's important to take it seriously and prepare thoroughly.
Links Education is well-informed about the specifics of each round in the university application process and can provide expert guidance to students throughout each step. The team comprises of individuals who have successfully navigated the process themselves, and they are equipped to provide invaluable support to students seeking to apply to universities in the UK.