Are you thinking of applying to university, but not too sure how to complete your UCAS application? Don’t worry; we have put together our top tips to help!
For most courses, the first deadline to submit your UCAS application is 31 January 2024. This is the equal considerations deadline, which means universities will consider all applications received by this time equally. Although UCR may still accept some applications after this date, it’s a good idea to start as early as you can so that you have plenty of time to work on your application.
So, what is a UCAS application, and why do you need to complete one?
Pretty much anyone who wants to study a degree in the UK needs to apply through UCAS.
You will be asked for some personal details, including your education and employment history, and the courses and universities you want to apply for (the universities you pick won’t see where else you’ve applied for until after you reply to your offers.)
Top tip: Make sure you use an up-to-date email address so that you don’t miss any important updates about your application!
A large part of the UCAS application is your personal statement. This is your chance to explain the reasons why you would be a great candidate to study the courses you are applying for. These don’t all have to be academic reasons; you can write about any of your achievements and interests outside of your college studies if they’re relevant. Think about the skills your university course will require, such as communication skills or team working (have a look at the course descriptions to help you), and then write about how you have gained those skills.
For example, if you’re applying to study Bakery or Floristry with us at University Centre Reaseheath, you could talk about how you gained your creativity and time management skills, or if you’re interested in studying Agriculture or Animal Science, when did you develop your problem-solving skills and passion for the environment?
Maybe you have completed some relevant work experience, spent time volunteering, or been involved in a club or society which you particularly enjoyed? Maybe this helped you discover the career you wanted to pursue? If you went through a life changing or personal experience which influenced your decision, you can share that too.
The admissions staff reading your personal statement will want to know that you will enjoy studying the course you’ve applied for, so let your passion for the subject shine through.
The key thing to remember is – don’t be shy about your achievements. This is your chance to say why you would be the perfect candidate to study your chosen degree. You could make a list of everything you want to include before you start, so you don’t miss anything.
Top tip: Each university that you apply for will all get the same personal statement from you, so avoid mentioning a university or course title by name. Instead talk about the subject in general, so that it is relevant to all universities you are applying to.
Your personal statement is also your chance to explain any circumstances which affected your educational performance if you feel comfortable doing so, for example needing to care for a family member or a mental or physical health condition.
Your personal statement needs to be at least 1,000 characters long, but you have up to 4,000 characters (or 47 lines if that comes first), so you have plenty of space to include everything that is relevant.
Once you have written your personal statement, you may want to ask a friend or family member to read it for you, to check for any little typos and to make sure it is clear and easy to read.
To complete your application, you will also need to get a written reference from a teacher, adviser or professional who knows you academically or professionally and pay a fee. It is £22.50 if you’re applying to one course, or £27 if you’re applying for multiple courses.
From all the staff at University Centre Reaseheath, good luck with your UCAS application and we hope to speak to you soon!
If you have any questions about any of the courses at University Centre Reaseheath, please contact ucradmissions@reaseheath.ac.uk.
Watch this video and find out everything you need to know to write your UCAS personal statement.
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