Your UCAS personal statement is a vital component of your university application. The personal statement is representative of you – your ambitions, your aspirations, your interests – everything that separates you from the thousands of other applicants.

Writing a concise, eloquent and stand-out UCAS personal statement can be daunting. Your use of language and knowledge are put to the test. Gabbitas provides bespoke guidance, ensuring you demonstrate your academic prowess and genuine passion for your chosen field of study. In this article, we are going to walk you through the process required to write a winning personal statement.

 

What to Include:

1. Passion for the Subject: Clearly articulate your passion for your chosen subject, using particular features of your chosen subject that got you ‘hooked’.

• What books have you read? Is there an inspirational figure in your field?
• What life experiences have intrinsically linked you to this subject?
• What first got you fascinated?

2. Showcase Your Achievements: Include those moments you should be proud of. Highlight your biggest academic achievements, instances where you’ve gone above and beyond, and any additional qualifications and courses you’ve done.

• How do these make you come across as a strong candidate?
• How do they relate to you field of study?

3. Extracurricular Impact: The activities and interests you have outside of the classroom have shaped you and will continue to play an instrumental role in your further and higher education. Discuss your participation in sports, clubs, volunteering and other extracurricular activities. Be sure to emphasise any leadership, teamwork, or instances that demonstrate your skills and depth of interest beyond the classroom.

4. Future Aspirations: Outline your future goals and explain how the course you’re applying for aligns with these aspirations. Showcase your understanding of the field and your commitment to furthering your knowledge.

5. Use of Language: Looking through your personal statement, ensure your vocabulary is varied, developed and mature, and that subject specific words are correctly used. Punctuation and use of paragraphs can make a personal statement flow seamlessly, highlighting vital points, making it an easy read for an admissions officer. The register of the personal statement is also crucial.

• How does it sound to a new reader?
• Is it approachable and professional? Does it express you?

 

When is all this happening?

UCAS 2025 Application Submission Deadlines

3 September 2024: UCAS Undergraduate Deadline

2 October 2024: Deadline for conservatoire/music applications

15 October 2024: Oxbridge, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science deadline

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit: Cambridge University

 

How can we help?

We provide personalised guidance to help students clearly articulate their motivations and craft compelling personal statements that stand out.

Our services include:

• • • Subject specialist support from Oxbridge and Russel graduates
  • • Strategic planning
  • • Interview practice with subject experts
  • • Admissions tests preparation
    • Help with selection of target courses/universities

 

Please contact us for a complimentary telephone discussion about your application.

Front Image Credit: Oxford University

By the 2022 January deadline, just over 43% of all 18-year-olds in the UK had applied to UCAS. With not only the number of university applications increasing yearly, but also the competition, students are having to go to greater lengths to demonstrate their passion and relevant experience for their chosen subject, as well as to showcase other skills which will make them an asset to their university community.

In this article we share our advice on how school leavers can make their application stand out from the crowd and maximise their chance of success.

 

Super-curricular activities

Top predicted/achieved grades in your chosen subject(s) are undoubtedly a strong basis for any application, but admissions teams will be looking for a deeper understanding as well as an interest that extends beyond the classroom. They want students who will be engaged in their university seminars and tutorials, so applicants should try to find effective ways to convey their eagerness to learn and motivation to succeed within their chosen academic field. This is where students should consider undertaking super-curricular activities to bolster their personal statement.

Although they sound similar, super-curricular activities differ from extra-curricular in that super- are related to and help take your studies further. For example, medicine hopefuls could take part in voluntary clinical work, or enter competitions where elements of the research involved is not covered as part of their school’s syllabus. Reading a challenging book on a related topic can also go a long way.

Several summer schools are now offering courses that help students prepare for their university studies, so keep an eye out for these. Check out our recent article on the benefits of summer schools, as well as some great examples of ones taking place this year.

To summarise, examples of super-curricular activities include:

• Voluntary work related to the field of study
• Shadowing a professional, e.g., an architect
• Essay competitions
• Online courses, e.g., coding courses for those wishing to study Computer Science
• Additional reading on the subject
• Trips to places of interest, like museums and art galleries
• Starting a blog related to the subject
• Summer schools, e.g., the Introduction to Law course at Charterhouse

 

Extra-curricular activities

By participating in extra-curricular activities, students will gain sought after transferrable skills that they can apply in both their academic studies and wider university life. Make sure to include any long-term commitment in your personal statement, as they can serve as a testament to perseverance and determination, both of which are invaluable skills in higher education.

Being part of a team, whether it be a drama group, orchestra, or sports team convey good communication, leadership and collaboration. Although university work is often carried out individually, many faculties also set graded group projects, therefore these three characteristics are held in high regard by admissions teams.

 

In-depth research on the course

Remember that you should always focus on the specifics of the course and discuss which elements you are looking forward to studying the most. Simply stating that you wish to study Spanish because you like the language is not enough to impress admissions teams.

If students are unsure which course they would like to apply for, they should consider speaking to an education consultant who will be able to advise based on the student’s current subjects and academic goals, as well as provide support with drafting the personal statement.

 

Interview practice

The UCAS application is only the first hurdle for many courses. Due to the volume of applications, heavily subscribed courses including engineering, medicine, law, dentistry, music, and veterinary science usually require students to attend interviews.

Questions tend to revolve around competence for the course and why the student has applied. Although it can be difficult to prepare answers for unknown questions, interviewees should certainly schedule some mock interviews to ensure that they are familiar with the process and to prepare them for the style of questions that they could be asked.

In comparison, Oxbridge interviews are renowned for often being highly theoretical and different to the typical university interview. In this instance, one of the best ways to prepare would be to arrange an interview session with an ex-Oxbridge student, so they can offer tips for success based on their own experience and that of their peers.

Many Gabbitas tutors have years of experience in supporting students with their Oxbridge interviews. To find out more, head to our tutoring page or email the team at tutoring@gabbitas.com.

 

Additional test preparation

To help filter applications further, some courses have an added extra step requiring applicants to sit an additional test. Examples of these include the MAT and STEP (maths), ENGAA (engineering), LNAT (law), BMAT (medicine), and Oxbridge’s critical thinking tests. A strong score in these can add real value to an application so students are heavily encouraged to prepare beforehand.

Whilst the content of the questions is often difficult to predict, the style of questioning is similar each time. Spending a few hours with an admissions expert to practice these is recommended to achieve as high a score as possible.

 

Whilst there is certainly a lot to consider, the process need not be daunting. Applicants should instead view their university application and the preparation involved as a chance to challenge themselves and discover more about their passion. If any problems or doubts arise along the way, there are always experts to assist.

 

Get in touch

If you would like to find out about how Gabbitas can help you with your UCAS application, or to discuss anything mentioned in the article, please get in touch today by emailing info@gabbitas.com or call +44 203 026 7443.

As another results day passes, UCAS applications for 2022 start. Although some may have already decided what course they would like to study and which university they’d like go to, with the UCAS deadline being 26th January 2022 for many courses, there is still plenty of time to decide.

Here are a few pointers from our consultants to help hopeful applicants make the most out of their application.

 

Research
Research is crucial. With the option to input 5 choices out of a possible 100 plus universities, coupled with a plethora of courses to choose from, this can understandably seem like a daunting task.

However, there are many resources at one’s fingertips, including websites, education fairs, and consultancies. With knowledge of your educational experience and predicted grades, these resources can help you narrow down which courses might suit you, as well as the universities that offer them.

 

Familiarise yourself with the application process
Familiarising yourself with the format of the application form is wise. It enables you to approach the process methodically. The form consists of six sections:

1. Your personal details.
2. Five university choices (four for medicine and veterinary).
3. Your completed and predicted results, such as your GCSEs, A-levels, IB, BTEC and any other relevant qualifications. Special entrance tests for specific courses, like the LNAT or BNAT, go in the Specialised Entrance Tests section.
4. Employment — include details of any paid jobs you’ve done.
5. Personal statement — take this opportunity to stand out from the crowd. When you read your statement back, focus on whether you sound enthusiastic, interested in the subject you wish to study, genuine, clear and concise.
6. References and submission — once you click send on the application, it will be sent to your designated referee. Don’t be afraid to chase your referee up, as UCAS will not process your application until your reference has been completed.

 

Take your time
Although applying to university is an exciting process, do not rush. You’re able to save the application as you go through, so you can complete a bit each day.

Take your time with your personal statement and bear in mind it can make the difference between an offer or rejection if you miss your grades on results day.

Remember, each admissions department receives a high volume of applications each year. They will be using your UCAS application as a tool to find out more about you, beyond your exam results. They will be looking for well-rounded individuals who show a flair for their subject; people who are responsible and will be able to cope with university study.

 

If you have any questions about the UCAS process, please do not hesitate to get in contact by emailing us at info@gabbitas.com or find out more about how we can help with university search, applications, and clearing here.

 

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This article from Isabel Sheehan at Gabbitas first appeared in the September 2021 edition of School Report 

More than half a million international students enrol into UK Universities each year. This is not surprising as Oxford, Cambridge and the Russell Group Universities are amongst the best in the world. Employers and academics worldwide recognise degrees awarded by these universities and understand their significance.

For most students, a UK University degree can be an important stepping stone to developing the required skills to drive their careers forward.

Our team has put together a list of the top 5 most frequently asked questions by international students who want to study in the United Kingdom.

If you are thinking about continuing your education journey in the UK but you are unsure how to proceed, the following questions might help you decide. If you need more in-depth information we are always here to help. You can reach us at info@gabbitas.com or call us at +44(0) 203 026 7443.

1. How can I study in the UK?

The first thing you should do after deciding to study in the UK is to select the university and choose the course that you which to follow. We recommend that you consider a number of criteria when choosing a university. First and foremost the course, followed by the style of University – is it campus based, is it in a city, does it have a good reputation for the course you have selected, what are you future career prospects?

We have a useful blog on choosing a university which outlines some of the important questions you should consider before determining your selection.

If you already know what you would like to study, but you are unsure about the university, it is a good idea to look at how universities compare in rankings. For a quick glance on how a university performs in your chosen subject area take a look at league tables by The Complete University Guide.

The next thing you will need to do is to apply through the UK’s University and College Admissions Service (UCAS).

Top Tip: Make a list of several universities and courses in case your first choice does not work out immediately.

 

2. What is UCAS?

Every student who wants to study an undergraduate degree in the UK in a publicly funded university MUST apply through UCAS. UCAS works on strict deadlines. Most application deadlines are usually around the 15^th of January but there might be exceptions if you want to study courses such as medicine or have chosen Oxford or Cambridge as your goal university.

If you are applying through Clearing (a chance for students to apply for universities with availability in courses that haven’t filled up) make sure to read our guide University Clearing – How does it work? for more information. Applications for Clearing start on 6^th of July so make sure to be ready on time.

To apply to UCAS you will need to pay a small application fee and submit your personal information, education history and a detailed personal statement. Submitting your best work and really polishing your application is the key to success when applying for university in the UK. If you need help, get in touch with us to see how you can make your application stand out.

Top Tip – Give yourself enough time to revise your application repeatedly until it is the best version it can be to boost your chances of getting into your dream university.

 

3. Do I need a Visa to study in the UK?

Unless you are from Switzerland or the European Economic Area (EEA), you will need a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK for longer than six months. While Tier 4 visas will most likely remain unchanged, visa conditions for students coming from Switzerland or the EEA might change in the future with new Brexit regulations.

If you do need a Tier 4 visa there will be some documentation you will need to submit to apply. The list of documents you will need to provide might change depending on where you are from but make sure to check these essentials:

• Offer of place – An unconditional acceptance offer by a registered Tier 4 sponsored university
• Proof of English Proficiency – can be obtained through completing an English Language test
• Passport – valid travel documentation with passport sized colour photograph
• Proof of financial support – you will need to prove that you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself throughout your studies
• Tuberculosis test – depending on where you are from (https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa/countries-where-you-need-a-tb-test-to-enter-the-uk) you will need to provide a negative tuberculosis test.

Once you gathered all your documents, you can begin the application process online. It will take three weeks to receive a decision. For more detailed information make sure to look at the government’s website regarding Tier 4 visas. https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

Due to Coronavirus some of these requirements have changed. For a more detailed overview visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents

Top Tip – Do not wait until the last minute! It can take a long time for all of these requirements to be completed. Contact us if you need help.

 

4. How much does it cost to study in the UK?

University fees in the UK are split between ‘home’ and ‘oversees’ fees. Home fees are for British nationals as well as for passport holders of Switzerland or the EEA. Oversees fees apply for any student who requires a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.

Oversees fees are extremely course dependent and therefore it is impossible for us to say how much a course will cost without having a consultation with you first.

Generally, you should expect to pay a minimum of £3,500 to £18,000 per year depending on where and what course you study. You can find more information about oversees fees here. Other costs such as cost of living, travel or insurance are not included in university fees.

Top Tip: Contact your chosen university directly to ask about fees for the course you want to study. They will be able to give you the most accurate costs.

 

How will my study in the UK look like under Coronavirus restrictions?

It is unclear how long the measures set in place to contain Coronavirus in the UK will continue. COVID-19 has created a great deal of uncertainty for international students who will be starting their courses in September 2020.

However, many universities have already been working on contingency plans to offer all their students the highest quality learning and student experience as possible. Some universities have already notified their new undergraduate and foundation year students that they will conduct all their lectures for the first term online. In the meantime, they will be working making sure that lecture theatres and campuses can support social distancing.

For more detailed information we recommend contacting your chosen university directly. They will be able to give you more information on what measures they have decided to take during COVID-19. Please get in touch with us if you are unable to do so. We will be happy to help.

Universities UK has also published FAQs around how Covid-19 affects current and future international student.

If you want to study in the UK, but you need more information tailored to your specific needs do get in touch with us. We will be able to work with you to find the best possible university and the most suitable course as well as making sure your UCAS application stands out. We will also be able to give you more information on how your course might be affected by Coronavirus and what to expect when you are coming to the UK to study.

Email us at info@gabbitas.com or call us at +44(0) 203 026 7443.

The arrival of A level results, out today (15th August) can herald a particularly stressful time for both students and parents alike.

It isn’t always a case of lower than expected grades that can lead to consternation as to what to do next, often better than expected grades pose an equally difficult conundrum.

Finding the right solution requires some fast thinking and an in depth look at what might be possible for the start of the next academic year. This is something that many find hard to do given the complexities of dealing with the university UCAS clearing system.  Expert help is also on hand for checking the availability of suitable places for re-sits.

Independent advice regarding your education options

Gabbitas’ strength lies in providing independent, unbiased advice with the student at the core of the discussions – no one solution fits all. Tailored made professional advice to help students who miss their firm and ‘insurance’ offers, those wanting to upgrade or change their minds about their choices, have not had any offers or have missed the UCAS deadlines entirely!

Re-takes, gap years, IB, BTEC and more

The consultants will review the choices often made well in advance of the results, look at new course options, and help, if necessary, in withdrawing from the UCAS process to do re-takes or to take a gap year. The same level of help is available to GCSE students who do not get the grades for their chosen places for A level studies or who want to look at alternative options for their future, such as apprenticeship schemes International Baccalaureate or BTEC.

Next steps

Gabbitas has a great deal of experience in identifying a way through the many options. Help is at hand even if the timelines are tight!

Please contact us to explore the right steps for the future, whatever today’s news has delivered.

As results day draws nearer, the panic about what if you have not done as well as you had hoped start to build. Should this happen, what do you do next?

Every year tens of thousands of students find a place at a UK university through UCAS Clearing, so you are not alone. However, this can be a daunting and time-pressured process. So, whether you expect to go through Clearing or not, it is best to be fully prepared to make it as stress-free as possible.

In this blog, we look at how you can confidently make a Clearing call, make a good impression and importantly secure a place at the best university for you.

You must call

The number one point about making a Clearing call is that it must be you that calls. The university wants to speak to you directly, not your parents or teacher. So be brave, prepare and get ready to make a great impression.

It could be an interview

Whilst the call could be simply confirming your grades and checking availability, it is more likely that you will be asked some questions to test your suitability. Therefore, it is important that you prepare for what could be an informal interview.

Do your research

In advance of the call make sure you do some research about the course and university. The person on the other end of the phone wants to see that you’ve done your homework and are serious about applying. Look up what modules are offered, what common career routes are after graduating and other key factors that interest you about the course.

You will likely be asked ‘Why do you want to study this course?’ so make sure you know! Have some notes prepared on why this course and university appeals to you. Also, have some questions ready for them, the call it is just as much figuring out if you want to study there.

It can be easy to rush and immediately call the university after receiving your grades. But taking your time to prepare and conduct a bit of research in advance will really help you sell yourself when you’re on the call.

Practice

Before making any call, have a run through of the common questions you will be asked and practice to ensure you sound natural. Gabbitas advisers can be on hand on results day to help you with this and conduct a mock Clearing interview to ensure you are prepared before making the call.

Before the call

Before picking up the phone, make sure you find a quiet room, your phone is fully charged and make sure you have the following at hand:

• Your UCAS Personal ID and Clearing number – this will be the first thing they ask for
• The codes of the courses you’re interested in
• Your grades including GCSEs
• A copy of your personal statement (having re-read this in advance!)
• Notepad and pen to make notes
• A positive attitude!

During the call

Remember, the phone lines at universities during clearing can be busy so don’t panic if you’re on hold for a while. However, if you can’t get through, don’t dwell and move on to the next university on your list.

Make sure you ask the name and phone number of the person you are speaking to – in case you need to call them back.

Be confident, honest and sell yourself. Remember, the person on the other end wants to help you so take your time and go through the reasons why you would be a great fit for the university and course.

If you are offered a place, ask about how long the offer is guaranteed and what happens next.

After the call

When you have received your verbal offer, you will most likely also receive this in an email. Once you’ve made sure that you want to go to that university, then head to UCAS Track to update your place. Next you will need to make sure to sort out your accommodation and update your Student Loan. After that, it is time to get excited! Start researching the city, things to do, public transport etc.

Remember, this process it is just as much about finding out whether the course and university it is a good fit for you. Be positive, proactive and get ready to sell yourself. Remember thousands of students go through this process every year and find a spot at a fantastic university.

Gabbitas advisers are here to support you every step of the way through Clearing.

Contact us today to see how we can help leading up to results day.

The deadline for most university courses for 2019 entry is the 15^th January. So as the clock is ticking down towards the deadline, we look at the key steps you need to complete to get your application in on time.

1. Register

If you haven’t done so already, make sure you register with UCAS to gain your username and password.  This is super simple and there is lots of guidance on the site to help you.

 

2. The basics

After you’ve logged in, you’ll be asked to fill in some basic personal information. This should be relatively straight forward but don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have questions.

To register an application through your school, you’ll need their ‘buzzword’. Speak to your tutor if you’ve forgotten this.

 

3. Course choices

You can select up to 5 choices in this section make sure you are confident about the course codes for each of your choices.  Two other things to think about:

• your course choices need to be aligned so that your personal statement makes sense for all of your courses
• be sensible and make sure you pick a balanced range of universities that fit with your predicted grades with an aspirational and an insurance option in there.

 

4. Education

This section requires you to complete a timeline of schools or colleges you’ve attended and qualifications gained since you were 13. It’s worth digging out your certificates in advance as they’ll contain important information such as awarding bodies and dates of the exams.

 

5. Personal statement

With only 47 lines and 4,000 characters, you need to make your personal statement count. Remember, it needs to reflect why you are interested in all the courses you are applying for and really sell yourself. Read our top tips for perfecting your personal statement here.

 

6. Reference

As part of your application, you’ll need a reference from a current or previous teacher. The key thing here is to make sure you give them plenty of notice!

 

7. Submit your application

When you’ve clicked ‘Submit’, UCAS will send you a Personal ID once they have processed your application. You can use this, alongside your password and username, to track the progress of your application. Good luck!

Key points to remember for your UCAS Form:

• Deadline for submission of the UCAS form for almost all courses and universities is 15 January 2019, 18.00 UK time.
• Your personal statement should be a maximum of 47 lines, and 4,000 characters. Don’t confuse ‘characters’ with ‘words’: 4,000 characters is about 600 words!
• You can only write one personal statement: it will be read by all the universities you’re applying to – it’s therefore worth avoiding mentioning an individual university by name.
• Admissions tutors are reading thousands of personal statements: make sure you don’t give them an excuse to discard yours in the first paragraph with sloppy spelling or poor grammar.
• Your UCAS form includes a reference from your teacher or tutor. Make sure you get this from them in time!

Stuck on what to write? Put yourself in the admissions tutors’ shoes…

If you were them, what would you be looking for in a potential student for their course?

Write a list of five things you would be looking for. Perhaps your list looks something like this:

• academically able
• evidence of an interest in their degree course going back several years
• hard-working
• will contribute to university in a wider context (sports, debating, human rights issues)
• mature

Write the five headings down, and then jot down, in bullet point form, all the evidence you have that you possess these characteristics.

Show don’t tell!

Instead of writing, ‘I am passionate about my subject, and I am mature and responsible’, write something like: ‘Since the age of fifteen, I volunteered on an airbase on Saturday mornings – further fuelling my desire to study aeronautical engineering. By the time I turned seventeen, I had demonstrated my long-term commitment to the airbase and was deemed sufficiently mature and serious to be given considerable responsibilities, which included x and y’.

Keep your structure tight

If you have a tendency to waffle, plan the personal statement the way you would an essay: paragraph by paragraph. For example, the plan might look something like this:

• Paragraph 1 – you and the course. Why this course?  Evidence you are passionate about the subject. Relevant hobbies, activities, extra studies that would help you with the course.
• Paragraph 2 – you as a student. Any notable achievements, particular qualities such as self-discipline or tenacity which would stand you in good stead at university?
• Paragraph 3 – you as a person. Evidence of your talents and interests. Your plans for the future. How the course will help you fulfil your aims.
• Conclusion – reiterate your commitment to the course and how you think your skills would be suited to university life.

What to avoid…

• Anything irrelevant – something is irrelevant if it doesn’t demonstrate why or how you would be well-suited to studying at university. Playing in a school orchestra is relevant – it shows commitment, team-skills and so on. The name of your dog isn’t relevant, though!
• Does it sound stilted? Try reading your personal statement out loud. If it doesn’t sound like something you would actually say out loud, chances are it’s a bit stilted. Maybe you can try changing it to something that you’d say more naturally.
• Quotations – especially from films! 47 lines isn’t a lot, and the admissions tutors want to hear from you – they want text that you’ve written, not something from someone else.
• Repetition – you may not notice that you’ve used the expression ‘I’m passionate about…’ three times, but the admissions tutor will! Keep a keen eye out for this.