The personal statement is a very important supporting document for all university applications. In this blog, we are specifically focusing on applications for medicine, providing guidance and tips to help you stand out and highlight why you are the ideal candidate for your desired field.

For more general guidance on personal statements, read our UCAS personal statements blog.

As you know, the admissions tutors will consider your personal statement alongside your academic grades and teacher references to determine if you are a suitable candidate to be invited for an interview.

It is your chance to tell the universities:

1. Why you want to be a doctor.
2. What you have done to investigate the profession to understand all that it entails.
3. Whether you are the right person for their medical school – mention the personal qualities that make you an outstanding candidate.

Your personal statement must convince admissions tutors of your interest in pursuing a career in medicine. To demonstrate that you have not only researched medicine thoroughly, but that you also have the right qualities to succeed as a doctor, you are fully committed to studying medicine and have the right motivation to do so successfully. As the tutors read through your statement, they will look for the following:

• Motivation for the course and why you want to study it.
• Preparedness for the course and how your learning has set you up for success thus far.
• Preparation through other experiences, such as work or volunteering experience or extracurricular activities.
• Extenuating circumstances that might have affected your learning.
• Preparedness for study and what you have done to prepare yourself for life as an undergraduate student.
• Preferred learning style and how your chosen course is suitable.

Some Things to Consider and Be Mindful of When Writing Your Personal Statement

Credit: King’s College London

The majority of UCAS applications contain a sentence such as, “I have always wanted to be a doctor from a young age because it combines my love of science with the chance to help people”. As you can imagine, the admissions tutors become weary of reading this, and it does not exactly highlight your desire to study medicine. There are many careers that combine science and helping people, such as nursing, teaching, research and physiotherapy etc. Hence, it would be ideal to refrain from using such a sentence. However, if the basic idea behind the sentence applies to you, it is best to personalise it. For instance, you could mention an incident that first sparked your interest in medicine, perhaps a visit to the doctor, a conversation with a family friend, or a lecture at school. You could even write about your interest in human biology or a biology project that you undertook to illustrate your interest in science, and you could give examples of how you like to work with others. It is essential that you back up your initial interest with your efforts to investigate the career.

A common misconception is that you need to explain what studying medicine involves or what the profession entails. For example, “Medicine is a highly regarded profession that involves diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.” Remember, the people reading your statement know exactly what medicine is about and do not need to be lectured on it. Instead, use this opportunity to explain your personal interest in the profession, how your qualities make you an ideal candidate, and why you feel compelled to pursue this career path.

Don’t hesitate to mention your work experience or voluntary work in the second paragraph (following the introduction), as the initial sparks of interest in a medical career often stem from what you observed when “shadowing a doctor in A&E” or “playing board games with elderly patients in a care home.” It is always beneficial to link your motivation to study medicine with your experiences in healthcare.

Credit: Queen Mary University of London

Work Experience

Work experience is highly beneficial for all applications, but especially for medicine, particularly within a healthcare setting. Although securing work placements in hospitals can be difficult, you could also consider approaching care homes, small clinics, and community health centres. Don’t underestimate volunteering opportunities, and seek support from your school or college, or speak to friends and family who might be able to connect you with the right people.

Be sure to indicate the length of time you spent at each placement and what you experienced. You could comment on the aspects of medicine that fascinate you, what you found interesting, or something unexpected that you learned. It is also important to mention any other experience you’ve had in a caring or clinical role and what you gained from it, as this often demonstrates interpersonal skills, empathy, commitment, and dedication – all essential qualities for medicine.

During your work experience or volunteering, you might find it helpful to keep notes for later reflection. Admissions tutors may pick up on some of these experiences and ask you to elaborate on them during the interview.

Academic Interests

It is crucial to mention your academic interests and explain how they have influenced your desire to study medicine. This could relate to topics or practical skills that have intrigued you during your studies, an interesting article you’ve read, or something engaging you heard in a lecture. Always remember to link your academic interests back to medicine.

Conclusion

In summary, to be a successful medic, you need (among other things) to:

• Successfully pass your undergraduate studies.
• Have good interpersonal skills and get along with a wide range of people.
• Be able to work under pressure and cope with stress.
• Possess well-developed manual skills.

You must provide substantial evidence in your statement to show how you have demonstrated and developed these qualities, as this will help admissions tutors better understand your personality and potential. Some additional things they may be looking for include:

• Skill development during work experience or voluntary work.
• Positions of responsibility and leadership.
• Work in the local community.
• The ability to get along with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Participation in activities requiring manual dexterity.
• Participation in team events.
• Involvement in school events, plays, or concerts.

Gabbitas University Placement Support

Our experienced team of consultants offers dedicated support throughout the medical school application process. We ensure your personal statement is as compelling and polished as possible, showcasing your unique qualities and experiences, and presenting them in a way that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Beyond personal statement support, we provide interview preparation, UCAS application guidance, and assistance with university preparation and academic mentorship.

To explore all of our services, contact us today and speak with our team directly.

Blog written by: Sarah Oshun-Williams, Placements Client Account Manager

Front Image Credit: University of Oxford

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 

With home schooling continuing is now the time to engage a tutor for extra support?

Answered by Anastasia Hatvany, Education Consultant for Gabbitas

Although some schools have started to re-open for specific year groups there are still many who are having to continue with home schooling and most are unlikely to see a return to school until the Autumn.

Prolonged periods of remote study, especially when the weather is good, can become very challenging. Routines start to wane and boredom can take a hold. Children start to lose their focus and parents find it harder to keep them motivated.

September is several months away. The time available now is an opportunity to help improve and expand your child’s knowledge and help make learning fun again. To do this it could be time to consider enlisting some extra support.

Taking on a tutor has several benefits aside from the specialist knowledge they can impart. It is an opportunity to create some structure and help get students back on track with their studies and give some direction in preparing for the next academic year. Helping them fill gaps in their knowledge can act as an opportunity to re-engage with learning. It is also a chance to provide tutoring in subjects away from the curriculum that they might never have considered but which could help expand their horizons –  astronomy, a new language.

Pupils who are working towards Pre-Test, 11+ or Common Entrance need to be focused. Just one tutorial a week can help consolidate course work from school, energise and stimulate whilst helping them delve deeper into a subject. It can give the week some structure and purpose. A good tutor can act as a positive role model during these difficult times.

Gabbitas has a long history of providing some of the very best tutors and we have been able to enlist the support of our excellent team to put together some Bespoke Remote Tutoring Packages to help parents during this challenging time.

 

How will my Exam results be calculated now that the actual exams have been cancelled?

Answered by Natallia Patsaluyonak, Head of Family Services for Gabbitas

This year’s GCSE, AS and A level exams have been cancelled. As a result, grades are now going to be awarded based on a student’s performance in mock exams and other non-exam assessment data available to teachers.

How these UK grade awards work in practice?

Using the following:

• Non-exam assessment/coursework (complete or incomplete)
• Homework
• Mock exams
• Any other records of student performance over the course of study
• Any records of performance in subjects such as PE, Music and Drama
• Recent and relevant public exam and external testing such AS-level grades, BMAT/UCAT which can also be included in the evidence.

Teachers will use their professional experience to make a fair and objective judgement of the grade they believe a student would have achieved had they sat their exams this year. The final grades awarded in each subject will be internally moderated by the relevant departmental staff at the school.

Schools have been asked to rank students in order of performance in each grade and subject and will submit these to the relevant exam boards.

The Exam Boards will then standardise the results by comparing grades between schools and colleges to achieve fairness overall.

How the schools have performed historically will also be considered.

Therefore, the grade predicted from the school may be adjusted up or down by the exam board.

Students will receive their grades by mid-August if not earlier. You can find more information on how Covid-19 will affect UK Exam results here. https://gabbitas.com///covid-19-uk-exam-results

Appeals and Autumn Exams

Students who feel that the grades awarded do not reflect their ability will have the opportunity to take their exams in an Autumn series of exams yet to be finalised or in summer 2021. There will be an ‘appeal’ procedure for students who do not agree with their final grades made using the assessment process but how this will work is not yet finalised.

To see how Gabbitas can advise you on the best next steps to help in these circumstances, contact us by emailing info@gabbitas.com or call one of our consultants on 0207 734 0161

 

What are the changes to the International Baccalaureate now formal exams have been cancelled?

Answered by Natallia Patsaluyonak, Head of Family Services for Gabbitas

Despite the Summer Exams being cancelled, the International Baccalaureate intends to release results to universities and schools as planned on 5 July.

To enable them to provide grades, Schools and colleges will have uploaded coursework and associated predicted grades to the IB board in April.

IB will be using vast historical assessment data to ensure that they follow a rigorous process of due diligence in what is a truly unprecedented situation. They will be undertaking significant data analysis from previous exam sessions, individual school data, subject data as well as comparative data of schools who have already completed uploading requirements and those who have not. IB will require schools to submit the coursework for all candidates.

IB will externally mark work that is usually marked by teachers, instead of taking samples and applying moderation.

They will use a calculation that is based on the relationship between coursework marks, predicted grades and subject grades to estimate the subject grades candidates would have received if the exams had gone ahead.

If the relationship between these elements shows that in previous sessions candidates globally tended to achieve higher outcomes on their exams than their coursework, the calculation used this session will reflect that.

At a subject level, students will be awarded a grade on the normal IB 1-7 scale. Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay and the Career-Related Programme Reflective Project will be awarded a grade on the normal IB A-E scale. The DP core will be awarded on the normal IB 0-3 scale. A total points score will be awarded for the Diploma, out of 45 as normal.

However, if students are unhappy with the process it has been agreed that they will be able to take their exams in November, but this will mean delaying University entrance for a year.

You can find more information on how Covid-19 will affect International Baccalaureate results here.

 

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This article from our team of education consultants at Gabbitas, first appeared in the Summer 2020 edition of Absolutely Education magazine

Be clear in your choice of the courses you wish to apply for. A starting point in to your choice of subject/s to study should always be ‘what are you good at’? People tend to enjoy what they find makes sense – if it’s a slog it should be a no-brainer not to continue. Most students will have a favourite subject and it is worth exploring new alternatives that open-up at university. History buffs might go for international relations, chemistry whizzes for toxicology. Think outside the box, as you might come across courses that you have never even heard of previously. Create a shortlist of courses/universities/colleges. Go to the open days. Think about course modules, facilities, location and career opportunities.

Then of course the other key question apart from the choice of course is how to approach the application, and the personal statement. Most schools offer support for this, but parents should be aware of what will be required. Things to avoid are: pompous clichés, made up scenarios, fraught analysis of books you’ve never read, or worse, those from the curriculum. What all universities want to see in principal are three things: does the student have the academic ability to study this subject, do they have the motivation to do so, and do they understand what the subject is?

Your personal statement should focus on the positives, so avoid irrelevant information (some applicants feel obliged to mention everything they have done in their life). Do watch out for typos and spelling errors!

This 4000-character document might seem daunting but it is one of the main pieces of supporting evidence to help you with your university application. For many this can make the difference between successfully securing a place at a chosen university or missing out.

As soon as you search for tips on writing personal statements online you are faced with a barrage of ideas, tricks and suggestions.

One chance to impress

There is only one main theme that must be adhered to above all others. The personal statement should be a true reflection of YOU. This is the only chance (unless you are invited for interview) to demonstrate why the university you are applying for wants you above any other candidate with the same academic grades.

Here are five further recommendations that we make to ensure that your personal statement stands out.

Personal statement tips

1. Ensure that most the personal statement is about your academic interests and how those relate to not only the course but what you might want to do in the future. Look at the course prospectus and the areas of research that the lead professors study and see what common interests you have.
2. Write about any out of school activities that you have pursued that are in direct relation to your chosen degree subject. If you are looking at medicine have you done any relevant work experience? If you are pursuing archaeology have you been to a dig site?
3. Include a paragraph about your other achievements and interests but keep this brief and make it your penultimate paragraph. Leadership positions, membership of clubs both inside and outside of school and other achievements are all relevant but do not wax lyrical about them. The university just wants to see that you have other interests outside of the purely academic and that you might want to contribute to wider university life.
4. Read the books you put on your personal statement and visit the museum or gallery that might be linked to your future study.
5. Get ahead of the game and start writing. It will take several drafts to get a strong personal statement and inevitably you will receive different direction from whomever you ask for advice. By starting early, you will put yourself in the best position to make your application stand out when applications open this September.

 

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This article Natallia Patsaluyonak, Director of Family Services, Gabbitas, part of our team of education consultants, first appeared in the Summer 2020 edition of School Report magazine 

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.

Timetable for Action During Year 12

With the start of the second half of the Spring term it is time to look forward to the next steps in getting ready for University applications.

We have prepared a timeline which identifies the key areas you should consider in preparing for this important next step in your education.

Researching potential degree courses

With over 36,000 degrees on offer at over 300 Higher Education institutions, there is something for everyone but the choice can be overwhelming. If you are not sure of the course you want to take or where to start, sign up for student profiling – an online interest based assessment which will help identify best fit degrees and the universities that offer them.

Read more about the benefits of student profiling.

Research universities

Once you have identified a short list of potential degrees start exploring the universities that offer your selected course.  Check to see if you can combine it with another area of interest in a joint honours degree.  There are some interesting and valuable combinations on offer; think about taking International Business with a Language, or Psychology with Philosophy or Economics and International Relations or a popular combination is Law (LLB) with Business.

Read our top ten tips for choosing a university.

Do you want to do a year out?

This could be a year studying at a Grand Ecole such as Science Po in Paris or at a university in Hong Kong or Australia.  Each UK university will have relationships with a variety of other partners across the world. Alternatively you can have a year in industry, this can be very valuable for future employment prospects as you gain hands on experience in a real world environment. Again universities will have relationships with different employers and it is important to check this out when you are doing your research.

Read more about the benefits of a ‘year in the field’.

By April – Draw up a shortlist

Draw up a shortlist of universities that you would like to apply to and check their entry requirements so you can see what you are aiming for.  Your Year 12 exam results will influence the predicted grades your teachers will be sending to the university with your application so it is really important to work really hard this year to get the best possible predictions.

Read our top tips and top tools for effective revision.

May – Check out university open days

Actually seeing a university in person can make a huge difference to how well you will settle there when you start. Visiting will give you a first hand feel for what it will be like to be a student there and to check out things like, how far the campus is from the nearest town? How spread out is a university across a city? What are the accommodation options? All of these things will have a major impact on your time at university. It is not enough just to find a course you like, it also has to be in an environment where you will flourish.

Read more about how to make the most of an open day.

June – Finalise your shortlist

By now you should have your university shortlist down to about 6/7 choices, ready to make the final 5 when you get your predicted grades at the beginning of Year 13. Once you have chosen your subject you can make a start on your personal statement. Start thinking about why you want to know more about this area, what you are doing to show your interest in this subject and what other skill sets are you going to bring to being a university student.

July – Build up your application

This is an ideal time to be covering all the extra things that will make you a stand out student. Investigate doing some work experience – this is a requirement for potential medical, veterinary and dental students but is equally valuable for all students to demonstrate an understanding of the workplace. Check out summer schools and see if there are courses that will help you develop your subject knowledge. Use this time to take an online module in something that interests you, universities from all over the world offer online courses that you can take at any time.

Read more about writing the perfect personal statement.

August – Clarify any additional entry requirements

If you are looking at Medicine you will need to take either the UKCAT or BMAT tests. If you are thinking of Law check to see which Universities require LNAT scores. If you have to take a pre-test then look into getting some test prep so you can be fully prepared. You only get to take these tests once in every application cycle so you need to get the best scores possible!

By the time you start Year 13 you should be fully prepared for making your UCAS application with a clear idea of what you want to study, a shortlist of universities that offer the course, an understanding of what the entry requirements are and any additional tests scores that you will need.  Armed with all of this you will be in a strong position to get your UCAS application well ahead of the crowd and then you can get back to focusing on the real issue – getting great exam results!