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

 

Oxford and Cambridge, collectively known as Oxbridge, represents the pinnacle of academic achievement and opportunity. At Gabbitas, we understand the complexities of the Oxbridge application process and are here to guide you every step of the way. Our team of experienced consultants and tutors, many of whom Oxbridge graduates, is dedicated to helping students and families navigate this challenging journey, offering personalised support to secure a place at your dream university or college. In this guide we are focusing on Oxbridge 2025 Entry.  

 

What to expect when applying to Oxbridge?  

 

The Application Process: Step-by-Step 

 1. Course Selection  

The first crucial decision is selecting the right course. Oxbridge offers a vast range of subjects, so it’s essential to choose a course that aligns with your passions and career goals.  

The initial consultation is an opportunity for both parents and students to get familiar with the intricacies of higher education. Our consultants will look into the candidate’s educational background, abilities and level to determine the candidate’s academic profile and narrow down potential courses, based on their potential and preferences.  

 

Start your Oxbridge journey today.  

Book your initial consultation with us.   

 

 2. Academic Excellence

Academic performance is a significant factor in the Oxbridge admissions process. Oxbridge looks for evidence of academic potential and a genuine passion for your chosen subject. Engage deeply with your subject matter beyond the school curriculum through independent study, reading, and relevant extracurricular activities to the course you are applying for. 

 

 3. Winning Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your chance to shine. It should reflect your enthusiasm for your chosen course, highlight your academic achievements, and demonstrate your readiness for the rigors of Oxbridge education. Be honest, reflective, and specific about your experiences and aspirations. 

 

For more tips, consult our UCAS Personal Statements Guide.  

 

 4. Admission Tests 

Many courses at Oxbridge require applicants to sit for admission tests. These tests are designed to assess your aptitude for the course and your critical thinking skills. Our expert tutoring team provides targeted preparation and effective study techniques, ensuring that students are well-equipped and confident with exam format and material.  

 

5. The Interview

The Oxbridge interview is often the most daunting part of the application process. It is an opportunity for the admissions to see how you think and engage with new ideas. Our team can help develop your public speaking skills by giving you essential tips, practice questions and confidence to excel.  

 

Consult our Oxbridge Interview Questions Guide.  

Credit: University of Cambridge

 

How can Gabbitas support?  

 

University Placements Support:  

Our experienced consultants provide in-depth evaluation, strategy and next steps to achieve results. From choosing the right course and college to fine-tuning your personal statement, we ensure every aspect of your application is polished to perfection. With over 150 years of experience, Gabbitas offers clients the ultimate immersive experience – what it feels like to gain access to premier British education and most importantly – what it feels like to be an Oxbridge student.  

  

“I appreciated very much your precious work and your professional approach. Therefore, next academic year I will continue to recommend your name as an advisor to several people who also would wish to apply in Great Britain through UCAS.”  

University Placements Testimonial  

 

“Got into my dream university, thank you for your assistance throughout the process. It has been an honour working with you. May our paths cross again in the future.”  

University Placements Testimonial  

   

Contact our consultants to enquire Oxbridge Support.  

Consultations are available both in person and online.  

 

Gabbitas Tutoring: Oxbridge Preparation  

Gabbitas has a range of specialist tutors who can assist Oxbridge candidates with their application, interview, exam preparation and academic mentorship. The tuition is based on the candidate’s strengths, areas of improvement, ambitions and application criteria of the chosen programme.   

Our tutors are highly qualified and experienced in their fields. Many of them are Oxbridge graduates who understand the rigorous academic standards and can provide the guidance necessary to support students for Oxbridge and other top universities and degree courses, such as Medicine and Law.  

Explore some of our Oxbridge Tutors:  

“Thomas Scott (Tom) has been a pleasure to work with over the last two years. He has proven to be, in my experience, top percentile across teaching skills, knowledge of subject, professionalism, and reliability. He is also very engaging and personable. Tom has also shown flexibility in working with a range of pupils via his occasional tutelage of Arjuna in a number of subjects. I would not hesitate to recommend Tom as a tutor across GCSE, school entry exams, A-Levels, IB, University (and Oxbridge) entry and some undergrad materials drawing on his experience in PPE.”

Tutoring Testimonial

 

“Our son’s dream of studying PPE at Oxford felt like a long shot, but thanks to Femi’s exceptional tutoring, it became a reality. Femi’s in-depth preparation for the Thinking Skills Assessment was instrumental, providing our son with the strategies and confidence to excel. Beyond that, Femi’s guidance during the interview process was invaluable—instilling the skills needed to present his ideas clearly and thoughtfully. We’re thrilled to share that our son secured his place at Oxford, and we have Femi to thank for helping him achieve this incredible milestone.”

 Tutoring Testimonial

 

“Julia taught my child how to think and approach English comprehension and writing differently. The impact was transformational and my child went from an average performer to producing some excellent work, pushing past the levels for the entrance exams.”

Tutoring Testimonial

Request a Tutor

Have more questions about Oxbridge Tuition?

Contact our Tutoring team at enquiries@gabbitas.com or at +44 (0) 2030267443.

 

Ongoing Support and Advice:

Our support doesn’t end once the application is submitted. We assist students in preparing for possible additional assessments and provide advice on what to do if they receive multiple offers. Our team is always happy to answer any questions you might have regards your application, academic concerns or career aspiration.

For more information on our Oxbridge preparation services, visit our website or contact us directly and start your university journey today.

Front Image Credit: University of Oxford  

 

 

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

CATALYST by Winchester College provides novel programmes aimed at developing and propelling students in their critical thinking and metacognitive skills through current issues.

 

Our immediate climate, whether socio-political, cultural, or environmental has polarised young people’s everyday life – and subsequently their lifestyle.

Social media activism, increasing coverage of protests and nationwide strikes, cuts in social care and health – in addition to global warming and the consequences of globalisation and technology.

These fundamental and immediate issues are inescapable and demand full attention from every corner of society – including education.  

Education and educators are catching up. Whilst the traditional education syllabus might fail to actively address current issues, schools across the UK are increasingly borrowing pedagogy from higher education institutions to better deliver a theoretical framework directly addressing real-worlds problems and solutions.  

By means of incorporating current events, real-world issues and new theoretical ideas, students are much more likely to connect their learning to the world around them.

To ultimately prepare the next generation of young people to become active and engaged citizens, capable of creating positive change to society.  

 

CATALYST by Winchester College 

Novel courses such as Winchester College’s summer programmes by CATALYST, aims to help with just that.

Through a pedagogy of inquiry-led practice which teaches students how to think, challenging established opinions and engendering a passion for discussion and exploration – the courses’ interdisciplinary approach is concurrent with epistemological ways of navigating real issues.   

Through a combination of online seminars, lectures, teamwork, and off-screen activities – students from around the world are connected to top UK educators and wider global leaders.

With this new type of pedagogy in secondary education – it is therefore appropriate to introduce new mediums of study.  

Their course is predominantly taught online through their virtual campus.

Designed specifically for the course (and completely exclusionary to the zoom archetype), the virtual instillation of the Winchester College campus conjoins elements of gamification to foster a space for interaction, idea sharing and cohort community building.    

What is most interesting about their courses, is that they draw on Winchester College’s unique pedagogy, Div. Div ‘defines the liberal character of Winchester academic life’, by teaching students to think, discuss and debate far beyond the syllabus.

Div contextualises students’ metacognitive abilities and ways of processing information and critical thinking – which ultimately bleed into a student’s syllabus, exam preparation, future education and further into their adult lives. Learn more about metacognition here.

CATALYST in the same respect, develops the DIV framework by simultaneously also including themes of dynamic change and theoretical volatility – to catalyse change. Read more on their mission here.  

 

How are the programmes marked?  

A key feature of the course is the opportunity for students to engage in one-on-one sessions with educators from Winchester College, along with the benefit of small class sizes.

This personalized approach to instruction affords students the opportunity to receive invaluable feedback and enables them to acclimate to a learning style closely aligned with that of their future university experience.  

The candidates are subject to thorough monitoring and analysis by their educators, resulting in heightened levels of feedback and attention to individual areas of improvement.

Upon completion of the course, candidates are presented with a transcript that includes personalized feedback on their strengths and weaknesses across six distinct competency areas:

• Negotiation & Resolution  
• Narrative Defence  
• Empathetic Collaboration  
• Critical Analysis & Problem Solving  
• Quantitative Fluency  
• Effective communication  

Typically, conventional marking practices lack the specificity found in CATALYST’s evaluation system. Although traditional methods may provide grades, annotations, and marking criteria, they generally do not offer the depth of categorization and analysis that CATALYST provides. 

Through the rigorous feedback included in CATALYST’s transcript, students gain invaluable insights into their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to target specific areas for improvement in critical thinking, understanding, and argumentation.

These competencies are essential components for success in higher education and beyond, as students embark upon their future careers. 

 

University Help  

Their courses are particularly suited for ambitious, highly motivated and independent thinkers. International or domestic home-schooled candidates that are thinking about attending top universities or secondary schools would gain an invaluable experience of British Independent education.  

Alongside a critical thinking framework and the study of current issues, CATALYST focuses on developing students for their university and school applications . 

Upon course completion, CATALYST provides outstanding students with a personalised letter of recommendation for Winchester college to the university or school of the student’s choice.   

The course also embeds further assistance to students through their coaching and advisor initiative. Students will get a chance to be coached by expert advisors for university entrance and school exams and admission processes, in addition to establishing their personal statements for university applications.  

The programme also offers funding for students to further develop their individual change projects after completion of the course. 

 

Programmes Available  

CATALYST currently has spaces on just three of their courses. Below is a summary of what they include:

 

• Foundations Programme 

Dates: 10-14 July 2023  

Duration: 1 Week  

Ages: 10 – 13 

Location: Remote/Online  

About: This programme focuses on building skills in communication, critical thinking, negotiation, and narrative defence. The course focus on societal change through a range of different topics such as technology, science, philosophy, and ethics.  

Enquire here

 

• Rethinking Change System

Dates: 17-28 July 2023  

Duration: 2 Weeks  

Age: 13-18 (average age 15) 

Location: Remote/Online  

About: This is the most selective programme offered by CATALYST which explores the foundations of change – particularly exploring how students can facilitate change in their own communities.  

Enquire here

 

• Rethinking Change Systems

Dates: 31 July-11 August 2023  

Duration: 2 Week  

Age: 13-18 (average age 15) 

Location: Remote/Online  

About: This is the most selective programme offered by CATALYST which explores the foundations of change – particularly exploring how students can facilitate change in their own communities.  

Enquire here

 

Get in touch 

Get in touch with our expert team of consultants to find out if CATALYST is right for you or if you need more information on these programmes. Gabbitas offers an expansive list of summer schools to choose from. If you are interested in viewing our full summer schools list for 2023, email info@gabbitas.com or call +44 (0) 203 026 7443. 

Here at Gabbitas, we often receive enquiries from international students curious about the difference between Russell Group and non-Russell Group universities, and the benefits of each. Although the Russell Group (RG) is often attractive due to the well-known names within it, it’s always worth considering other options, where students have the chance to pursue specific highly-ranked courses as opposed to just the traditional sciences and humanity subjects.

This article would highlight some of the best non-Russell Group universities as well as courses in which they are ranked highly for compared to Russell Group universities.

 

What is a Russell Group university?

The Russell Group consists of 24 prestigious universities who all play a significant role in the cultural and economic life of the UK, and all share a common characteristic: their focus on producing leading research and maintaining a consistent reputation for strong academic achievement. Some of them include the world renowned Oxford and Cambridge, London School of Economics (LSE), Durham and so on.

Given their reputability, RG universities tend to have very rigorous admissions criteria. Their entry requirements are often higher than those of other universities, leading to a competitive admissions process, especially for the more highly sought-after courses, like medicine, sciences, economics, and law.

 

Best Non-Russell Group Universities

Despite the Russell Group’s popularity for both British and international students alike, there are approximately 106 other universities in the UK outside of the group that perform equally as well and sometimes even better; are known for their academic excellence; teaching and employability rates; and offer unique courses.

Notable names such as St. Andrews, and Bath rank consistently high in league tables each year, yet they are not part of the Russell Group. They are often mistaken to be because of their outstanding performance and provision of excellent quality education.

More non-RG universities include Loughborough known for its excellence in criminology, media, and sports (2020); Royal Holloway for its sciences and management (2021); SOAS for its development studies, anthropology, and politics (2020); and City University for its strong business and industry links.

 

Why choose a non-Russell group university?

Non-Russell Group universities are often more flexible than their highly selective RG rivals, usually having lower entry requirements. Of course, this depends on the degree — some courses still have high entry requirements, but they tend to be more realistic or achievable. Whilst St. Andrews require AAA-AAB for medicine, Imperial – a Russell Group university – requires A*AA-AAA for the same degree. Where Durham (RG) offers AAB for business management, both the University of Westminster and Royal Holloway require lower at ABB-BBC and AAB-ABB for the same degree, respectively.

Notably, there is often less rigidity and, in some cases, more willingness to consider applicants who fall short by a few marks or have complicated cases with their grades and educational background. Additionally, they are often happy to consider late applicants (aside from UCAS Clearing). This is due to non-Russell Group universities usually still having spaces available, which in comparison is unlikely at Russell Group universities, due to being oversubscribed, making chances of available spaces after initial admission deadlines small.

 

Quality of Education

In the past, the quality of education provided by non-RG universities has been questioned, especially internationally. One thing that has helped change this view is the option to participate in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which measures the quality of the student experience provided by each university, especially within the areas of teaching, learning, and graduate employability or further study outcomes.

Participating universities are awarded bronze, silver or gold. Not all RG universities participate, but for those that do, most achieve silver and gold awards. However, there are many non-RG universities that achieve the same awards. For instance, Bath, Birmingham and Loughborough have attained the gold award, just like Cambridge and Imperial College, as seen on the Office for Students.

Additionally, Brunel, City University, and Brighton have all achieved the silver award, just like King’s College, UCL, and Bristol.

Evidently, some of the participating RG universities have the silver award whilst some non-RG universities have gold, indicating that despite not being a part of the Russell Group, an excellent quality of education is still offered within these institutions.

 

“My course equipped me with important skills to thrive well at university. For example, how to write a good and analytical essay at an advanced level.

The teachers have been so helpful and easily accessible. Coming from Pakistan, my high school qualifications were not able to provide access onto an undergraduate degree in the UK, therefore a foundation course was my only option. I was really pleased to receive an offer from SOAS.

I appreciate their focus on Africa and the Middle East, which I very much look forward to delving into upon completion of my foundation year.”

 

Aryana K from Pakistan
International Foundation Course (IFC) at SOAS University

 

Specialist Courses

Another great advantage of non-RG universities is their reputation for providing specialist courses, allowing students the opportunity to choose a degree that is tailored more to their interests, or focused on a specific field.

Some examples include Greenwich University, the University of Westminster, and Goldsmiths, who, despite usually ranking lower down league tables, offer some of the most unique courses in art and design, business, media, music, technology and more. Many students opt for these universities because of the unique courses they offer, which RG universities do not always provide.

 

Selected Courses

Goldsmiths, University of London
BA Promotional Media

Royal Holloway, University of London
BSc Earth, Climate and Environmental Change

University of Greenwich
BA Film and Television Production

University of Bath
BEng Electronic Engineering with Space Science and Technology
BSc Sport Management and Coaching

Loughborough University
BSc Chemistry with Computing
MSc Construction Project Management with Building Information Modelling

City, University of London
BSc Investment and Financial Risk Management
BSc Music, Sound and Technology

Heriot-Watt University
MSc Brewing and Distilling

 

Student life

Universities in the UK actively ensure that international students settle in well for the duration of their studies. This is evident in the wide range of support and well-being services on offer, some including help with immigration issues, finding accommodation, academic support, careers advice, and counselling. Some universities even go as far as assisting students with arranging airport transfers, creating international clubs and societies and student buddy systems, allowing current students to offer support to the new, as well as make friends.

Many students praise non-RG universities on their welcoming and multicultural atmosphere, and for regularly organising social events to encourage networking. Often commended is Royal Holloway for its network of support, sense of belonging and community feel.

 

“I was unsure what I wanted to study at university but I am so glad I chose accounting and management. It was a very useful degree; I was able to choose different modules to tailor my degree to my interests, for example I really enjoyed Management Psychology.

At university I played hockey, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would say my friends from hockey club made my university experience; we had regular training sessions and attended social events. We also did a lot of volunteering, helping local charities to raise money.

I am still in regular contact with all my university friends and I absolutely loved the experience.”

 

Tammy W from Hong Kong
Accounting and Management at the University of Essex

 

 

 

Get in touch

In summary, there are many non-Russell Group universities that perform just as well as those within the Russell Group, and provide equally satisfying environments, support and student experience, meaning that it is definitely worth considering them when making applications to UK universities as an international student.

Our expert team of placements consultants can help advise further on both RG and non-RG university options as well as help with applications, read more here. Alternatively, please get in touch today by emailing info@gabbitas.com, or by calling +44 203 026 7443.

 

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This article from Sarah Oshun-Williams at Gabbitas first appeared in Great British Education Magazine from Independent School Parent

1. We’re looking to place my daughter in a UK boarding school next September, but as we are living overseas, we’re not really sure how to manage the process of shortlisting and visiting schools. What would you advise?

Answered by Anastasia Hatvany, Senior Education Consultant and SEN Specialist

One of the first things you need to establish before you start looking at new schools is your daughter’s academic level. You want a school where your daughter will sit comfortably amongst her peers. Prospective boarding schools will also want to know what your daughter can offer to them — both in terms of academics and extracurricular.

At boarding schools, children become totally immersed in their surroundings, and what they give, they get back tenfold. With this in mind, look at the school and see what they offer to the child: will your daughter be able to get involved with school life?

As you’re abroad, I’d advise you to look at full-boarding options, as everyone tends to stay in during the weekends. Even if there is the occasional quiet weekend, Saturdays will still comprise of lessons in the morning and sports fixtures in the afternoon, and many schools are keen to keep weekends as busy and as purposeful as weekdays.

Visits and open days are imperative. Do go on these if you are able to, as they are the best way to gauge a school’s atmosphere and ethos. You’ll also get to see how pupils interact with one another and engage with their teachers, and in turn see how the staff interact with parents.

Many schools are now offering in-person tours, so try and go for an open day, and then after schedule a private visit. Having said this, Zoom is still a very good way to view a school and there are plenty of excellent virtual open days.

Look at reviews, listen to word of mouth, but most importantly have confidence in yourself as a parent — you will know in your gut if a school is right for your daughter.

 

2. Is it a good idea to move my daughter to a new school for sixth form – she’s mentioned that she might like a ‘change of scene’ but we’re not sure how easy it is to make the transition and how this might impact her academically and socially?

Answered by Anastasia Hatvany, Senior Education Consultant and SEN Specialist

If you’re looking to move your daughter for sixth form, ideally you need to have started shortlisting schools by the end of year 10. Many schools tend to have closed their registrations by the end of September, and by the very latest, the end of October, as many of their candidate assessments take place during October.

Many children — whether they joined their current school at 11 or 13 — can find the change refreshing, but please bear in mind that this needs to be a very considered decision as she is at a critical age. The process will not only take up valuable time that she could use for GCSE revision, but she will also be leaving behind friends and a structure that she has been used to for at least three years.

Remember that competition is often tough for sixth form places, and some schools will have a limited number of spaces; rejection can be disheartening.

Your daughter’s current teachers and pastoral staff know her academic ability and level of wellbeing, so be sure to consult them for their thoughts on the matter. Ask your daughter her reasons for a scene change; for example, is she looking for a change in curriculum, or is she looking for a better cultural fit?

If you’re thinking of moving her from a day to a boarding school, this is often an excellent steppingstone for higher education. She’s likely to develop better organisational skills and grow in independence, all in the comfort of school’s safety net therefore meaning moving to university won’t come as such a shock.

Alternatively, she may be wanting to move closer to home with less school structure. Many children grow out of the school bubble before higher education, and flourish when working more independently.

Overall, I would urge you to research what is out there and bring your daughter on board the decision-making process. She will be able to give you a better idea of what she believes she is missing which should help shape the final decision.

 

3. My son has his heart set on going to veterinary school but knows it’s highly competitive and he needs to prove aptitude as well as academic ability. What can he do to improve his chances of acceptance?

Answered by Sarah Oshun-Williams, Client Account Manager

The methods of improving your chances of acceptance to veterinary school are very similar to those of getting into professions like medicine or law; work experience is essential.

Besides academic ability, he will need to prove his knowledge of the field and enthusiasm to pursue this route. Therefore, he should try to volunteer or shadow as many vets and animal practices as he can, as this will allow your son to showcase his motivation and interest in the field when writing his personal statement. Many universities do however understand that at times it’s hard for candidates to gain experience, so they do not demand months of work under candidates’ belts, instead just enough to show an interest and an aptitude for veterinary.

Work experience will also help your son to be sure that this is the field he’d like to pursue, as it can be a gruelling process. His time at university will be comprised of a lot of exams, laboratory-based anatomy and a lot of contact hours, so it is imperative that he is prepared for the training.

Research is equally as important. There are currently only 10 veterinary schools in the UK, of which you can only apply to 4, so researching the benefits and structure of each course is key to ensure you’re aware of the different requirements, entry procedures and to select the options that are most suitable.

Regarding how he might improve his academic ability, it’s worth considering tutoring. Many agencies — like Gabbitas — have tutors who are experts in their chosen field and some who specialise in veterinary school applications. This will help your son to prepare for any interviews, additional admissions tests, and to know what to expect from the course. A tutor can also be useful in helping him revise for his exams, to ensure that he meets his offer requirements.

If you would like to find out more about our tutors, please contact us at info@gabbitas.com, or head to our tutoring page to see some of the services we offer.

 

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This article was originally published in the Autumn/Winter 2021 edition of Absolutely Education

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 

As the news is filled with A-Level results and images of happy students gleefully clutching their results papers, for those about to start their final year of school this can seem a long way off.

Nevertheless, there is an important step you can take to get ahead of the game and ensure that in 12 months time you too will be bounding happily out of the school gates for the last time with university on the near horizon.

The personal statement

This preparatory step is of course to start work on your personal statement. 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 the majority of 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.