Top Tips for Applying to UCAS

To apply for a university place, you must submit a UCAS application form. This form is seen by admissions staff, they will make a decision to offer you a place or not. So, what goes onto the UCAS form is vital.

1. Show real passion for the subject you are applying for: Show your ambitions and give good reasons for wanting to do the course. Put across your passion in as much detail as possible.

Show how you have acted on your interest in particular subjects by attending extra- curricular activities, attending open events at your college and show you have taken your passion beyond the school gates.

2. Do your research: Read around your subject. This is essential, not just for personal statements but also in terms of widening knowledge of the subject you're applying for. Aside from helping you decide that it's definitely what you want to do, reading a few books about your choice of study will give you a good grounding for when you finally get to University, as well as preparing you well for any interviews.

A lot of degree courses have some relevance to current affairs, so if you have to go for interview you are very likely to be asked about relevant events of the moment. Even if not directly linked to your course, an awareness of current affairs broadens the mind and can show your ability to form an opinion.

3. Relevant work experience is essential: This is one of the best tips we can give you; the right work experience will make your application stand out.

Work experience in the area you want to study at university will assure you it's what you really want to do. But it will show the admissions staff that you are committed to your chosen subject and career. Send out some formal letters requesting placements. If you can't readily get a placement, show your university choices that you've tried to gain some form of experience relevant to your subject.

4. Relate outside interests to the course: For example, playing a musical instrument shows sustained commitment and/or the ability to manage your time effectively between juggling school study and music study.

5. Get the basics right: Check your spelling and grammar before submitting the application. Admissions selectors are assessing your ability to write an essay to university standard. Think about your paragraph and sentence structure.

It is important to use language you are comfortable with so as not to lose the focus of your writing. Try not to go too far and use words you wouldn't normally choose, to try and sound more 'academic'.

6. Don't leave it until the last minute - remember the January and March deadlines: The deadline for most courses is mid-January and March. Take time to make your personal statement your best work. Applicants' personal statements help institutions identify suitable candidates, especially in the most competitive courses. Rushing will mean mistakes and not provide you with enough time to get it checked over by your parents or teachers.

7. Get a second opinion: If you want your personal statement to sell your abilities to a university, it is good to get feedback from your parents or family members on how they see you and the right words to describe yourself. Use the careers team at your college too, they can give you informed and impartial feedback.

8. Honesty is the best policy: Every personal statement is checked against a library of those previously submitted to UCAS, sample statements, and other sources. Any statement that is flagged up will be reviewed by members of the UCAS Similarity Detection Service Team. Be honest and allow your qualities to shine through.

It is all too easy to claim things in your personal statement, but if you struggle to back them up in your interview you will look poorly prepared.

We hope these tips help you in your application process. The Words Worth Reading Ltd team would like to wish you the best of luck with your UCAS application and your future. If you need a hand with proofreading your essays, contact us via our website www.wordsworthreading.co.uk.