{"id":446,"date":"2017-01-05T14:31:25","date_gmt":"2017-01-05T14:31:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.edgehill.ac.uk\/comment\/?p=446"},"modified":"2017-01-05T14:31:25","modified_gmt":"2017-01-05T14:31:25","slug":"five-top-tips-for-an-outstanding-ucas-form","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.edgehill.ac.uk\/comment\/2017\/01\/05\/five-top-tips-for-an-outstanding-ucas-form\/","title":{"rendered":"Five top tips for an outstanding UCAS form"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/h1>\n

Sarah Wright<\/a>, Edge Hill University<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As the final UCAS deadline looms<\/a> in mid-January, it\u2019s understandable to worry that you don\u2019t have time to complete a quality application that will bag you that place on the course of your dreams. But fear not, because here are some tips for putting together a successful, stand out application.<\/p>\n

1. Check your own understanding<\/h2>\n

Hopefully, you have done your background work on your course by attending open days, reading blogs and poring over prospectuses. But even if this is the case, do you really understand the course you are applying for?<\/p>\n

Go back through the UCAS entry profile<\/a> and double check that the course you have selected meets your needs and does what you think it does. Students who have misconceptions about the content of a course often reflect this in their application which does not make for a good start.<\/p>\n

2. Get the fine tooth comb out<\/h2>\n

No eye rolling, I know you have probably been told this a million times, and I\u2019m going to say it again \u2026 this document could effectively change your life \u2013 and proof reading and drafting is essential.<\/p>\n

Ensure you check everything on your form, from your personal details to your course code, everything needs to be perfect. Admissions tutors will be eagle eyed when it comes to grammatical and spelling errors, so check it once, check it twice, and then check it again.<\/p>\n

\n
Your university application may well open doors for you, so make sure it\u2019s perfect. Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

3. Make up your mind<\/h2>\n

Your personal statement is the most substantial aspect of your application. This is where you really get to show your potential university who you are. It\u2019s therefore essential that your statement does that, evidences you as a future scholar who oozes enthusiasm for their chosen subject and course.<\/p>\n

The most crucial thing admissions tutors will look for in your personal statement is a strong rationale as to why you want a place on their course. If you\u2019re applying to multiple institutions this can be a tricky ask. So this is why it\u2019s best to keep your course choices consistent \u2013 because applying for four primary education courses and then an engineering degree isn\u2019t going to make things easy for you.<\/p>\n

4. Make it personal<\/h2>\n

The personal statement should also do what it says on the tin \u2013 it should be personal to you. This is your opportunity to shine in terms of talking about your academic and personal achievements. It can be easy to fall into lazy language when you\u2019re doing this. If admissions tutors had a pound for every time they read the word \u201cpassion\u201d in a personal statement, they\u2019d probably be living on a tropical island by now.<\/p>\n

\n

Draw on all your experience to make your application as unique as you are. Pexels.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Put the effort into your explanation. Talk concisely about your achievements, then show the impact they have had on you. So, rather than \u201cI am a passionate member of the local outdoor pursuits club\u201d, try \u201cbeing a member of the local outdoor pursuits club has helped me hone my leadership, problem solving and collaboration skills\u201d. See the difference?<\/p>\n

Work hard with your language<\/a>. You want to grab the attention of your reader and avoiding generic statements such as \u201cI have always had a passion for \u2026\u201d is your first step in doing that. You should also talk about specific aspects of a subject that fuel your interest, and the more you can evidence this, the better chance of acceptance you have.<\/p>\n

5. Two pairs of eyes<\/h2>\n

Your application should now be a glowing reflection of who you are and your hopes and ambitions for your academic career. This can make some people reluctant to share it with even their closest family and friends. But unfortunately, this is a must.<\/p>\n

\n
Make your application into a family affair \u2013 a second pair of eyes is important. Pexels.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Think how many times you check a social media update before you post it to the world, this is a million times more important. Do you really want to hit submit before having it checked? Have at least one other person read over your application, they could pick up on a missed word, incorrect spelling or fantastic achievement you have overlooked. The more input you can get the better, so if you\u2019re up for sharing get as many people as you can to take a look at your final draft before you submit it.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Sarah Wright<\/a>, Senior Lecturer in Education, Edge Hill University<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

This article was originally published on The Conversation<\/a>. Read the original article<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sarah Wright, Edge Hill University As the final UCAS deadline looms in mid-January, it\u2019s understandable to worry that you don\u2019t have time to complete a quality application that will bag you that place on the course of your dreams. But fear not, because here are some tips for putting together a successful, stand out application. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[119,1],"tags":[118,11875,539,9647],"class_list":["post-446","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-education","category-uncategorized","tag-students","tag-ucas","tag-university","tag-writing"],"yoast_head":"\nFive top tips for an outstanding UCAS form - Comment<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.edgehill.ac.uk\/comment\/2017\/01\/05\/five-top-tips-for-an-outstanding-ucas-form\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Five top tips for an outstanding UCAS form - Comment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Sarah Wright, Edge Hill University As the final UCAS deadline looms in mid-January, it\u2019s understandable to worry that you don\u2019t have time to complete a quality application that will bag you that place on the course of your dreams. 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