Applying to university

Making sure you choose a course that is right for you is the most important part of your application. There are a lot of decisions to think through:

• What subject?
• Which course? Find out more on choosing a course at 18
• Full-time, part-time or distance learning?
• What about a Sandwich degree course?
• What are the job prospects?
• Which course is needed for your career idea?
• What are the entry requirements?

Start with the UCAS Search Tool to search for courses and do more research using individual university websites.

You will be studying and living at the university you choose for 3 or more years, so it is important you think through your decision and consider these questions to help you decide:

• Do you want to be far from home or close?
• Would you prefer a campus-based university or a city-based university?
• What other clubs and university facilities are important to you, for example university sports clubs?
• How expensive will it be to live in the town or city?

Some universities may offer a mixture of open days 'online' and 'in person'.

You can do plenty of research on university websites but it is never as good as visiting the university on an open day. Use opendays.com to check when universities are holding their open days and go and see for yourself.

We can help you prepare and make the most of your University open days.

• UCAS
• The Uni Guide
• Guardian University Guide
• The Complete University Guide
• Opendays.com
• Discover uni
• University Compare
• University Ready - The Open University

Depending on the course and university, you may be required to take an aptitude or admissions test or submit a portfolio of your work. Some examples are:

• Most courses in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science will require you to take an aptitude test such as University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT)
• Oxford and Cambridge have course specific admissions tests and assessments
• Law courses may require completion of LNAT – National Admissions Test for Law
• Many arts and creative course such as Photography or Architecture require you to submit a portfolio of your work

Check the university website or UCAS for which tests or other submissions are required for your course and the deadlines for taking the test or submitting work.

Practise using online sample tests. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare any portfolios or other submissions required.

Check deadlines for tests and work submissions. Remember these are often before the UCAS application deadline.

Preparing for aptitude and admissions tests

• Admissions Tests (UCAS)
• Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT)
• LNAT – National Admissions Test for Law
• Practise Tests UCAT
• University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)

Your personal statement is your chance to make your application stand out. Your personal statement is as important as the qualifications and grades you get. Start preparing and drafting your statement early. It may take many drafts before you are happy with it:

• Visit the UCAS website for information on how to write a UCAS undergraduate personal statement
• Research subject specific examples of personal statements. There are some on www.thestudentroom.co.uk and www.universitycompare.com but remember not to copy
• Write your statement to demonstrate your suitability and interest in the courses you are applying for. Remember you can only submit one personal statement on the UCAS application
• Ask teachers, friends and family to proof read your statement

Remember you need a reference from your school or college. Find out more on References for UCAS undergraduate applications on UCAS.

Universities want to see that you are committed to the course, subject or career area. Work experience or volunteering is not only a great way to try out your career ideas, but can help develop the skills you will need and demonstrate your passion for the subject.

Find out how you could volunteer or get work experience.

Another way to show your commitment and passion for the subject or course is by undertaking academic enrichment activities or ‘super-curricular activities’. These will be over and above your normal coursework. You could:

• Read around the subject, and be up-to-date with the latest issues in the field
• Join academic societies and attend additional lectures
• Subscribe to a relevant journal or magazine
• Maybe even, set up your own subject specific club in your school or college

These activities will not only show your commitment and drive, but that you have an enquiring mind and a passion for learning.

Get more ideas in 'The 34 Best Super-Curricular Activities for Applicants to Top Universities' on Oxford Royale Academy.

You may be invited to an interview or audition. This will vary depending on the subject and the university, some examples include:

• Most medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses will invite you for interview
• Other vocational courses such as nursing may require an interview
• Oxford and Cambridge invite for interview
• Performing arts courses usually require an audition

Check the admissions details for the university and course you are thinking about. Look at undergraduate interview invitations on UCAS.

Research funding for students at university early and make a note of the deadlines for funding applications. Find out more about on the Student Finance Wales website.