Applying to university can be nerve-wracking and completing the UCAS form is one of the most daunting elements. Don’t leave it to the last minute! There’s so much information to provide and so many choices to make, you need time to plan carefully. Here are some top tips to help your application stand out.
Check the deadlines
Make sure you know your school’s or college’s deadlines and work back from those dates so that you have time to find all the information you need. Most applications have to be with UCAS by 6pm on 29 January 2025. Universities and colleges do not have to consider applications received after the deadline but they may, if there are spaces.
Make sure the form is complete
You must complete all mandatory questions – you can’t skip any sections. But you don’t have to do it all at once. Start early and do a little at a time.
Keep your email address up to date
You can change your email address but make sure it’s up to date on the UCAS site so you don’t miss important updates.
Don’t write your personal statement directly into the form
Write it in Word or another program and copy it across – there’s no spell check on the UCAS site. It’s got to be at least 1,000 characters long – but you have up to 4,000.
Make sure you proofread. Don’t let errors spoil your application. Try printing it out – your eyes skip letters when you read on a screen. Spellcheck won’t always spot the mistake if you write pubic instead of public…
Stand out
What’s unusual or memorable about you? Universities receive thousands of applications so think carefully about what makes you stand out. Perhaps you have some talent, skill or life experience that links to the course you want to study?
Be careful with AI – it can be dangerous
How to use AI
Generating your personal statement from an AI tool could be seen as cheating and affect your chances of an offer.
You have to declare that your personal statement hasn’t been copied or provided from another source, including AI software. And UCAS does check.
Universities want to hear from you about why you want to study this subject. AI can’t understand your own thoughts, skills and experiences. And the answers it comes up with are too generalised.
You need to be specific about you – this is your chance to show your potential.
You can use AI to brainstorm topics and skills relevant to your course but you have to go on to write about how they relate to you and your personal interests and talents.
Be enthusiastic
Explain why you are passionate about the subject. How does it link to what you’ve studied so far? Why are you interested in the field? Does it connect with your career aspirations?
Make it relevant
Focus on the course and your interests. Connect your statement with the subject, your experiences and achievements. Admissions tutors aren’t interested in generalisations or clichés.
Don’t rush
Take your time. Don’t expect to complete the statement in one go. You need to think carefully. It’s a good idea to review it later on, after taking a break. You will probably go through a few drafts.
Get feedback
It’s great to have someone else read your statement – a tutor, friend or family member. They may spot something you haven’t noticed, or be able to suggest areas you’ve left out.
Find out more
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