A Sixth Form Student's Guide to UCAS

UCAS. That word may fill you with excitement, fear, or nothing at all, but if you’re in the Lower Sixth it’s guaranteed to be an important part of your Sixth Form experience.

Over the coming months, you will do lots to become prepared for your university application, but now is the perfect time to become acquainted with the process.

The first thing to do is start researching universities and courses, as even though it’s only November, your life will be far easier in the Upper Sixth if you do as much as possible now! It’s absolutely fine to change your mind once a day (I did), but start creating a shortlist of universities you like, and courses you might want to read. There’s lots of choice at university, so make sure to research courses all around your subject area, as you may find something interesting you didn’t know about. With regards to the university itself, consider if you want a campus or city based university, what the entry requirements are, and most crucially if it feels right. Lots of universities now have virtual tours, which is a great way to see the university given the virus. However, I’d also recommend just going on street view on Google Maps, as university tours only ever provide a glorified view!

In June, there is a dedicated UCAS Day. Anna H comments:

"The dreaded UCAS process is not as bad as you may think! As a year, we started preparing early and had a ‘UCAS day’ to start the application process. Getting started is one of the hardest parts, but as soon as you have some ideas down your personal statement will start to take shape and it becomes easier. My number one tip would be to make sure you have a draft personal statement completed by the end of summer – it will make life so much easier in September.

It’s hard deciding where to apply, especially because all of the open days were cancelled, but it is exciting deciding on what you want to do and where to go (so try and enjoy the process if possible!)"

Being able to start your personal statement so early is a great source of reassurance, as it allows you to finish it early, and so focus on your actual A Levels in the Upper SIxth. As Imogen T notes:

"Tutors are really helpful in supporting us with our personal statements. The actual UCAS form that we have to fill in is arduous, but you do receive lots of support.

It is worth noting that different universities want different things from your personal statement, so make sure to research it. Show off your achievements in your personal statement, from your further reading to your extracurriculars – you’ve got to promote yourself. Also, even if the course name is the same at different universities, the modules can vary greatly, so it’s vital to check which modules universities offer in order to select which is right for you!"

The whole university application does have lots of stressful aspects, but try to enjoy it as much as possible. After all, this is your chance to decide your future.

By Ella S (U6)