14 th June 2013 Applying to Competitive Universities

14 th June 2013 Applying to Competitive Universities Penny Dowell Widening Participation and Undergraduate Recruitment Officer

Overview Why apply to competitive universities? Competition for places What are admission tutors looking for? How can you stand out? What tools can you use? Top tips

Why apply to competitive universities? Graduate employment Quality of teaching Academic teaching style Student satisfaction Research intensive institutions Access to certain professions

Competition for places

Competition for places Subject Applications Places Medicine 3, 452 216 16 Geography 1, 220 137 9 History 1, 272 190 7 English 1, 064 150 7 Law 1, 007 184 5 Archaeology 158 23 7 Engineering Maths 105 38 3 Social Policy 87 34 3 Italian 30 8 4

What are admission tutors looking for? A level (or equivalent) grades Subject combinations AS grades, predicted grades and unit marks GCSE grades Personal statement Reference Test results (where applicable) Interview (where applicable) Work experience (where applicable)

What are admission tutors looking for? Relevant academic ability Motivation Study skills Written communication skills Relevant experience Passion for the subject The whole person

What are admission tutors looking for? That you have read around your subject area If possible, work experience Being able to demonstrate your skills Positions of responsibility What has inspired you? Why are you passionate about the subject? Additional qualifications Other interests, what else could you contribute to the University?

What are admission tutors looking for? Medicine example: - Personal Statement A realistic interest in Medicine Informed about a career in Medicine Demonstrated commitment to helping others Demonstrated a wide range of interests Contributed to school/college/community activities A range of personal achievements

What are admission tutors looking for? Medicine example: - Interview Reasons for wanting to study Medicine Awareness of current developments Ability to communicate Self-confidence, enthusiasm, determination How informed you are about the course and career Ability to think critically and to discuss potentially contrasting points of view on topical subjects selected by interviewers

How can you stand out? Qualifications – Have you got anything over and above the basic 3 A Level formula? Research – – The market The course The selection criteria (not just the standard offer grades) Actual grades of successful applicants Read around the subject – Evidence of motivation and commitment Tailor your application – Evidence of close fit with selection criteria

How can you stand out? About two thirds of the personal statement should be focussed around the desire to study the particular subject • Why • What • Academic • The rest of the statement should be about the whole person – hobbies, jobs, interests. • Interests – activities and sport • Conclusion

How can you stand out? Simple question. . “Why should I be allowed to study ______ at University ? ”

What tools can you use? Admission statements • • Application process Qualifications Personal statement Reference • Typical offer

Where to start? Admission statements • • Application process Qualifications Personal statement Reference • Typical offer

What tools can you use? Social Media • The Student Room Information on interviews Personal statement reviews Find out typical offers made

What tools can you use? Open Days/Taster Days/Lectures

Top tips Do your research Look through admission statements Read outside of the core curriculum Get involved with lots of activities Get work experience Provide examples!! Analyse your activities, sports and interests Be ambitious but realistic Have a back up plan

Questions ? Schools-Colleges-Liaison@bristol. ac. uk