How to be the best applicant ever? It is more difficult than you would expect!
Ms Rebecca Keele, an Admissions Adviser at the University of Essex, gave the answer to 11th graders at Zlatarski International School.
Ms Keele met with students who are at the beginning of their university application process, which includes first and foremost the creation of an action plan for the months to come. It was of great use what this Admissions adviser, along with many others who visit our school each autumn and spring, had to say about their future applications to top universities:
“Planning what to write in your personal statements, which are an essential part of every university application, is not something that you are familiar with. Writing about yourself will need a lot of practicing, many drafts. The first step in writing your personal statements is to plan what you would like to include. You need to answer questions like:
- What course do you want to apply for?
- When did you become interested in the course?
- Are there any aspects of your current studies that relate to the course that you have chosen?
- What personal qualities do you possess that make you suited to this area of study?
- What relevant experience do you have – work experience; part-time job; volunteering; awards; conferences;
- What are your future career plans?
Except the course that you are interested in, you should write about yourself – this is your opportunity to say what makes you interesting, special and unique. Everyone has aspects of their personality that make them interesting – it’s just a case of putting them into words. But beware – a long list of everything that you have done is much less impressive than picking one or two things and writing about the skills that you have gained through them. Remember that universities are mainly interested in your enthusiasm for the course and your potential to do well!
In addition to your personal statement, your teacher and your school will support you with a reference which admissions tutors value highly when making a decision. Make sure you deserve a good reference!”
The start of the university application process for the 11th graders at Zlatarski International School will be after the spring break when the UCAS coordinator will meet individually with each student and guide them through their personal action plans.