[UniStarterPack] UK Uni Admissions Guide

Application Basics for UK Universities

If you're considering applying to universities in the UK for an undergraduate degree, it's important to understand the application process and what universities are looking for. Here is a breakdown of the key points to note, written by two students who gained admissions into UCL and Oxford and in partnership with ForYouths, a mentorship program for Singaporean youths.

2.1 Approach and Philosophy

UK universities typically follow a comprehensive review process, taking into account various aspects of your application beyond just academic grades, including your extracurricular activities (more on that later), personal statement, and references from teachers. They assess your educational and personal background to gain insight into your potential for success.

Universities often compare your academic achievements within the context of your school and educational system. Your achievements will be evaluated relative to your peers, and any limitations or challenges your school might have had won't count against you. UK universities are interested in students who have made the most of their opportunities and have excelled, even in the face of obstacles.

It's important to note that different universities may have slightly different criteria for what makes a strong applicant. You can research specific universities and their programs to understand what qualities they value. While some criteria might be broadly applicable, it's a good starting point to delve into each university's specific requirements.

2.2 Terminology Overview

Before you begin the application process, familiarise yourself with the terminology commonly used in the UK university system:

Undergraduate: This refers to your first degree, such as a Bachelor's degree.

University: In the UK, the term "university" is used interchangeably with "college"

Course: Equivalent to "major" in the US, it's the main subject of study you'll undertake.

Module: Comparable to a single class or unit of study.

Personal Statement: Similar to the Common App essay in the US, it's a statement you'll write to showcase your interests, achievements, and motivations for studying.

Reference: UK universities require references from teachers who can attest to your academic abilities and personal qualities.

2.3 Application Timeline

The application timeline for UK universities differs from that of US colleges:

Mid-October: Deadline for submitting applications to Oxford and Cambridge (deadlines are earlier than most other UK unis). Vocational courses, more specifically medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine, including those offered by institutions beyond Oxbridge, also adhere to this early deadline.

Mid-January: Deadline for submitting applications to most other UK universities through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

February to May: Universities review applications and may conduct interviews.

May to June: Universities send out offers of admission.

Early March: Deadline for submitting applications to certain courses at Cambridge’s mature colleges.

Tip: It's important to check the specific deadlines for each university you're applying to, as they may vary.

Tip: Do also look out for the application deadlines for standardised testing such as the TSA, LNAT and UCAT, if your preferred course of study requires them.

2.4 Application Components

2.4.1 Personal Statement

You will submit a personal statement of maximum 4000 characters to UCAS, a centralised application system for all UK universities. The personal statement is a crucial part of your application. In your statement, highlight your passion for the major you are interested in, relevant experiences, and any research or projects you've undertaken. Emphasise why you're a strong fit for the program at each university you're applying to. Unlike Common App essays for US universities, your UCAS one should focus more on experiences that are directly relevant to your chosen course of study. You can talk about life experiences that aren’t academic study or extracurricular activities, but they must always link back to why you’re applying for that particular course.

Some universities and specific courses like Cambridge also require additional personal statements on top of the UCAS one. Don’t forget about these either.

TIP: Avoid using generic statements

2.4.2 References

UK universities require references from teachers who can speak to your academic abilities and potential. Choose teachers who can provide specific examples of your achievements and skills related to the major that you are interested in.

TIP: Give your teachers ample time to write your references and provide them with information about your accomplishments and interests.

2.4.3 Academic Record and Testing

While UK universities primarily focus on grades and standardised tests (i.e. A-Levels and IB), some may require additional tests like the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) or the TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment). Check the requirements of each university you're applying to.

In general UK universities also indicate entrance requirements for specific courses on their websites, where they will (typically) list the minimum grades required to receive an offer for that certain programme.

For A level candidates, they will generally look at the scores of three of your H2 subjects. For IB candidates, they will generally look at the scores of your three higher level subjects and/or your overall IB score. If there is a required and/or preferred subject, the school may also indicate a score requirement for that subject (e.g., IB candidates are required to attain a 7 in mathematics on top of scoring a total of 19 points for their HL subjects to be considered for economics at UCL). At times, there might be requirements for your GCSE (i.e., O-level equivalent) scores, though these are almost always less stringent.

In general, if you meet the entry requirements as listed in the website, there is a high likelihood of success for admissions into the programme. However, some highly competitive courses, such as PPE, Economics, Medicine, Dentistry and Law typically admit candidates who score beyond the entry requirements and who have demonstrated strong suitability for the programme through a combination of other avenues (e.g., a robust personal statement, high standardised testing scores, a stellar performance at the interview). This applies to most courses offered at Cambridge and Oxford as well. Cambridge in particular, indicates the statistics of a “typical entrant” within the “entry requirements” section in each programme’s page. This can greatly assist you in preliminarily ballparking your chances of admissions to these competitive programmes.

Certain vocational courses, such as veterinary medicine, may also look favourably upon or even require the applicant to have accumulated a certain amount of practical experience.

TIP: Ensure you meet the academic requirements for programs and consider taking any required tests.

TIP: There are plenty of online study resources available for tests like LNAT and TSA. We’ll list some of them in the Additional Resources section below.

TIP: If your scores are borderline or below the entry requirements listed for your programme of choice, strongly consider retaking tests or choosing another institution / related course of study. It is not strategic to opt for a programme of which you have a poor standing to apply for - remember that you are limited to only 5 choices in your UCAS application.

2.4.4 Extracurricular Activities

While academic performance is a key factor, UK universities also value well-rounded individuals. Highlight any relevant extracurricular activities related to the major you are interested in, such as participating in clubs, competitions, or research projects. However, unlike US universities, activities or achievements that don’t demonstrate some form of competency or transferable skill to your course of study are not going to be valued as much.

For UCAS, you will not be provided a separate section for extracurricular activities, so any mention of important ones should come in your personal statement.

2.4.5 Honours and Achievements

List any academic honours, awards, or achievements in your application. These could include high grades in relevant subjects or participation in competitions.

Tip: Provide specific details about your achievements and their significance

2.4.6 Interviews for UK Universities

Interviews for UK universities are typically conducted after submitting your UCAS application and personal statement. If you apply for regular admission in December 2023, you might receive interview invitations around January or February 2024. For early applications in November 2023, interviews might take place in the same month. Once contacted, you'll coordinate with the interviewer to find a suitable date and time.

While most universities offer interviews as optional, they present an additional opportunity to showcase your strengths and motivations. However, not all colleges have enough interviewers, so don't be alarmed if you don't receive an invitation.

Compared to the more formal UK Oxbridge interviews, other UK university interviews tend to be more informal and personal. The conversation is designed to be two-way, where you discuss your background, strengths, and interests, while also having the opportunity to ask questions about the university.

However, your experience will depend on the individual interviewer. They might introduce themselves briefly, discussing their own academic background. While some may have a set list of questions, others might approach it more flexibly. Be ready to answer common questions like:

Why are you interested in studying Economics at < insert university>?

What aspects of Economics intrigue you the most?

Could you share more about your academic journey and relevant extracurricular activities?

Tip: Practice is key. Arrange mock interviews with someone, giving them a list of standard questions to ask, and encourage them to come up with their own to test your thinking on your feet. You could even record yourself answering these questions for self-assessment.

Prepare questions for the interviewer as well. You'll have the chance to ask them about their experiences and the university. For example:

How has your Economics degree from <insert university> influenced your career?

If you could go back, what would you do differently during your time at insert university?

Besides the curriculum, are there any unique programs related to Economics that you would recommend?

Tip: Resources like YouTube videos can be helpful for understanding the interview process better.

2.4.6.1 Oxford and Cambridge Interviews

Oxbridge interviews are unique in the sense that they are structured to mimic the main teaching format in Oxbridge — tutorials!

You are often pitted against 2 interviewers, both experts in the field of your course, and will be asked questions related to your course material.

• For e.g. If you are applying for a Psychology course, interview “questions” may involve neuroscience, psychological phenomena, or even statistics!

However, this does not mean they expect you to have any prior knowledge on the course content, or even the discipline at all. The point of the interview is to assess how you think and how much you are willing to learn. That’s all!

Tip: Interview help is widely available online, and may even be course specific. Some YouTube videos are made by Oxford and Cambridge students/professors themselves! Don’t miss out!

2.4.7 Additional University-specific Requirements

Certain UK universities like Oxford and Cambridge might request additional exams or admissions tests, especially for competitive courses like Economics. It's important to thoroughly review each university's requirements to ensure you don't miss anything.

2.5 Fees for UK University Applications

Applying to UK universities also incurs fees. If you're facing financial difficulties, some fee waivers might be available. It's wise to inquire with your school or the university about potential assistance.

Keep in mind that admissions tests for Economics will also carry fees (rough estimate: $100-200), such as the TSA for Oxford.

2.6 What Happens After Submission for UK Universities?

Once your UCAS application is submitted, you'll receive an acknowledgment email within 1 to 7 days. This will include a link to a post-submission portal for each university. This portal is where you can track document submissions, update achievements, and eventually receive application outcomes.

If you achieve significant academic or extracurricular milestones after submitting your application, it's recommended to provide updates. Sending these updates promptly is crucial, as decisions can be made at any time.

FAQs

Q: How many universities should I apply to?

A: UCAS limits you to 5 universities. It is recommended to use all 5 slots, as your essay is meant to be course-specific (not uni-specific) and most likely applicable to multiple universities’ curricula. However, for Oxbridge, you are limited to choosing only ONE between Oxford or Cambridge when applying within one given cycle. Oxbridge also takes up one of your 5 available slots and you can only make ONE UCAS application a year. This means applying to Oxbridge forces you to submit your application to all other universities much earlier as well.

Q: Do I need to take additional subjects like H3 to qualify?

A: While opting for rigorous courses like H3 can be advantageous, it's not necessarily mandatory for most unis. UK universities value academic excellence and your chosen A-Level subjects play a significant role in demonstrating your capability. However, some courses in Cambridge do carry a H3 requirement so do check the website of your chosen course.

Q: My education/extracurricular activities were impacted by Covid-19. Will this affect my application?

A: You could either use your personal statement or your referee to explain any Covid-19 related disruptions. Be specific about the significant impacts, such as cancelled competitions or missed opportunities.

Q: Should I use Singaporean terms like junior college, or UK terms?

A: Stick to Singaporean terms to ensure clarity for application readers familiar with different educational systems.

Q: Do universities favour students with scholarships?

A: Scholarships can showcase your merit and dedication, demonstrating academic prowess and leadership potential. While having a scholarship is beneficial, it's not a prerequisite for admission.

Q: If my extra-curricular involvement and academic exploration in school does not relate directly to my interested course of study, what can I write about in my personal statement?

A: Do remember that the main objective of the UCAS personal statement is to exemplify that you are a suitable candidate to study a certain course. Linking the academic discussion in your personal statement to broader life experiences is perfectly acceptable, so long as it showcases the necessary critical thinking skills required for the course of study. Some common experiences students write about are:

1. Readings beyond the classroom - this can also include documentaries and even fictional texts; oftentimes, students use readings as a segue into discussion or reflection on specific academic topics within the interested course of study.

2. Volunteering experiences - you can discuss some of the observations in your extra-curricular activities through an academic lens as well. For example, if you volunteered to serve at one-room flat estates, you can link your observations to topics such as urban social deprivation, which is explored in courses such as Geography.

3. Personal circumstances / experiences - if an aspect of your personal identity and/or a significant life experience has shaped your desire to study a course, you can talk about it, albeit ideally retaining an academic lens to the discussion.

For students taking the IBDP, the work you have done in your extended essays (EE), internal assessments (IAs) and theory of knowledge (TOK) can also be discussed in your UCAS personal statement, as long as you can draw a convincing link to your interested course of study.

Essays

Q: Can I write about other people in my personal statement?

A: You can, but ensure the focus remains on you.

Q: What if someone else has written about my chosen topic?

A: Execution matters more than the topic. Present a unique perspective to stand out.

Q: Do I use UK or US spelling?

A: Either spelling is acceptable; focus on consistency.

For National Servicemen

Q: Should I apply during NS or after?

A: In general, most schools, including those based in London and Cambridge, only accept deferred matriculation of up to 1 year. In essence, if you have NS liabilities and will not be taking up a SAF or PSC scholarship, you can only apply from NS Y1 onwards.

However, schools such as Oxford do allow candidates to defer for up to 2 years, thereby making application in your A-level / IB year viable. Certain schools are murkier with their deferred entry policies for candidates serving the military, but you can apply anyway and raise a request to the school after attaining an offer.

Q: Will NS affect university interviews?

A: Interviews are often flexible, accommodating nights or weekends. Communicate potential conflicts with your superiors.

Useful Resources

• UK University Admissions Webinars: Valuable insights from admissions officers, applicable beyond the hosting university.

• For Youth’ s: Youth mentorship group that provides support for university applications. Provides QnA Portal for university application!

• Reddit threads on UK admissions. E.g.

  • https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/mzqp1t/an_internationals_tips_for_applying_to_the_uk/

  • https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/n15az8/applying_to_the_uk_an_admissions_officers_guide/

• UniReach: Volunteer organisation running a YouTube channel full of insights into admissions strategy, exam preparations (they even go through past year TSA papers!) and explanations of what it is like to study in the UK.

• Jesus College Oxford: Admissions tips, exam strategies and interview guide straight from an Oxford tutor.

• UCAS: Official UK university application portal and resource.

• Singaporean Admissions Support: Platforms like WahUniversity offer guidance from seniors.

• Unibridge: Attend webinars by Singaporean alumni to learn about studying in the UK.

Credits:

Special thanks to an anonymous JCSP contributor (UCL Economics) as well as ForYouth’s volunteer (Oxford Psychology) for their extensive contributions.