UCAS Application time

It’s a new year, and you might have exciting new plans – perhaps you’re going to follow Tiffany’s advice and start a ‘passion project’ - but if you are hoping to go to Uni, perhaps you need to finish off your UCAS application, or maybe, you need to start it.

Whatever stage your UCAS application is at, this might be where Anisha’s blog comes in handy - breakdown the whole/ remainder of application into manageable chunks, rather than trying to complete it in one sitting. You don’t want to make any obvious mistakes.
The application, although in-depth, will be worth the effort you put in. UCAS will want to know your current qualifications, and a personal statement. Briefly, your personal statement should display your passion for the course/s you are looking to apply for. It should also show the following:

1. Your motivation to succeed.
2. ​Your enthusiasm - and good attitude to personal learning and development.
3. The skills and experiences you’ve already got that will enable you to achieve your degree.
4. And finally, the ability to articulate yourself fluently and accurately in writing. This will show your potential tutors what your capabilities are, and what they can expect from you in the future - all within a 4000 word limit - so you will need to be succinct and straight to the point.

There’s a whole section of the UCAS website dedicated to how to write a personal statement to really support you through the process.

Importantly, you will also need a reference. 

• So, have conversations with a number of people who will be able to support you in your application. 
• Once you have chosen the best person, make sure they have given you their expression permission that they are happy to give a reference.
• Not to mention, their permission for you to use their contact details. 
• And finally, it’s also wise to make sure they know to expect communication from UCAS. 

When filling in your details, and I apologise for stating the obvious here, but make sure you use the email address you check / use the most. It would be awful if you set up a dedicated UCAS application email address but then forget to check it.  You really don’t want to miss any emails, or information that you need to action, so do not overcomplicate anything.
This information, and more guidance, can be found at Learn all about filling in your UCAS application for uni

The other thing to keep in mind is that it will cost £27.50 for 5 applications. So ensure you have chosen your top 5 Uni’s and courses.

If you haven’t completed the form – you better get your skates on, as it could (i.e should) take you some time, and the deadline is 31st Jan.  

Now, go show UCAS the very best of yourself and what you have to offer. Your next big journey is awaiting you, and it wants to meet the best you you can be!

If you are estranged young person or care leaver you could apply for the Unite Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship supplies free accommodation for the 3 year duration of your studies. There are 95 places available for the Sept 24 intake, across a number of different participating Uni's - you have until 23:59 on June 24th to apply. Check the This is Us website for more information.

Author

I'm Alex, one of the Editorial, Marketing and Administration Managers at Push. I was the first in my family to go to Uni, where I studied BA (Hons) Communication, Culture and Media. I then went on to work at the Financial Times newspaper, as well as their 'How To Spend It' supplement as Editorial Assistant, following which I became Office Manager at The Times. 
I originally went to Uni so I could get a job in PR, but soon realised it wasn't for me and moved to publishing. 
Now having a young family of my own, I realise how important the right advice is - and this is why I love working for PUSH!