You've sent your uni applications - what now?

​If you've already completed your Uni applications, don't start doubting yourself now. Tiffany explains how to find confidence in yourself, build on what you already know and prepare for the next stage... interviews.

Early applicants – this is for you! By now you’ve probably already submitted your applications to Oxford, Cambridge or a medical program. It’s likely been an intense couple of weeks back at school, where your time has been full of preparation for tests, interviews and writing your personal statement. Chances are this has been a period of high stress for you, which is why it’s so important to make sure you’re looking after your wellbeing and taking time to self-regulate. This blog has a few notes on how you can maintain a healthy state of being while you navigate this pivotal stage of your life.
 
Rejection does not equal failure.
 
This is probably the most important thing to keep in mind. Now, I don’t want to seem like I’m starting off on the wrong foot but becoming comfortable with the fact that your application may not be successful is going to be paramount to you maintaining a positive outlook on life. This is because it allows you to mentally prepare yourself for a “disappointing” outcome.
 
In the case that you don’t receive an offer I’m not telling you to hide any feelings of disappointment or frustration, far from it. I’m simply reminding you of the fact that acceptance into these programs isn’t the only way to measure your success as an individual. Your intelligence, ambition and ability can never be determined by an institution. The value you bring to the world cannot be quantified by test scores. What you offer is unique – as long as you’re aware of this and adopt an optimistic mindset you’ll thrive wherever you go. 
 
Also, remember to commend yourself for taking that leap and submitting your application; for putting in the time and effort it takes to apply early. Don’t let the passion you have for your subjects or vocation fade as a result of this application. Remember there’s always a way. Always a path for you to reach your goals. You’re at point A, and if you keep going you’ll wind up at B one way or another.
 
What to do now:
 
You’ve done it. You’ve pressed the enter button and submitted your UCAS application. There’s nothing you can do about your application between now and hearing back from the program you applied to – that’s out of your hands and up to the admissions departments. But, there are things that you can control. In fact, there’s a whole host of things you can do in the meantime:
 

1. Do things that bring you joy

 
Working hard and dedicating time to your studies is seriously seriously important – especially when you’re applying to a highly competitive course. BUT this shouldn’t dominate your time so much so that you find you can’t focus on anything else. What I mean by this is make sure you take breaks, go for walks, do some exercise, eat right and spend some time winding down as well as banging out past papers and practice tests. Watch you favourite movies. Read your comfort books. Spend some time mediating. Find your happy place, whatever that may be.
 

1. Prepare for interview

 
This is the next step in your application process. Regardless of whether you’ve received an email already or not, preparing early is always a good idea. I’m sure your school has scheduled out time to help you prepare for interviews, however this possibly wont be quite enough. There are plenty of resources out there that can help you on your way, especially if your school isn’t able to support you. There are YouTube videos detailing example questions that are loaded with tips and advice that could really benefit you. In a few clicks you could be on the ‘Student Room’ – there are thousands of blog posts about preparing for interviews and many of the comments are from students who successfully gained places on the courses you’re applying to.
 

1. Be confident with your material

 
If you’re an early applicant, it’s likely you already are. Despite this, it’s imperative you keep up and don’t let content get stale. If you haven’t covered a topic in a few months (because of summer) it would be a good idea to revisit that area over half term. Reading around your subject, watching documentaries, visiting museums and doing interesting questions are all great ways to allow you to flex those muscles while building up subject knowledge in an easy and manageable way.
 
No matter what the outcome of your application is, you’ve taken a huge leap and have invested a great deal into your future. Whether you aspire to become a doctor, an author or the next Stephen Hawkings you’re once step closer to becoming that version of yourself.  


​AUTHOR

Tiffany Igharoro is a sixth form student. One of her favourite pastimes is writing as it helps her organise her thoughts creatively and dynamically. She has won awards and prizes for poetry, academic and scientific writing and short stories. Recently, she won a nationwide historical essay competition that opened her eyes to the importance of how things are told, and the impact ordinary people have on the world. She studied art GCSE and believes there is something incredible about finding links between drama, art and maths.