what to think about if you're in y12

So the weather might not still be living up to the full promise of Summer, but the freedom must still be tasting sweet.
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We’re not suggesting you bog yourself down worrying about the waning August days and the darkening evenings, but it’s a good idea to start getting serious about what year 13 holds for you.

It might still seem far off, but if you’re planning on going to uni in 2020, things are going to start moving at light speed. We’re talking open days and summer schools, personal statements, UCAS applications, student finance, interviews, offers, accommodation… 

By now, you should have an idea of the subject area or course you fancy taking for the next few years. You might even have a few unis in mind.

Now’s a great time to look into open days, or think about dropping by and visiting your top choices on a regular day. Chances are you’ll get a better sense of what day to day life is really like, not just the best and most polished face unis like to put forward.

Next up, your sixth form tutors might have asked you to start working on your personal statement over the break. Since you’ve probably got a fair bit of free time on your hands, it’s as good a time as any to hash out a draft.

Doubt you’ll feel up to it when September rolls around and the reality of A Levels hit, so give yourself a head-start.
Need some ideas on where to start? Copy and paste a few of the requirements and key points from the course outline website into a Word document, and think about how to you can address them and show you’re the right fit for the course.

Note down anything you do or are interested in that might make you stand out from the crowd – think part-time jobs, family carer responsibilities, sports teams, societies, hobbies, and any interests that might relate to your course.
Think about borrowing some books from the library or reading articles online to read around the subject you’re applying for. Go to museum exhibits, theatre productions, public lectures.

If you can slip things like this into your personal statement it shows initiative and passion, and that’s something admissions tutors love.
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Need more help? Head here for our top tips on writing a killer statement.

Author

LUCY HARDING is the Editorial manager for Push. She is an English Literature grad and an MA Publishing student at UCL. She is passionate about international relations and cultural diversity, having worked closely with her university’s Erasmus society to support European students. She also spent a year abroad studying at California State University: Long Beach