Preparation for Application

With February coming to a start, the busiest application period for UK universities begins.  We have a lot of students contacting us asking for advice and tips on how to improve their applications.

Below are some tips from us and from our partner universities on what to think about when preparing your application:

1.             Be realistic in your application choices and focus

• When preparing to apply to universities, look for those that you realistically have a chance to get in to.  Don’t apply to too many universities.  If you are realistic, you will get into the Universities you apply to.  You should only need to apply to 3 or 4 universities at most.

• GPA is the most important factor for entry to most degrees at universities in the UK.

• Even great work experience, a perfect SoP and a graduation certificate from the best University in Thailand does not mean that Universities will lower their entry requirements for you.  They may be slightly more flexible with your GPA, but only by 0.1 or 0.2 points.

• All Universities in the UK offer a good standard of education and we can help you find the one that is best for you given your background.

2.             When preparing your documents

• All documents include application form, Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose (SoP), Degree Certificate, Reference (school or work experience), and IELTS / TOEFLS score (if available).

• Don’t forget to put your name on all application documents (including your SoP).

• Include the contact details of your representative (such as Hands On Education Consultants) so that we can follow up your application with the University.

• Write or type your e-mail address clearly on the application form if a space is provided, so that the international team can contact you with university updates.

Note: Some international admissions teams will require all documents except the IELTS/TOEFL score and final certificate before making a decision on your application.  Others may be able to make an offer based only on your transcript and SoP but then require you to submit the remaining documents at a later date.

3.             Don’t overlook Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement

• SoP is important. Many admission officers consider students from their SoP if the application is 0.1 or 0.2 below the usual GPA requirement.

• Write about yourself precisely and tell the universities what you want them to know about you.  You should emphasise your strengths and explain any weaknesses in your application.

• Explain the reasons why you are interested in such courses at the universities to which you are applying.

• Be to the point.  Don’t overly flatter the university.  They won’t bother reading it.

• Read our tips on this blog about how to write an excellent SoP.

• Whatever you do, do not plagiarise or copy any parts of your SoP from the internet or friends.  Universities will find out and reject your application immediately.

4.             Apply as early as possible

• Popular courses at popular universities are often full earlier.

• It is quicker for a decision is made on early applications.

• It gives you more options when being considered for scholarships.

5.             Research your courses as much as you can

• Show them your interest and your well-prepared research before entering to the university.

• Indicate your understanding of the courses your are applying to in your SoP and in the interview (if necessary or desired).

6.             Good English

• Communicate clearly.

7.             Be responsible

• If you are being interviewed – be on time!

• If you receive an email from a representative of the university, respond in a timely fashion.

Suggestions from UK University representatives

Craig Smitherman, University of East Anglia

“One of the most important things is to research your course thoroughly.  Find out the information on the units of the course you want to study and write about why you want to study them in your personal statement.  This will demonstrate to the admission tutor that you are conscientious and focused on studying!”

Mark Barrow, University of East Anglia

“We always suggest applicants apply as early as possible.  Popular courses at popular universities are often full by March.”

Charlene Allen, University of Reading

“We are always looking for the brightest students and in order to help us provide you with an offer we would like to read about your experiences, your motivation for applying for the course and how you feel the course will help you achieve your career ambitions through your personal statement. This information is also useful when you are applying for one of the many scholarships we offer international students. Ensure you provide all your supporting documents when applying online or when downloading an application form from our website. If we have what you are looking for and you feel you are one of the brightest students, then we look forward to receiving your completed application form.”

Claire Frusher, Lancaster University

“Applying earlier is always better.  It is less competitive, quicker for a decision to be made and gives students more options of being considered for scholarships.”

Lajwant Willemsen, Oxford Brookes University

“The most important is Statement of Purpose.  Applicants should do research before they apply to the university.  Moreover, students should show their passion in the courses / universities where they want to study.”

Shona Malcolm, University of Huddersfield

“If your English does not meet the universities’ entrance requirements, many universities offer pre-sessional English programs.  In addition to developing your language skills, these will help you settle into your new life in the UK.  If your master’s of choice requires subject knowledge that you haven’t studied before or have little knowledge of, you can study a Pre-master’s.  This will also develop your English language skills.”

David Tupper, Birkbeck, University of London

“To make an application better, applicants should give plenty of time to writing a good and well considered personal statement.  In particular, find out as much as you can about the content of the course you are interested in, and write a personal statement that demonstrates that you know something about the course and the institution you are applying to.”

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