Hooray!
You have submitted your UCAS personal statement, which is a major step in the university application process. You have probably invested metaphorical blood, sweat and tears into the finished statement and so it is only right to celebrate this significant milestone. However, don’t be fooled into thinking you have reached the finish line – you are now entering the next stage of the admissions process.
Although it might feel as though the next steps are out of your control, it is important to remember that the post-submission period is an important stage in your university application journey. So, what can you expect from the next steps and how can you make the best of the months ahead?
The Waiting Game
Once your UCAS application has been submitted, universities will begin the process of reviewing it.
Each university is different, and even within the same university their departments can differ in terms of the length of time it can take for them to process applications. Therefore, it is very important to remain patient and resist the temptation to compare your responses from universities to those of your peers. Aim to remain focused on your studies and doing your best to prepare for the upcoming exams.
Preparing for Interviews
If you have applied to courses that interview candidates, now is the best time to begin preparations for your interview. Remember that the interview offers the perfect opportunity for you to really sell yourself and it is important that you give the opportunity your best shot! Presenting yourself confidently and clearly will enable you to demonstrate your passion for your chosen undergraduate subject.
Here are a couple of first steps to take with initial interview preparations:
- Reflect on Your Application: Don’t allow your personal statement to slip from your mind. It is important that you remain familiar with everything you have written about in your application. An interviewer may well ask you to discuss your experiences in greater detail or elaborate on the thoughts and feelings you have referred to in the statement.
- Stay Curious and Open-minded: Keep reading around and exploring key ideas related to your chosen degree subject. At interview, admissions tutors will be looking for genuine passion and interest in the subject. Keeping abreast of topical issues related to your subject will also ensure you are prepared for any challenging questions that might arise in an interview.
- Stay Focused and Stay Positive: Although waiting for offers and interviews can be nerve wracking, this is also the most important time to maintain focus on your studies. To meet any conditional offers, you will need to achieve specific grades, so ensure you carefully balance your interview preparations with your ongoing studies.
