Step1: Choose your course and universities 

When thinking about going to university you’ll be faced with a lot of options and choices, which is a great thing but also can be overwhelming. How do you choose what will be right for you?  

Before even starting your research think about your passions, interests, and academic strengths. Consider which subjects you enjoy. This will provide a valuable insight into potential courses that resonate with your personality, enthusiasm and aspirations. 

Talk to your teacher or careers advisor 

A teacher or careers advisor will give you impartial but realistic advice. They can let you know your academic strengths and weaknesses and look at different entry requirements for universities. Choosing your course can be stressful and your teacher will offer support and encouragement as to what may be the best route for you.  

Research different courses and universities online 

You can use our league tables and university profile pages to research which universities you think may be a good fit for you. Creating a Uniselect shortlist of universities that match what matters to you is also very useful way to narrow down which unis may become your final five.  

Visit university open days 

Going to an open day can be a huge help as you’ll learn more about the course you want to study. You can talk to current students to get an honest review of the course, and lecturers, who can give you a more detailed view of what being at the university will be like. You can have a look around the facilities for the course and any sports that you may want to get involved in.

Step 2: Check the entry requirements 

Make sure you check the entry requirements for the course you’d like to study so you know what you are working towards. You can find these in our course search, by contacting the university’s admissions office or discussing with your teachers. Make sure you understand the entry requirements, the curriculum, and the student life at each uni.  

Step 3: Get your application started 

Start early 

The UCAS application deadline is usually in January, but it's a good idea to start working on your application well in advance. This will give you plenty of time to gather all the necessary information.  

Start thinking about your personal statement 

Take some time to reflect on your life experiences, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal interests. What makes you stand out from the crowd? What are you passionate about? What do you hope to accomplish in the future? 

Find a reference  

Your reference should be from someone who knows you well academically and can accurately comment on your academic record over time. 

Make sure that your reference can give a realistic, fair account of your strengths as well as the areas to develop.