Fundamentals of Applying to University and College
Fundamentals of Applying to University and College
If you are thinking about applying to university or college, the key thing is to get prepared! Leaving it all until the last minute means that you risk making some wrong choices or bad decisions. It’s best to start your preparation towards the end of S5, and carry it on over the summer and into S6.
In this blog post, we will cover a few fundamental things to start to think about as you prepare to apply for this next step.
The basics of applying to college or university
When you come back to school in S6, your school will be encouraging you to start completing your applications for university through UCAS. The reason we feel it is important to introduce this topic in S5 is that it gives you time to get prepared and be ready to make some strong applications when the time comes.
You will have 5 choices on your UCAS form. There is a difference for Medicine or Vet Medicine applications, where you can only use 4 choices for those subjects and then one choice for a different back-up subject; but for all other subjects, you can have 5 choices. There are thousands of courses to choose from, and remember you are not limited to what you have already studied at school.
The UCAS equal consideration deadline is usually late January, but schools generally want things done much earlier; often by the Christmas holidays. Some courses have earlier deadline, so check the UCAS website to be sure.
If you are applying to college, then you will apply to colleges directly at a slighter later time; typically December or January. As you apply direct to the college, this means you can apply to as many colleges as you like. Many people apply to both university and college, as this gives you more than one option and it’s a good idea to have a back-up plan.
Choosing – key questions
It’s likely you’re in the process of trying to decide what you want to study at university or college. It can be a tricky decision to make and it’s really key to get it right so you can enjoy your college or university experiences. Here are some important points you might want to consider when choosing what to study and where. Click on the arrow at the start of each point to discover some helpful tips!
Entry qualifications and routes
Make sure you are clear on the entry requirements asked for by the university or college. You need to make sure you have the right subjects for Highers. Also check if any Nat 5 qualifications are required; for example Nat 5 Maths can sometimes be necessary. Some courses require Advanced Highers, but the majority of courses do not need you to have these. Have a good look at the university website and read all the small print to make sure you have got this right. Find out more via our understanding entry requirements blog post.
LEAPS can discuss this with you at any time, but specifically in S6 at your LEAPS Pre-UCAS Interview. But it's important to make any school subject changes as soon as you can, so try and plan ahead.
University courses tend to need 4 or 5 Highers for entry, and higher education courses at college tend to need 2 or 3 Highers for entry.
Remember that if you go to college for a HNC or a HND course, you can use this course to get into university and you may even be able to go straight into second or third year of university. Find out more about college and alternative routes into a degree here.
Subject and career exploration
Once you’ve decided on an area, and the courses you are going to apply for, bear in mind that admissions teams at university and college like to see evidence that you have researched your course and that you understand what you’re applying for. Many courses are linked to careers, such as health professions or law, and it might be useful to try to undertake some career exploration or work experience. Other courses like to see evidence of you looking more into the subject, maybe with some reading or by attending relevant events. Have a look at our Career and Course Exploration blog post to help you. Also have a look at our blog post on Strengthening your Application to University and College.
This course exploration is time well spent. It can show whether the course is right for you, or whether you need to think again. It can point you in a new and different direction, which might end up being the right one. It’s easier for you to change direction in your research stage than half way through a course!
Good luck, and remember you can contact LEAPS at any time using our email address, phone number or social media channels.
Here are some more blog posts you might like to read!
Strengthening your Application to University and College
University & College Contact Details
S5 Parents' & Carers' Information Session