Standing out from usual college crowd
Print Edition
Applying to university is more challenging than ever. With the increase in international applications, competition for places has never been greater. So, what can you do to make your application stand out from the crowd?
The results of exams already taken and predictions of future exams before leaving school are important. Your results will be the first thing an admissions tutor will look at. In the UK, students apply for admission to a specific course at a university. When applying to universities in the US, students usually apply for general admission to the institution. In both cases, it is important to show you are academically prepared. To adapt a popular phrase, results will get you through the door, but it’s your character that will get you noticed. Whether writing a personal statement, or preparing for an interview, you will need to show more than just an ability to pass exams.
The first question to ask is, are you genuinely interested in the subject that you are intending to study? This may seem rather obvious, but how many young people intending to study degrees related to business can name companies currently in the top 10 of the Fortune 500 list?
It’s important to remember that universities are centers of research. Consider how you can show academic curiosity. This is particularly important for pupils applying to science-based courses. What research is the university undertaking? Read articles related to your area of study and discuss what you think about them. It’s impressive to show that you have considered contrasting viewpoints, as this is a sign of an inquiring mind.
Reflect on the skills you’ve gained through your extra-curricular activities. Don’t just run through a list of activities you’ve taken. Relate the skills you’ve gained to your application. For example, an aspiring lawyer might discuss the experience they’ve gained in public speaking, through activities like debating. Someone aspiring to work in the business world might reflect on the skill of teamwork gained through playing on a sports team.
Finally, have you considered where the course might lead you to in the world of work? Have you found opportunities for volunteering or work experience? What did you learn from this?
Good luck!
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
