January is a time of demands and deadlines for ‘A’ Level students.  Not only do they have their mock ‘A’ level exams to contend with in the January term.  If they are applying to study at a university in the UK, then they need to meet the UCAS deadline for university applications by 15 January 2010.

If a student is applying to study medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science or for all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge the deadline is several months earlier in mid October.

Advice for students

Make the most of your support networks, and discuss your aspirations and concerns with a wide audience (parents, teachers, friends, career specialists).  This will help you to develop a more holistic overview, and highlight any problems/obstacles that you haven't previously considered.

Advice for parents

Parents need to develop and implement a balanced approach when supporting and guiding their children through the university application process. Patience and parenting skills will be tested to the limit.  Remember that, although as a parent your prime concern/objective will be to support/advise your children through this major milestone in their lives, the final decision should lie with the student. 

Research shows that a parent’s overwhelming desire to help can, at times  be viewed as  unwelcome by the student; sometimes culminating in the student making the wrong choice due to their feeling compromised, and overwhelmed by parental involvement.  In such cases it is worthwhile considering using the services of a careers specialist/coach.  The benefits of using an outside source are dual.  It takes the emotion out of the equation, enabling the parent to sustain a healthy relationship with their offspring, whilst also providing the student with the opportunity to fully explore their dreams and options with a qualified impartial third party.

Challenging times

There has never been a more challenging time for students applying to university. The current global  economic slowdown, coupled with greater competition for university places, demands that today’s students are proficient and confident in  recognising their full potential, and able to  demonstrate this potential in their university application.

Students need to make sure that they do adequate research and are well-prepared for the university application process, which includes marketing themselves effectively in order to have their applications seriously considered by universities.


Tips for researching your university options

• Prioritise what is most important to you in the whole university experience.
• Research using the internet, careers advisory services and your contacts.
• Research and compare course fees.
• Research and compare type and cost of accommodation available.

University open days

• Visit a selection of universities to get a comprehensive overview.
• Compile a checklist of your specific requirements – useful reference later
• Invite a friend/family member to attend the Open Day with you.

Be prepared – The power of a personal statement

• Your personal statement is your unique selling point; ensure that it conveys a precise and positive profile  
• Highlight your qualities and achievements.

• Practice interview technique and procedure with teacher/careers advisor.
• Do some background research on the university and course.

Develop your networks

• Use your networks effectively and seek advice from teachers, friends and family.
• Follow up contact with current students, research and university websites.
• Talk to the University Admissions office.

Keeping motivated  

• Have a plan of action to keep you on- track in the run-up to receiving your university offers.
• Don’t be disillusioned by letters of rejection, be proactive explore your other university choices.

Some useful websites:
www.ucas.ac.uk
www.educationuk/org
www.fco.gov.uk
www.naric.org.uk

Marian Weston, the author of this article is an experienced career coach, and published author with international experience (www.swifttransitions.co.uk).  She specialises in working with students and graduates who are unsure of their career path.  She has written a free report detailing the seven essential steps to a successful university application. For further details please contact Marian at marian@swifttransitions.co.uk.