- The UCAS Apply system will open for you to start your application in June, with applications open to submission in September - make sure you check in with your school or college careers office and make a note of when they're planning on having their access set up and the login and password you'll need so you can log on when it opens and get used to how it all works. This should save you time in September and give you a feel for exactly what you’ll need to have ready when the time comes.
- Start to think about your personal statement - what does it need to cover and how can you structure it best to demonstrate what you’ve achieved and where your interests lie? Some good general guides can be found on the UCAS site and there’s more specific guidance for Oxbridge applicants on Studential. The student room also has a good resource of personal statements from successful (and unsuccessful) applicants from previous years - take a look and try and see what makes the difference.
- Investigate courses you like the look of - take a look at the UCAS entry profiles so you can see what admissions tutors are looking for. Get in touch with friends or friends-of-friends who are already doing the course - do they have any words of wisdom for you?
- Start thinking about open days - they’re all listed here - put the “definites” in your diary to avoid any clashes.
- Medical students will need to sit the UKCAT - look out for examination dates and put them in your diary now.
There’s a lot to come and plenty to do but we’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure you do all you can to maximise your chances. We’ll keep blogging here, with more in-depth features on all the items listed above, and more, so keep checking for updates. We’re also on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn so follow us there to be notified as soon as more information is available.
Now get back to studying - we’ll see you on the other side!
