10 things UK Universities look for in applicants
Applying for university is nerve-racking, so we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 qualities universities look for in applicants. It’s worth remembering that there’s no definitive guide on how to apply, but there are ways to help boost your chances of getting accepted. You will hear lots of stories about people who missed their offers and the university still accepted them. This is due to preparation and knowing the key areas to focus on. Here in the UK, Universities have a clear test score requirement for each specific programme. If you meet those minimum scores, you can apply for consideration to the program. Naturally, the better your scores, the higher your chances. For International Students, it would be best to consult a conversion table and measure an equivalent score to the A-Level grades.
How UK university applications are graded
One thing to remember about your application is these things are decided by actual people, not robots! There is nothing automatic about it, so make sure you are maximising your chances at every stage.
There are 3 distinct aspects to every UK University Application:
- UCAS Application (filled by the applicant)
- Test Scores in High School
- UCAS Reference (Letter of Recommendation)
What are the off-paper things to focus on?
So we know that having the grades and filling in all the necessary paperwork is a must for any university application. However, there are other areas that will heavily contribute to the success of your application. Here is a guide on other areas universities focus on:
- Propensity to complete degree
- Evidence of passion for the chosen subject
- Good written English
- Evidence of positive attitude towards study
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Confidence with basic maths
- Ability to persevere and complete tasks
- Independent thought and study
- Teamwork
- Intercultural awareness
In summary
If your predicted grades are slightly lower than the university’s typical entry requirements, don’t let that stop you from applying. But be realistic; you have room to apply for up to five universities in one go. And at least some of them will have places with entry requirements lower than your expected results.
Take a look at our current available student properties in Norwich.