Advice for students applying to university

The careers manager for Banbridge, Lurgan, Portadown and Lisburn in the Department for Employment and Learning’s Careers Service, offers the following advice:

“All UCAS applications are made online through www.ucas.com. Students should first use this website to search for courses and institutions in which they may be interested. Applicants can also find information on deadlines, personal statements and filling in the application form,

“Students may apply for up to five courses in a normal UCAS application. They must also complete a personal statement explaining why the institution should choose them for this course, including any work experience or extra-curricular activities.

“Many universities do not interview applicants as they rely on the information provided on the UCAS application form. The application includes personal details, predicted grades, a reference and the personal statement.

“The importance of the personal statement cannot be overstated as it forms a key part of the offer process. Prospective university students should consider the points below in relation to their personal statement.

“Explain why you want to go to university and how you plan to use the qualification and provide evidence that you have the skills to study the course for which you are applying.

Full advice and guidance is available from the Careers Service at 0300 200 7820 or at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers.

Information on university options is also available from the UCAS website http://www.ucas.ac.uk.