TIPTOEING TOWARDS YOUR UCAS STATEMENT

What prospective Oxbridge applicants need most after their exams is sleep, but once you’ve got that over with, it is time to think about your UCAS statement. It only has to be in by October 15th, but many schools like to see a draft well before the summer holidays.

 

If the mere idea of this makes your blood run cold, here’s a way forward:  rather than see your statement as a timid appeal to a terrifying institution, why not think of it as a letter to a stern but friendly uncle? Imagine that you are asking him for the chance to join his fascinating journey into, say, our global past, polynomials or the problems of dam building.

 

Tell him why you want to tag along, what you have already learnt or are hoping to learn. What else might qualify you as a desirable travel companion? Are you persistent, curious and a quick learner? What evidence can you offer for this? Have you worked your way through a challenging book, acquired musical competence by daily practice with a difficult instrument, mentored a disadvantaged child? Not all of your achievements need to be directly related to your future degree course, but some of them should. 

 

Reading, as ever, gets you most brownie points, but  don't just blandly list what you have read beyond syllabus requirements. Keep in mind, too,  that not all your inspiration has to come from books. You’ll find links to short, course-related articles in my tweets. Excursions, projects  and experiments also count, of course. What matters is to mention interesting questions or insights prompted by any of this.

 

Can’t offer any of the above?  Don’t panic. This is why you are starting on the UCAS project now, rather than in September.  For a student whose school is not permanently geared towards the Oxbridge entrance process, it is now time to get a library card. Alternatively, you may want to track down the nearest branch of Blackwell’s  or Waterstones, or visit a good independent bookshop. Your sixth form head may have book suggestions or recommend course-related websites.

 

Unsure where to get further, expert help? The answer is the just out, fully updated edition of OXBRIDGE ENTRANCE: THE REAL RULES. In addition to clear advice on UCAS statements, courses, colleges, funding and social concerns, it now has a detailed Oxbridge preparation check list, new admissions data and the very latest interview tips.  To get a copy, visit a bookshop, or click here to order it from Amazon.