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UEL admissions expert offers ten tips for school-leavers looking to go into higher study

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Emma Burchfield

With A-Level results for 2011 set to be revealed this Thursday, the University of East London is offering prospective students a list of top ten simple tips to help them through this exciting, yet stressful time.

UEL’s top ten tips for 2011 are:

Don't panic! Even though demand for places is high this year, you still have options as many large universities will still have places. Remember to do your research so that you make an informed choice - a degree is for life not just for clearing.

Make sure you do your research! The UCAS website, www.ucas.com, is the most up-to-date source of information on vacancies and courses on offer. Also speak to friends, family, classmates, teachers and school/college advisors, as they will be able to talk you through the process and your options.

Get on the phone! However, be prepared by making sure you have all relevant information to hand such as your qualifications, including GCSEs, and UCAS details.

Sell yourself! Think in advance about what makes you a good candidate for the programme, above and beyond your qualifications. Make sure you mention your interests, work experience and any volunteering roles, as this could be the deciding factor in a competitive environment.

Please ask questions! You need to know that this is the right course for you, so think about what you want to get out of your degree. Universities love an enquiring mind.

Re-consider your previous choices! If you’re already registered with UCAS, you may have other institutions that have sent you an offer previously or were in your initial short-list. If there are universities you’re already familiar with, re-establish contact to see if they are still able to offer you a place.

Consider a related programme! It may be that popular courses such as social work are full. However, you can study the same themes by undertaking a related degree such as sociology.

Visit the universities! If you know you want to stay at home while you study, get out and about and visit your local universities, as they will be able to assist in-person too. Make sure that you bring any UCAS documentation and qualifications with you and have a look at their website before you go.

It’s not too late! You don't have to be registered with UCAS in order to secure a place at University this year. If you’ve just decided to study a degree, follow the steps above as clearing is for you too.

Consider part-time study! There is less competition for these places and combining study with part-time work may be a good option for you. Financial assistance is available for part-time courses, though at a lower level than for full-time students, so increasing numbers of students are choosing this option.

Emma Burchfield, Head of Student Admissions at UEL, said: “We’re really conscious that this can be a stressful time for prospective students, so we are issuing these tips in the hope that it helps makes the process run as smoothly as possible and reduces some of that anxiety. We’re here to assist people who want to secure a place in UEL and further their higher education aspirations.”

Phone lines open on Thursday in UEL at 8.00am and will be open to 8.00pm on both Thursday and Friday. Anyone who is interested in applying to UEL, should contact the clearing hotline on 020 8223 3333.

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Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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