• Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
Call Us: +44 (0)208 1871865 | Email: hello@ukstudyoptions.com
UK Study Options
  • Home
  • What We Do
    • University Application Support
    • University Fee Status Support
    • Blog
    • Case Studies
    • Destination Universities
  • Who We Are
    • About UKSO
    • Our Team
    • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • Menu Menu

Applying to highly selective courses – top tips

Highly selective courses are those that receive many more applications than they have places. Universities are likely to specify that students have or are predicted particular grades, often in required or preferred subjects.

Admissions tutors need to be able to differentiate between large numbers of well qualified applicants and will be looking for excellent UCAS applications that contain well written and subject focused personal statements and appropriate references. If you are applying for one of these courses then you need to be well prepared.

  •  Be realistic. You will need to be able to achieve the required grades. Very competitive courses have little leeway in grade requirements when accepting students. You will need to check the requirements for each individual institution – not only A-level/IB level qualifications but GCSE level as well.
  • Check deadlines and find out whether you will be asked to sit a test or submit written work as part of the admissions process. If so, do some practice.
  • Ensure you have a good understanding of the subject that you are applying for. Even if you have studied a subject before it may be very different at undergraduate level.
  • Apply for similar courses in the same subject area. You can only submit one personal statement on the UCAS application and it will need to be focused on the course you wish you study.
  • Do your research. Look in detail at the modules on offer at different institutions and see if they reflect what you are interested in. Ensure that you understand the structure and composition of the course, including how it is taught and assessed.
  • Develop your subject knowledge. Follow the latest developments in the media, online and in specialist publications. Try to experience the subject as well as reading about it. Download lectures and podcasts and try to visit relevant places. Look for summer schools, masterclasses and public lectures offered by universities.
  • Develop your transferable skills. Think about work or voluntary experience that may give you practical knowledge and skills – this is particularly useful for courses linked to professions.
  • Invest time and effort in writing an excellent, appropriate personal statement – this will make a real difference as to whether you receive an offer or not.
  • Talk to the person who is writing your reference, discuss the courses that you are applying for and what you have done to prepare. Look at the advice given by universities.

UK Study Options are experts in supporting students in applying to highly selective course and institutions – have a look at our university application support packages to see what services we provide.

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Vk
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
https://ukstudyoptions.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/news-_0009_jordan-encarnacao-588600-unsplash.jpg 600 800 Kate Raison https://ukstudyoptions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ukso-r-logo.png Kate Raison2017-08-01 12:08:492019-08-13 14:28:47Applying to highly selective courses – top tips

UKSO Blog

  • UK University places are more competitive than ever07/07/2022 - 12:00 pm
  • The Cost of an Undergraduate Degree in the UK08/06/2022 - 10:41 am
  • UK University Fee Status Rules05/05/2022 - 2:32 pm

UK Study Options Tags

admissions applications aston bath British cambridge Clearing competitive dentistry eligibility EU evidence expat expatriate expats fees fee status funding grades home home fees international international fees lancaster loughborough medical schools medicine open days oxbridge oxford personal statement postgraduate russell group sandwich course students surrey tuition fees UCAS UCL uk universities university US veterinary vocational

Get in Touch

Email
hello@ukstudyoptions.com

Phone
+44 (0)208 1871865

© Copyright - UK Study Options 2023 | Privacy Policy | Proudly built by Lemongrass Media - Web Design Milton Keynes
Preparing for Results DayUK/EU Expats – don’t lose your eligibility for Home fees!
Scroll to top

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OKLearn more

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, you cannot refuse them without impacting how our site functions. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website.

Google Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visist to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Privacy Policy

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

Privacy Policy
Accept settingsHide notification only