Making competitive applications
How about King’s? King’s offers over 140 courses We receive over 40,000 applications 50% are for nine programmes 70% are for 20 programmes
What can you do? Different name, similar course Research the course Start your application early Read widely around your subject area Undertake any necessary work experience or volunteering Prepare and practise for interviews and aptitude tests
Key Dates Applications open Mid – September Application deadline for medicine and dental programmes 15 October Application deadline for the majority of King’s programmes 15 January Look out for your offer details November - March Standard deadline to accept your offer 8 May Interviews for some Health Sciences December - March
What do we look for? Suitably qualified Required work experience A genuine enthusiasm and curiosity for the subject and profession Any course-specific entry criteria
The UCAS Application Form 1.Personal information 2.Course and institution choice 3.Education information 4.Employment information 5.Personal statement 6.Reference
Five choices, one personal statement!
Personal Statement: a few considerations Why have you chosen this course? How have you developed as an academic? What have you done inside and outside school/college which relates? What did you learn from your work experience? Do you know what you would like to do after it? How do your extra curricular activities relate to the course?
Structure 4,000 characters or 47 lines Four to five good paragraphs with an introduction and a conclusion
What to include 80% relevant to academic pursuits in or outside of school/college Key competencies and transferrable skills Work experience or placements
Get started now Make a list of your experiences, interests and qualities Be selective – what’s most impressive? Draft it, think about it, discuss it with others and redraft Ask your teacher for the school deadline
Top tips Research the course, universities and deadlines Start as soon as possible Written by you Draft it in Word Effective use of grammar and punctuation Don’t get stressed
Aptitude tests A way of differentiating between a number of good applicants Another opportunity to show the universities how great you are Assess professional and course competencies Can’t revise but you can do practice tests – timing is key!
Interviews Check if an interview is part of the application process Assess your suitability for the course and profession Questions can be based on personal statement, skills and moral dilemmas May be given a case study or a specimen to discuss
Types of interviews 1 or 2 to 1 interview Panel interview Multiple mini interviews Group interview/assessment days Chance for you to interview the university!
Top tips Be prepared for likely questions and have questions to ask Give full, descriptive answers but don’t memorise speeches Look out for s on when and where to go Wear something you’re comfortable and confident in Be yourself!
Questions?
Luke Chapman Higher Education Liaison Officer