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Latest from the blogs

'The skills learnt will be invaluable'

Tue 4 June 2019 - 12:17

By Jan Morganti in UCAS advice

Throughout my time at school, I was unsure about what I would do afterward. I knew that I wanted to go to university but had no idea as to what I would study, where I would study or what career I would take afterwards – it took three personal statements to determine which course I ultimately chose.

After attending a UCAS event in London, I found out about IBM and their ‘Futures’ gap-year scheme. Although, prior to this, I had very little knowledge of IBM, I did a little research on the company and decided to apply. As I had just been rejected by the University of Oxford – my first-choice university – I felt that this was the perfect opportunity to take a short break from academia and gain invaluable experience in a fast-growing industry, before re-applying to university.

Just over a year later, as I am reaching the end of my gap-year, I stand by this decision 100% and wholeheartedly believe that...

Why school leaver programmes?

Mon 3 June 2019 - 16:42

By UCAS in UCAS advice

School leaver programmes give you a direct route into the world of work. They allow you to learn new skills, meet new people, and earn a wage while you’re learning. Not sure if it’s the right path for you? Ziyad, from PwC, shares his story.

Why did you choose the programme?
I’ve always wanted to work in the accounting profession. I attended university for one year, but realised it wasn’t the right path for me, so I left to join the apprenticeship programme at PwC. I saw the value in getting into the workplace sooner, and gaining practical, hands-on experience.

What have you gained from the experience so far?
I’m a qualified tax technician, and have gained practical...

Why pick an internship?

Mon 3 June 2019 - 12:07

By UCAS in UCAS advice

I am an Accounting and Finance student at Leeds Beckett University and I am currently on a placement year as part of my 4-year sandwich course. Amongst other Universities, Leeds Beckett offered the opportunity to take a year out for a placement and this forms part of your final grade as it is classed as a final year module. This really appealed to me as not only will it allow me to gain exposure in a real business environment, but it would also be something different to studying and working in the classroom.

I am on a year’s Finance internship at Dowty Propellers which is a subsidiary of GE Aviation. My role is very versatile as I am involved in all areas of finance, so each day is different depending on what is...

Apply 2020 – how to apply...

Thu 30 May 2019 - 12:40

By UCAS in UCAS advice

UCAS Undergraduate Apply 2020 is now up and running – so you can start filling in your application, ready to send it on its way to the universities in September. Even though your application deadline may seem ages away, it’s worth registering as early as possible to save any last minute dramas. If you’re unsure where you want to go or what you want to study, you don’t need to select your universities or courses just yet.

However, you can start by filling in the other sections so you’re ahead of the game. So, where do you begin?

Getting started
Before you can start your application you need to register. When you register you’ll need to answer some basic questions about yourself....

University Interviews for English: My Experience

Thu 30 May 2019 - 11:26

By Coral Kim in International students

I had written and submitted my UCAS application. I had taken an admissions test (and still had no idea how it had gone). Now it was time for the next step – the thing I dreaded most – the interview.

Unlike many other international applicants, I flew to the UK for my two interviews, both at the university I’m headed to this October. I wasn’t very comfortable with skyping, I guess… and I really wanted to visit London. Yep, I wanted to go to London.

Since a month or two before the trip, I’d been doing some light prep. I re-read books I’d

mentioned in my personal statement, such as Thomas Hardy’s “Far from the Madding Crowd” and Charlotte Bronte’s “The Professor.” I’d read online that they would give me an unseen poem for me to analyse, so I worked on timed analysis with some poems I wasn’t very comfortable with, especially modern ones.

On my flight, I worked on my laptop, on which I had downloaded a bunch of PDF files of research papers and academic...

'I’ve had an amazing time so far, and I do not regret my choice.'

Tue 21 May 2019 - 15:25

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Apprenticeships are a way to gain the skills, knowledge and experience you need to get into many careers. They combine work, training, and study, letting you 'earn while you learn'. Scott, from PwC, shares his story. 

‘I joined PwC as a higher apprentice in August 2013, in the Reading People and Organisation Tax Team, straight from sixth form, having just turned 18. I was very nervous prior to starting, as I had no experience of working in a corporate environment, but realised soon that I didn’t need to be anxious. There is a really good support network of buddies, mentors, and coaches to help get you up to speed as to what your job involves. Even from early...

Thinking about an internship?

Fri 10 May 2019 - 09:40

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Jessica Critchley at Dowty Propellers

I study business management at the University of Chester, and graduate in 2020. While applying to university, I noticed many universities offered the courses with a ‘year in industry’ making it into a four-year course. This was something that really appealed to me as I was unsure what area of business I wanted to create a career in, so I thought gaining real-world business experience would give me more clarity on the different career paths I could take. It would also make me stand out from the crowd compared to other graduates, so doing a year in industry was a no-brainer for me!

What is your role?

I am doing a 12-month project management internship at...

'Who knows what a future in elite sport will bring'

Tue 7 May 2019 - 09:48

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Paul Dring, England Roses Netball Team Manager

Sport has always been my passion but when I graduating the University of Brighton in 1996 with a degree in Sports Science, there were few opportunities to work in high performance sport. I therefore spent many years working in various jobs developing my management skills which included project management, relationship management and then when joining UCAS I added communications management to my skillset. All of which proved to be essential skills for a career in Elite Sport. After spending almost 3 years at UCAS, in 2014 I was fortunate enough to secure a job as a Paralympic Podium Road Coach with the Great Britain Cycling Team. I really enjoyed my first experience of high performance...

The Long Gap Before Uni

Tue 7 May 2019 - 09:19

By Coral Kim in International students

The following blog may or may not apply to you, depending on which country you’re from and what your school’s term dates are. But if you’re like me, and your last high school year has
already ended, you may be wondering what to do with all your free time during these long, unnamed months before University.

I’m from Korea, so that means my high school graduation was back in March. It also means that I’ve already achieved the grades I need for my uni offers (although this, of course, may not be the
case for every Korean). So what do I do with all my seven(!) months before I finally catch that Heathrow-bound plane?

I’ve had highs and lows. I’ve spent entire productive days studying a new language and mealprepping; I’ve stayed all day in my room, listening to Pet Shop Boys and cuddling with my dolls. Mostly, though, I’ve been trying to make the best of all the opportunities and resources that this sort-of-gap year (I still can’t think of a good name for it)...

How to make the most of an open day in four simple steps

Wed 1 May 2019 - 10:26

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Open days are a great opportunity for you to get to know a conservatoire better. You get to see the facilities and they give you the chance to meet current students and staff so you can ask any burning questions. Before you attend one, make the most of your visit by following these four simple steps:

1. Make a shortlist – visiting every conservatoire might be a bit ambitious, so choose the ones that offer the course you’re interested in. There are eight conservatoires and all open days are listed on their website:

• Birmingham Conservatoire
• Leeds College of Music
• Royal Academy of Music
• Royal...

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