Joe Doherty, UK Student Recruitment Officer at Sheffield University, gave students advice on applying to Russell Group universities.
Joe visited college to give students an insight into what they can do to make their UCAS Personal Statement stand out from the crowd when applying to high-profile universities who are members of the Russell Group in the UK.
Firstly, what is the Russell Group?
The Russell Group is a self-selected association of twenty-four public research universities in the United Kingdom. They are perceived as being the most prestigious universities in the country and are renowned for their world-class research and education. Oxford and Cambridge are part of the group, alongside Sheffield, Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Imperial College London, Kings College London, Leeds, Liverpool, London School of Economics, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Queen Mary University of London, Queen’s University Belfast, Sheffield, Southampton, University College London, Warwick, and York.
Joe explained that these universities are at the cutting edge of research, and they have top links with business and the public sector, which means that students who attend them will benefit from their outstanding facilities, funding and connections.
UCAS deadlines are earlier for some courses or institutions in the group, so it is vital students make sure they know exactly when the deadlines are for applying to avoid disappointment.
Standing out from the crowd
Competition is fierce for subjects at these universities so students will need to make sure that their Personal Statement stands out. Joe explained that this was not hard to achieve.
Work Experience
If you can get work experience in your chosen field, then this will increase your opportunities no end. You will gain industry knowledge, learn new skills, and talk to professionals in that sector. But Joe stressed that it is not always possible for students to get work experience placements, so suggested researching people online who work in your chosen industry and emailing them questions about their work and how they got to where they are. Talking about this interaction in your Personal Statement will show that you are resourceful and eager to gain more knowledge about your field of study.
Be engaged
Joe suggested that students watch TedTalks, listen to podcasts and read industry press and presentations to gain insight and understanding into your chosen sector.
What with the increase in digital events, students can take advantage of online taster lectures and open days from a wide range of universities, not just the ones they are applying to. This will help you talk about the course in your Personal Statement more knowledgeably, and show you’ve taken the time to really research what you want to study.
Less but in more detail
Don’t just write a list of all the things you’ve been doing or the research you’ve undertaken or throw in information to boost your word count. Write in detail about the areas that matter most and give well rounded examples.
Show who you are
Don’t forget to talk about the non-academic side of your life. The university you apply to wants to see that you are a well-rounded individual with interests outside of your studies.
Talk about any hobbies you have that you are passionate about and any part-time work that you do, even if it isn’t relevant or related to your chosen course or future career. Having a job shows that you are committed and motivated and can manage your time successfully.
Really think about where you are applying to
Finally, Joe stressed how important it is to really research university you’re applying to, and remember that you will be spending three years, or more, of your life living and studying there. Do you like the city it's based in? What is the university community like? Watch some of their online modules and see if the subject still appeals to you. This will all help you make the right, informed decision about your future.
Thank you to Joe for visiting the College and sharing this information with our students.
Our careers advisor, Julia Lock, is available to all students to discuss what they want to do after they finish their A Levels or vocational subjects at The Henley College. Julia and our Tutors help students with their UCAS applications, as well as applications for apprenticeships or work. Find out more about our Careers Service >> CLICK HERE
