How do I ensure I get offered a place at university?

First of all, spend lots of time working on your application. This means filling out all your details correctly, and redrafting your personal statement as many times as you wish until you are 100% happy with it.

Your personal statement is the only part of your UCAS application form that can set you apart from other candidates, so it’s important you get this right.

Take a look at our personal statement writing guide for help, as well as our collection of over 1000 free personal statement examples for inspiration.

It’s also important that you choose the courses you apply for carefully - make sure you check the entry requirements for each one, and that you can realistically achieve the grades asked for.

See if the courses you are interested also require other skills and qualities - do you honestly think you possess these? If yes, can you demonstrate this by providing evidence? E.g. work experience, school activities, reading around the subject, etc.

Admissions tutors want to see that you’ve given serious thought to choosing their course by demonstrating that you are well-suited to it.

When replying to any offers you receive, think carefully about your insurance choice. If you are not accepted by your firm choice, it’s crucial you select a university that you actually want to go as your insurance.

However, you don’t have to make an insurance choice, and if you’re uncertain about all of your other universities, it’s probably best not to put an insurance down.