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As an international recruitment officer, Jessica Guiver has seen her fair share of university applications – here she offers tips and advice to students on how to submit a successful application
Completing the application form can seem like the easiest part of the university application process, but don’t be fooled. It’s more than simply filling in some details with your name, date of birth and academic qualifications. Writing a successful university application will take some time, and it requires thought and planning on your part. If you’ve spent hours researching universities and deciding on which programme to study, don’t mess it up by rushing through the application!
In my years working in international recruitment and admissions for a university in England, I’ve seen some very hastily completed application forms. They are easy to spot, and you won’t fool the admissions officer into thinking you’ve laboured over the application. So why not put in some extra time and do it right? A sloppy-looking application form raises a red flag for admissions officers and might make them question your sincerity in wanting to study at that particular university. If your goal is to get accepted at a university, give yourself the best chance possible of getting in.
These tips for writing a successful university application can help you put your best foot forward and give you a fighting chance of getting the university offer you want!
- Complete the form in full and accurately: I know this may seem obvious, but you would be surprised at how many students neglect to fill-in every question on an application form. Don’t skip any, unless required. It just makes your application look rushed
- Apply well in advance: Last-minute applications also looked rushed. Don’t wait until the day of the deadline to submit your application; that way, if anything goes wrong or you need to supply further information, you have plenty of time to do so
- Submit all required supporting documentation: Find out what qualifications you need to show the university. This means academic transcripts, English language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.), professional certificates, references, and passport photo page if needed. Make sure you know exactly what supporting information is required, and send it in with your application. There is no point in submitting an application form without the supporting documents, because it will not be considered
- Write a strong personal statement: The personal statement (also called application essay) can sometimes make or break your application. Let yourself shine! You want your personal statement to reflect who you are and what you want to achieve. If there is a specific essay question, be sure to answer it succinctly and with focus. Planning what you want to write in advance helps. I’ve read many personal statements in which the student goes off on a tangent and does not answer the question; this shows a lack of understanding. If there is a word limit, be sure to stay within it. And lastly, do not plagiarise! Admissions officers very quickly realise if an essay is not the student’s own work, and that can end your chances of getting accepted
- Get the best references possible: Most universities will require one, if not two, letters of reference as a part of the application. Think carefully about who you will ask to write the letters of reference; you want people who know you - and your work – well, so that they can write a convincing and genuine letter. Your references can usually be from either teachers or professionals, depending on what is appropriate for the programme you are applying for. Please do not submit letters of reference from family or friends – these will be disregarded
Completing the application doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does have to be thoughtfully put together. A successful application is the first step and will pave the way for the beginning of your university journey.
Written by Jessica Guiver (2011)
JR Guiver, American Education Consultant
Jessica is JR Guiver, American Education Consultant. She provides counselling services, advice and support to students who are applying to study for a degree at a college or university in the United States. Even though she is located in the UK, Jessica can work with students anywhere in the world to help them get into university in the USA.
