University applications and student admissions

Student writing notes

Changes to the 2026 Ucas personal statement

For the 2026 UK university application cycle, the Ucas personal statement will take a different format. Find out about the changes and how to fill out the new Ucas form

September 16 2025

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How international exams and competitions help you stand out in college admissions

If you are looking for a way to boost your college application consider applying to international competitions to show your initiative and dedication to a subject 

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Five mistakes to avoid while applying to universities abroad

Four years ago, when I started applying to universities abroad, it was overwhelming and exciting. But now, looking back at my journey, I realise the avoidable mistakes I made at that time. I am sharing them here so you can avoid the same pitfalls

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What are reverse admissions?

When applying to university, most students will do the bulk of the work by researching and applying to multiple universities. But what if there was a way to get universities to do most of the work?

September 6 2024

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Ucas to scrap personal statement in UK university applications

The Ucas personal statement in the UK university application form has been replaced with three questions that prospective students have to answer

7 qualities universities look for in student applications

The top seven qualities universities look for in student applicants

If you are beginning your university application, these are the most important attributes that will impress an admissions officer

standing out from the crowd

The one tip you need for applying to university in the US

Being yourself in your US university application essay can help you stand out to admissions officers, writes student Ava Duszynski

wrong size

Extracurricular activities: one size does not fit all

How can students present extracurricular activities in their university applications? Here’s how students can create a targeted plan to boost their university applications

Chinese university student

Universities in Australia that accept the gaokao

For Chinese students looking to study in Australia, it can be helpful to know which universities accept the gaokao. This guide will help you find the Australian universities that do

Chinese university student

Universities in Canada that accept the gaokao

For Chinese students, knowing which universities abroad accept the gaokao can help with the application process. We’ve put together a list of the universities in Canada that accept the gaokao

Chinese university students

Universities in the US that accept the gaokao

For Chinese students planning to study in the US, it can be helpful to know which universities accept the gaokao

Exam study

Universities in the UK that accept the gaokao

If you are a Chinese student planning to study in the UK, it can be helpful to know which universities accept the gaokao

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Law school applications: five common myths

Caroline Schroeder, a Louisiana State University graduate in history and Spanish, received eight offers to study a law degree. Here, she shares her tips for a successful law school application.

letters

How to ask for references for your postgraduate degree

One of the steps of applying for a postgraduate degree is asking for references. This requires reaching out to people who you believe will be able to speak honestly about your academic achievements

Students writing

What happens after you submit your Ucas application?

What is next in the Ucas university application cycle? These are the key dates you need to know for the next eight months

January 29 2024

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Applying through Ucas: important terms explained

University applications have many steps, so it’s important to know what all the relevant terms mean

January 15 2024

Ucas application tips for international students

Ucas application tips for international students

As a prospective international student in the UK, the first step is to understand the application process. Here are some tips to help you get through it

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Top tips for writing an original personal statement

A student advisor offers some top tips for ensuring your personal statement and your university application stands out and avoids the common mistakes

Grade results

What is GPA? Understanding its calculation, importance and scales

GPA is a measure of a student's academic record or achievement. It is calculated through averaging out a student's grades over the courses of a semester or academic year. Find out how to calculate your GPA, the GPA scale and how you use your GPA for university applications here 

November 10 2025

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What does test-optional mean for US university applications?

You may have noticed that US universities are stating that they are test-optional - but what does that mean for your university application?  

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How can AI be used by university students?

AI is not something to be feared if you know how to use it. Here are some ways in which students might be able to use AI for university applications and classwork

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How to apply for a PhD in Canada

If you are an international student planning to apply to a Canadian university to study a PhD, this guide will answer all the questions you might have

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How to apply for a PhD in Australia

Knowing where to start when applying for a PhD can be tricky, especially when applying for one in a different country. This guide from Monash University explains all the key information you need when applying for a PhD in Australia

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Indian students

Frequently asked questions for Indian students studying in the UK

How easy is to study in the UK as an Indian student? How do I apply for a visa? Can I find good Indian food in the UK? This guide answers all the questions Indians ask about studying in the UK

February 10 2022

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London

What has changed for international students since Brexit?

For students living in the EU and wishing to study in the UK, Brexit has led to a range of changes in tuition fees and study abroad opportunities

January 28 2022

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What is the difference between a postgraduate taught master’s and a postgraduate research master’s?

PGCE, MRes, MA, MSc or PhD? If you’re considering postgraduate study, use this guide to learn the difference between the kinds of postgraduate degrees on offer

January 26 2022

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How to apply for a PhD in the UK

Applying for a PhD is not quite as daunting as you might think. A postgraduate student recruitment officer from the University of Sussex shares his tips for putting together a PhD application

January 18 2022

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What is the difference between an MBA and a specialised master’s in business?

What is an MBA? Should I do a master’s in business? Melbourne Business School admissions director Anastasia Georgiou answers these questions and more

October 25 2021

Scholarship to Stanford and application tips

Video: how I got into Stanford University as a low-income international student

Indian student Manu Chauhan shares how he landed a full scholarship to Stanford, along with his top tips for applying to prestigious US universities

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How to apply to a university’s satellite campus

Lots of universities have opened up satellite or branch campuses in other countries and this may be a good choice for students wishing to study at a prestigious university closer to home

Harvard University

Five tips for a successful transfer to a US university

Transferring between one university to another in the US is common practice, but it may be something international students don’t know too much about. Here are five key tips to ensure a successful university transfer 

A student taking the GRE

GRE General Test: what it is and how to prepare for it

What is the GRE General Test, how much is it and what’s a good score? Check out this guide for everything you need to know about the GRE

THE/WSJ Business School Report

The GMAT test: what it is and how to prepare for it

Here’s everything you need to know about the GMAT test for the MBA application, including costs, how to prepare and which business schools accept it

Female university student choosing a university agent

How to choose a university agent: five top tips

Academic agents can help to guide you through your application process and but it can be hard to know how to choose one that suits you. Here are five top tips from the experts on choosing an academic agent

Air Canada plane taking off from runway

University applications to Canada during the pandemic: FAQs

If you’re thinking of applying to universities in Canada, then here are some of the key things you need to know about applications during Covid-19

PhD

How to apply for a PhD in the US

Lecturer Giulia Evolvi shares everything you need to know about applying for a PhD in the US from start to finish

How university admissions have changed during the Covid-19 pandemic

How have university admissions changed due to the Covid-19 pandemic?

US universities have adapted to help international students with their applications, offering advice on social media livestreams, assisting with visa documents, accepting electronic school transcripts and more

February 26 2021

Oxford bikes

Should you reapply to Oxbridge if you didn’t get in?

Didn’t get the result you were hoping for from your Oxbridge application? This Cambridge admissions advisor explains the best steps to take, including whether it is worth reapplying

February 8 2021

students

Why students should not defer their place at university this year

Although your university experience won’t be what you expected it to be, university vice-chancellor Graham Baldwin presents a few reasons why it might be a good idea to take your place this September

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Everything you need to know about the Common App

This guide to the Common App breaks down exactly what it is and how to use it to apply to university in the United States

Oxford, Cambridge, Ivy League, Applications, Harvard,

Oxbridge and the Ivy League: tips for applications

If you’re unsure whether to apply to the most prestigious universities in the US or the UK, this guide breaks down the different application processes

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How to apply to university in Canada

Important information about admissions, funding and visa applications to study at a university in Canada

Oops sign

Common grammatical errors to avoid in your university application

These are the most common grammatical errors made by international students with advice from admissions tutors on what impact they could have on your application

January 13 2020

Stressed student

Applying through Ucas as an international student

One international student offers a first-hand account of navigating the confusing hurdles to completing your application to a UK university through Ucas

January 10 2020

How to craft the perfect application for US universities

How to craft the perfect application for US universities

Get ahead of the pack and follow these tips on how to craft the perfect application to a US university

November 5 2019

Female doctor administering vaccine to small child

How to craft the perfect application for a medical degree

Applying to medical school is tough and competitive, but following these tips will ensure you are prepared and help you put together a strong medical school application 

November 22 2019

Clearing phonecall

Clearing: what you should say on the phone to universities

Advice from a director of admissions explains how to handle telephone calls to universities during your Ucas clearing process

university applications

What universities really want to see in your applications

These three things can elevate your application from good to great 

International travel, countries connected

Applying to university overseas: what to consider

Applying to university overseas can be exciting, but it is important to know the different application systems in your country of choice

writing a masters application

How to write a master’s application

Helpful tips and advice for students applying for a master’s degree 

College application

How to apply to university: essential guide to university applications

Expert advice and support for all stages of the university application process and studying abroad

February 7 2017

Submit application

Choosing your university: 5 things to do before submitting your Ucas application

A five-step checklist to make sure you're ready to submit your Ucas application

December 21 2016

Essay writing

How to write a US college admissions essay

A step-by-step guide to writing your personal essay for US college applications

Yale graduation

7 tips for applying to top universities in England and the United States

Admissions tutors at top universities in the US and the UK share insights with Anna Mountford-Zimdars about how to get into an elite institution

Students writing

11 most common opening lines in Ucas personal statements

Thousands of applicants used exactly the same phrases to open their Ucas personal statement in 2015.

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