Admissions

Student on a journey

Finishing studying…and starting again

Getting back into academic study can be a difficult decision. A postgraduate researcher guides you through her own experience and thought process.

February 8 2016

Receiving a degree

Do widening participation schemes work? Students share their stories

What encourages students to pursue higher education? Students with a range of backgrounds explain the outreach and widening participation schemes that worked for them.

Ryhan Hussein vlogger

How to achieve your potential and get a place at university

YouTube vlogger Ryhan offers his tips to help students fulfil their goals and get into university, even if they don’t think they can.

Happy and sad cardboard faces

The National Student Survey gets student satisfaction wrong

The National Student Survey is essential, but a disappointment. A final year student at University College London explains why

Hannah Morrish video

Video: 10 common exam results day questions - answered

Watch an education expert answer the most common questions about A Level results, Ucas Clearing and getting a place at university

Students at Oxford University

Can you answer these Oxford University interview questions?

Oxford interviewers explain what it takes to impress them

October 13 2016

University College Hospital

Are London medical schools really the best?

A London medical student looks at the advantages and disadvantages of studying medicine in the city

December 14 2015

Bookshelf

How do I choose a master's?

Blogger Charlie Pullen, studying for a master's degree at Queen Mary University of London, guides you through the difficult decision process.

December 14 2015

Doctor holding hands with patient

Applying to medical school is like starting a new relationship

London medical student Katie takes a personal approach to applying to medical school.

February 18 2016

Illustration of school gates

Six tips to choose the right programme at the right school

A campus tour guide at a Canadian university offers six important tips to help make the right university decision.

February 1 2016

Paris Eiffel Tower

Paris university introduces scholarships for international master’s students

The University of Paris-Saclay is offering 160 scholarships for international master’s students who have demonstrated academic excellence

Tuition fee scam

College tuition fee scams: how international students can protect themselves

A tuition fee expert proposes common-sense steps students and their families can take to protect themselves against fraudulent tuition payment schemes.

November 7 2016

Striving to win

Are medical school admissions too competitive?

Student blogger Katie argues that the UK admissions system to medical school works just fine, as it teaches students to play an important game, and even rejection can present a new opportunity.

Checking results on A Level results day

Life after Ucas: What comes next in UK university applications?

Most of the Ucas burden is now off your shoulders, so this breakdown guides you through what to expect from the next eight months as your await university offers, decisions, exam results and clearing opportunities.

January 20 2016

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

International travel

How will Brexit affect Indian students coming to the UK?

Tuition fees, funding, visas and quotas for Indian students could all be affected by the UK’s vote to leave the EU

Essay writing

How to write a US college admissions essay

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

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

regents_college

Have you considered trying a private university in the UK?

A small number of UK institutions offer a private higher education, and there are good reasons why you might wish to apply to study at them

October 26 2017

European Union (EU) flags flying

The 10 cheapest universities in Europe

FairFX has calculated the cheapest and most expensive universities in Europe in a post-Brexit landscape

January 11 2018

Academic books and notes

Students place higher value on course content when choosing a university

What is the most important factor for UK students when choosing a university? Research reveals that academic factors are more important than social considerations

university applications

What universities really want to see in your applications

These three things can elevate your application from good to great 

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

Accepted application form

Early action v early decision v regular decision. What’s the difference?

Applying to a US university can be daunting. Find out what your options are, when the deadlines fall and what strategy is right for you

Melbourne, Australia

A guide for international students choosing a university in Australia

Everything you need to know about universities in Australia, the educational ethos, funding, admissions and visa applications.

September 27 2018

Students sitting examination

How to prepare for the Academic IELTS

Student blogger Elisabeth Sandler shares her techniques to pass the Academic IELTS exams

english language tests can be taken from home because of Covid-19

Changes to the IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo tests under Covid-19

Was your English language test disrupted by the pandemic? Here's what's changed and which tests can now be taken from home

February 11 2021

Stress relief

How to deal with stress over exam results

A clinical psychologist who went through Clearing herself explains how to approach exam-related stress

How to survive A-level results day

How to survive A-level results day

Hannah Morrish, education community manager at The Student Room, shares her advice for students preparing for A-level results day

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

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.

Waste paper in a bin

How not to write a personal statement

Teachers don’t necessarily give the best advice when it comes to university applications. Here are four tips you might want to ignore

January 28 2016

Berlin from the Potsdamerplatz view point

Why study German?

Student blogger Niamh McShane, studying German at Trinity College Dublin, defends her degree against the claim that it does not provide hard skills for the workplace.

December 11 2015

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

Student with backpack

Tips for choosing and applying to universities

Blogger Laura Warner, studying Geography at University College London, presents her perspective on applying to university, now that she's on the other side.

December 11 2015

Clearing 2017 university

Clearing 2018: UK universities with courses available

See which of the top UK universities (according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings) are offering clearing places before and after A-level results day

Exam results

A Level Results Day: Editor's Blog Live

Live updates to guide you through results day and Ucas Clearing

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

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English language tests

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo? Your guide to English language proficiency tests

Unsure where to start with English language tests for university applications? Use this guide to find costs, booking information and average scores for the IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and Duolingo English tests

September 21 2023

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

Study abroad application

How to choose where to study abroad

Four crucial factors to consider when choosing the best study abroad experience to suit you.

September 22 2015

Ambulance in Milan, Italy

British student criticises competitive UK medical courses after securing university place in Italy

The straight-A British student who was rejected twice to study medicine in the UK is frustrated but looking on the bright side as he reflects on his first months studying in Italy instead.

Student in front of blackboard

Introducing THE Student

How to navigate and get involved with the new student section, featuring university rankings, student news, blog posts and expert advice.

September 22 2015

University of Cambridge, everything you need to know about studying in the UK

Everything you need to know about studying in the UK

Want to study abroad in the UK? Use this guide to understand the UK university system and how to apply to a UK university as an international student  

Student celebrating

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

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

Oxford bikes

Tips for answering Oxford interview questions

The University of Oxford interviews are coming up very soon and here are some tips on preparing. And even if you aren't interviewing for Oxford, these are tips you can use for any university interview questions. 

November 28 2024

Astronaut 3D illustration

What qualifications do you need to be an astronaut?

Astronauts undergo strict training, and these are the qualifications you'll need to get started on the first step towards a space mission

December 15 2015

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

Medical admissions at university.

7 tips to stand out to medicine admissions tutors

Make sure you are well prepped to complete your application for medical school in the UK with these top seven tips 

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