Ready to get yourself some higher education? Graduating from college can be one of the most rewarding things that you’ll ever do, but knowing how to apply for college in the UK can be quite a task. There are many moving pieces to consider, and each one of them will be as important as the next.
Some of these things happen at the same time and some happen later on, so understanding the requirements for applying to college and ensuring everything is properly done will help your chances of being accepted for your dream college course.
1. Choosing a course
The UK has plenty of options for higher education, so you won’t be short of choices when it comes to choosing the right college course for you. It’s important to filter them down to the colleges that make sense to your personal and professional goals and aspirations.
For example, if you’re from London and you’re really into the creative arts, plus you want to be in an environment that encourages boundless creativity, then it’s best to pick a creative college in London that does exactly that.
Applying to every college will not only be time-consuming, so try narrowing down your choices to a handful of colleges that run the course you want.
Even if you find yourself looking at only one dream college, it’s always a good idea to apply to more than one to keep your chances of having at least a few options of colleges. The research itself can take quite a while to find the right one, so make sure to start well in advance so that you don’t miss your deadline.
2. Check you meet the application requirements
Each college in the UK may have a different set of application requirements, so when you’re looking at how to apply to college in the UK, take note of their specific application and entry requirements. They will typically have this on their website under their admissions section, which will give you an overview of the minimum requirements to apply and potentially get accepted.
These aren’t suggestions either, and it’s part of your application to be able to provide whatever documentation and other items that may be necessary by each college you are considering submitting your application to.
You also want to check on due dates for submissions and to ensure you’re giving yourself the right amount of time to be able to submit everything and acquire anything that may be necessary to apply.
Keep in mind that the date for applying is just as important as submitting everything. You don’t want to submit an application only to find out after the fact that a key item was missing. Give yourself a few months ahead of time for each deadline, and build out your schedule accordingly.
Some application requirements are pretty standard across the board, typically when it comes to college applications. These are things like your grades from secondary school, language proficiency and, in some cases, where you live.
There also may be an entrance examination at some colleges, but not all of them, so factor that into your time if necessary.
On top of that, some colleges might ask for you to submit up-to-date and valid ID documents as well as references from educators as part of your application process.
3. Writing a personal statement
Part of the application itself will typically require you to submit a personal statement. It’s meant to be an excerpt of your life and accomplishments up until now as well as sharing your desire of why you want to attend the college and course. The college itself may give this personal statement structure in its own template, but if they don’t, here are the key areas to cover:
- An introduction into who you are, your interests, and your motivations on why you want to partake in the course and attend the college.
- Discuss relevant skills you’ve acquired through academia and other channels, as well as any relevant work experience in the path you’re looking to go on.
- Mention your hobbies and interests outside of school, which can help to see if you’re also a cultural fit for the college you’re applying for.
- Close out the personal statement with what your career plans are going to look like. You can simply give a five-year plan and show that the degree you will receive will help you achieve your career-based goals.
We wrote a blog on how to write a personal statement, which you can read here: How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement for College
4. Applying for the course
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents and information, you need to submit everything and apply. This will show your intention and begin the process for review. The sooner you apply, the sooner you will know what the next steps will be and where you stand with the application process.
Typically you can file everything online through an application portal. Some colleges will have their own applications portal, so make sure to note that so you know where to send everything.
Also, before sending out your application, you want to ensure that you’ve double-checked everything you’re about to give them.
5. Attending the interview
The interview can be requested at the time of application in some cases, and in others, the college admission team will let you know when the interview can be scheduled.
There are a few different types of people you may have a chance to be interviewed by. This is usually someone from the college, such as an admission officer, a faculty member or the head of the course you’re applying to.
Chances are the interview will be on campus. However, it may be at a location of their choosing. Either way, you want to ensure that you prepare yourself accordingly to not only answer some questions but also to have a few prepared questions to ask them to show your continued interest in the college.
6. Getting an offer
Once you start to receive your offer letter or acceptance letter, you want to make sure that you weigh your options carefully. Which offer will you go with and commit to? Only you will be able to answer that.
A pros and cons list can help you make that tough decision and get you into the mindset of where you are going to attend.
Of course, the timeframe between the application and acceptance letter can vary depending on the college, so it’s always good to be patient.
When to apply for college in 2023?
Typically, it’s best to start the application process the year before, in either October or November, just so you can get everything ready in time.
Most colleges start accepting applications in January. So if you’re a school leaver in June and you want to start college in August, you’ll need to apply for your course by January.
If you’re unsure, you can always check with the college. BCE’s admissions team are always on hand to answer questions and help you navigate the college application process.
