What Admissions Tutors are Really Looking For

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What Admissions Tutors are Really Looking For
Dr Ruth Siddall UCL Dean of Students
(Welfare)
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What are we looking for in UCAS applicants?
Applicants who will make the entrance
requirements. Will applicants benefit from the
programme that they have applied for? Does the
applicant have the appropriate academic ability
for the programme they have applied for? Does
the applicant have the relevant practical skills
for the programme they have applied for? Is the
applicant sufficiently motivated enthusiastic
and committed to their chosen area of study? Is
the applicant likely to contribute to the
institution both inside and outside the classroom?
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How do we find all this out?

• UCAS application form
• predicted grades
• AS results
• GCSE results
• personal statement
• reference

Interviews not all departments interview and
the nature of the interview also varies across
departments. Admissions tests (LNAT Laws BMAT
Medicine)
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Personal Statement - the hardest thing I ever
wrote explain motivation for and commitment
to the chosen subject - is the statement
relevant to all the degrees they are applying
to??!!! show what they have done to find out
more about their chosen subject we recommend
75 academic-related content, 25
non-academic For us, this can be key to the
applicant securing an interview
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Personal Statement - dos and donts DO
demonstrate relevant reading and experiences DO
explain the reasons for applying for the chosen
subject Im passionate about Russia! ? or I
am fascinated by the films of Eisenstein
DONT write anything you cant back-up at
interview If applying a second time DONT
use the same personal statement twice!
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Schools Reference Reference and personal
statement should be complementary Please
include, where appropriate clarification of
past exam performance predictions for future
performance applicants strengths and
weaknesses applicants intellectual qualities
- evidence of real interest in the
subject Useful info a sentence on the school
type or environment The reference is a judgement
of the applicant and is not meant to advocate
their case.
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Schools Reference Guidelines for content
Brief statement about school or college
Introduction of applicant in general terms
Applicants achievement to date and academic
potential, including health, financial or
other adverse circumstances which could affect
performance Suitability for the subject
chosen Applicants interests, both intellectual
and other, extra-curricular activities and
contribution to life in the school or college
At least as much information should be provided
about academic ability, achievement and potential
as about personal qualities Neednt fill the
whole space!
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What we all want is to ensure that we fill our
places with the right students for us, and that
we are the right place for those students
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Any Questions?