University Q

Hellooo shimmers,
I mentioned in previous posts and on twitter about applying to university and waiting on offers and all that stuff and many of you asked me questions and asked if I would do a post on applying to university so I thought why not! So I am going to answer your questions here and if you have any other just leave them as a comment and I will answer them.
Lets get going.
This is for the UK. I'm not sure about other parts of the world but hopefully some of this may help you too.
How do you apply?
You apply through UCAS (in the UK, I'm not sure about other countries). It is really easy to follow. You sign up then complete all the sections. Information, personal statement, your course choice and other details. You choose five courses. For example I knew I wanted to do psychology, so I applied to do psychology at 5 different universities. You may want to apply to do business at Glasgow and geography at Glasgow plus three other options it is up to you.
Does it cost to apply?
Yes. £23 to apply to 5 choices and slightly less for fewer choices.
When do I need to apply by?
It is usually by the middle of January around the 15th. UCAS will be able to tell you the exact date nearer the time.
How long does it take to get a reply back?
It depends in the course and on the university. Most wait till January before replying but some you won't hear from till April/May. It really does depend on the course and how many applicants the university receives.
What is your top tip for applying?
A good personal statement. It is the most important part of your application for some universities.
On Ucas this is an example of what you see, offers, the course you chose, the university you have applied to. *This is not mine!*
Do universities interview candidates?
Only usually for medicine, dentistry, nursing, teaching ( care professions )
What offers can you receive?
An unsuccessful- basically means NO!
An Unconditional- is a definite YES!
A conditional offer- this is where they say we want you to get two Bs or an A in maths or something like that depending on the subjects you are taking that year.
What do you do once you have all of your offers?
Once you have received an offer from all your choices, this is for applicant replying through UCAS, you choose a firm choice and an insurance choice. If you have all unconditional offers then you just choose the one you want. If you have a mix of conditional and unconditional, then if the university you want gave you a conditional choose that as your firm, and then incase you don't meet the conditions choose an unconditional as an insurance choice. If all are conditional then choose the one you want most as your firm and one you are most likely to achieve as your insurance.
Also once you have received offers be sure to check things like when and how you apply for accommodation, finance and other bits and pieces.
What if they are all unsuccessful?
Sometimes during the summer the universities have a "clearance" and you can apply for some of those spaces. You could take a gap year. You could apply to colleges aswell as universities incase you don't get in. It is always good to have a plan B.
Are you scared about going to university?
I'm really excited about going. I can't wait to meet new people and have some independence. But it's going to be scary leaving home and my family. I'm mainly excited though.
What are you most looking forward to?
Meeting new people, having independence and having a new challenge. I think it will be an amazing life experience.
Will you keep I'm touch with your school friends?
That's a tricky one. My best friend went to Uni last year and we try to see each other as much as possible but it is difficult, but I know we will always be really good friends. Since she left I have gained another amazing group of friends but we aren't exceptionally close so I'm not sure if we all will keep up or not? I hope we do.
What are you going to miss most about school?
Routine. Although I hate it now and it's really repetitive I know in going to miss it. Im going to miss all my friends and the teachers and classes that we spend giggling. Its going to be a totally new experience.
Are you going to stay at home and travel?
No, I'm going to go into university halls. I feel that it is part of the experience to stay in halls.
Are you a party goer or a studier?
A bit of both i love a good party and having a good time but I also work hard. I think it is good to split your social and work life, everyone needs to do both :)
What are you definitely going to take to halls from your bedroom?
My fleecy throw for my bed and all my pictures. Also all my makeup and clothes... Pretty much as much as possible!!
I hope this has maybe helped some of you. If you want me to go into something in much detail or have a question then please comment below or email me, shimmerofpink@yahoo.co.uk and I usually reply that day.
Laura x