Looking at the application system in the UK may at first feel quite similar to using the common app, but there are some key differences that you will need to take into account before sending off your application.
Its all one application, there are no supplemental essays or questions to fill out for each individual school you apply to. Each school receives the same exact version of your application.
You only get to apply to 5 schools... so choose wisely. Compare course rankings in the Complete University Guides league tables, think about location, entry requirements, and the degree itself before selecting your choices. (Once you settle on and start your degree, you won't be able to switch majors!)
They don't really care about your extracurriculars. Unless they are directly related to your major, it is okay to mention your overloaded schedule of sports and clubs, but focus primarily on the things that relate to your major. While you are writing your personal statement, similar to a college essay but the focus is on expressing your interest in your major, be sure to focus on how the extracurriculars you did related to your program of choice.
For example, I volunteered in a special education classroom in 8th grade, it was a while ago, but I still wrote about that in my personal statement instead of my participation in the newspaper at school, because it is more relevant to my occupational therapy major and shows my interest in the course.
Tip: If you have not done a lot that directly relates to your major, focus on how you learned leadership and interpersonal skills that are necessary for a professional workplace by playing your sport/ doing your job.
Your personal statement is not a creative essay. It will feel awkward to write after having to write a one-in-a-million essay for the common app, but your UCAS personal statement is your way of showing your demonstrated interest in your major. Focus on your academic/work/volunteering choices and how they will benefit you in your professional career. (Read more UCAS on personal statements)
Your grades matter, not just your transcript grades though. Your test scores. Unlike the US, the British application process is much more transparent. Test scores are the number one thing that universities look at when selecting who to admit, make sure you have checked course entry requirements from the universities course webpage before applying.
If you get in, you will probably get a conditional offer. This means they will accept you on the condition that you a) get certain scores on your AP exams in the spring of your senior year, b) maintain specific grades in certain classes, and/or c) graduate. Unconditional offers do exist, these are more likely if you have AP exam scores that meet the entry requirements prior to applying to university.
At the end of the day, filling out the application is quite similar to the common app... if the common app website hadn't been updated in ten years. The system is a little out-dated, but it's relatively straightforward once you log in. The application fee is about $26 to apply for all 5 schools, though you can apply for less, it costs the same flat rate no matter how many you choose to apply for. As far as supplemental applications go, they don't really exist, although some majors/universities do require an interview should you make it through the first wave of applications. Decisions can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the university and the time of year that you apply, but you should hear back by May. Good luck!
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