Navigating the Application Process

Good news! You’ve decided to study for a degree. But it can be difficult to work out the best place to go, and the application process itself is often pretty daunting. It’s a long road that starts a year in advance and can involve several members of your family. So, let’s consider what happens, one step at a time.

Find a Place to Call Home

Once you’ve chosen the degree you’d like to study, and identified the universities and colleges that offer it, it’s important to visit them.
Here at Somerset College, we invite potential students to an Open Day in November. This gives you a chance to judge for yourself if the College is a good fit for you.

If you’re interested in studying Health or Art and Design, you could also attend one of our Portfolio Days. These help you prepare your application form, practise interview techniques and polish your portfolio – ensuring you have the best chance of being accepted onto the course of your dreams.

The Application Process

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of preferred universities, you can start the actual application process.
Universities require you to apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which is a national body that processes applications on behalf of institutions.
Naturally, there are deadlines to meet. If you’re ahead of the game, applications start from mid-September and run until mid-January for those who need a little more time to think. Some Art and Design courses allow you to apply until the end of March, so it’s worth checking the UCAS website (www.ucas.com) for more details.

You need to register on the UCAS website to apply to university. This allows you to save your form online prior to submitting it, giving you a chance to read it through and make sure it reflects your personality and skills.

Getting Personal

A crucial component of the application form is your personal statement. This is your chance to explain why you’d like to study the degree you’ve chosen, and why you’re the right student for the universities to which you apply. It’s worth taking plenty of time over this, as it’s important to give the best possible account of yourself.

What next?

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After paying a small fee to submit your UCAS form, you then sit back and await further news from the universities you’ve applied to.If Somerset College is one of the lucky ones on your list, we’ll write inviting you to an interview. This is another chance to meet staff and take a look around before finally starting your academic studies in September.If you’d like to attend the Open Day or a Portfolio Day, please visit www.somerset.ac.uk and register. Alternatively, click the link below for our events. We’d be delighted to see you!