OK, this is the hardest part of the UCAS form, and aside from the section with your results, and the attached references from your teachers, this is what's going to get you a place.

It's the ¾'s of a page you've got to sell yourself and make the university of your dreams offer you a slot, or at least give you a chance at interview. Don't underestimate the importance of this section. A lot of applicants will get good references and good A-Level grades, so this can act as a tie-breaker between you and your competitors for places on the course.

WHAT TO INCLUDE

The Course

1. Say why you have applied to that particular course. If you are choosing something completely different to your A-Levels, make sure you explain why.
2. If you are applying for a mixture of courses, or two different sorts of course, you need to explain why you can't decide which to pick. This split can imply indecision, and possibly a lack of interest or commitment. If there is a good reason for two different courses, explain why... This way they can't use it against you.

Academic

1. Show that you are strong academically, and include subjects even where you have done badly!! Talk about other qualifications too, like musical awards or lifeguard qualifications etc.
2. Say why you have picked your A-Levels. Talk about what interests you in that course, and explain why you were motivated to choose the degree course you are applying to.
3. In a similar manner, explain what you might like to do for a career and how this degree qualification would help you.

Non Academic

They will also want to know about your non academic achievements, as this will make you a more rounded person. Don't expect Oxford or Cambridge to take you just like that, as long as you get straight A's.

Across the country, loads of people get straight A's and you won't be the best of them. You need to show some other qualities to put yourself above everyone else. Also, your personal qualities can provide clues as to how well you will do in the future, i.e. they will be looking for commitment, passion, enthusiasm etc.

You need to use this section to set you apart as an individual. You need to show you can commit to something outside of school, and work at it to succeed and reach a high level.

1. Sporting achievements shows enthusiasm and drive
2. Musical prowess shows that you have patience and commitment
3. Community and Voluntary work shows that you are helpful and considerate
4. Family or other responsibilities show that you are responsible
5. Travel or Gap Year means you will be more experienced and mature
6. Hobbies show that you have a wide range of interests
7. Employment shows commitment, experience and responsibility

Filling in the Form

Your college or school will have their own process for filling out this section of the form. As most people will probably do the form on-line from now on, there seems to be little point in going on about this - but then, some of you will prefer the good old paper version. Be aware of this:

1. Use as much of the space as possible - otherwise you run the risk of sounding boring.
2. Your college will probably type the form for you, and then send it off. Do not dream of writing it in pen, especially if your handwriting is crap. The form will be photocopied and reduced to half size when being sent to the universities, so unless you have perfect writing, you're shooting yourself in the foot. A university isn't going to spend much time trying to read the stuff before chucking it.
3. Check for spelling mistakes, and keep the grammar good (unlike us). Remember that the spell checkers on the word processing machines aren't perfect, so check it yourself carefully before handing it in. Make sure the layout is good too.

Go do it!!!

Read on to find out about Open Days.
Or go back to Applying to Uni.