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How Can Teachers Support Their Year 13 Students with Their UCAS Application?

Year 13 students target top UK unis via UCAS. Teachers aid in crafting standout personal statements. Explore ways to guide them to success.

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How Can Teachers Support Their Year 13 Students with Their UCAS Application?

Year 13 is a crucial time for students aiming to apply to top UK universities like Oxford and Cambridge through UCAS. As a teacher, you play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting your students through this complex process. While it's true that many teachers may have large classes and limited time for individualised attention, there are several effective ways to provide valuable assistance, especially when it comes to crafting an exceptional UCAS personal statement. In this article, we'll explore some practical strategies to help you help your students shine in their applications.

 

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1. Early Preparation is Key

Start early by providing information and resources about the UCAS application process, ideally in Year 12 ahead of the summer break before entering Year 13 so they have lots of time to think and prepare. This could include organising information sessions, sharing application timelines, and directing students to relevant online resources. Encourage students to start brainstorming personal statement ideas and researching their chosen courses ahead of the new school year.

2. Encourage Self-Reflection

Help your students explore their interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Encourage them to think deeply about why they want to pursue their chosen courses and what makes them suitable candidates. By engaging in self-reflection, students will be better prepared to craft a compelling personal statement.

3. Group Workshops

Particularly if you are working with large classes at a time and time is at a premium, consider organising group workshops focused on personal statement writing. In these sessions, you can provide general guidance, share sample personal statements, and discuss common mistakes to avoid. These workshops can help demystify the process and provide valuable insights to all your students simultaneously.

4. Use Peer Review

Utilise peer review as a powerful tool for feedback and improvement. Encourage students to exchange personal statements with classmates and provide constructive critiques. Peer review not only lightens your workload but also helps students see their work from different perspectives.

5. Provide Structured Templates

Utilise peer review as a powerful tool for feedback and improvement. Encourage students to exchange personal statements with classmates and provide constructive critiques. Peer review not only lightens your workload but also helps students see their work from different perspectives.

6. Schedule Short One-on-One Meetings

If time and scheduling allows, it can be very beneficial to conduct short one-on-one meetings with each student to address their specific questions and concerns. Use these meetings to offer personalised advice and guidance tailored to their unique goals and circumstances.

7. Emphasise the Importance of Proofreading

Stress the importance of proofreading and editing. Encourage students to revise and refine their personal statements multiple times. Emphasise the need for clarity, coherence, and error-free writing.

8. Share Resources

Direct your students to valuable online resources, such as university websites, UCAS guidelines, and reputable personal statement guides, such as our UCAS How-To Guide. This can supplement your guidance and give students access to a wealth of information.

Summary:

Supporting Year 13 students with their UCAS applications, especially their personal statements, can be a challenging task for teachers with large classes. However, by implementing these strategies, you can make a significant impact on your students' success. Remember that your guidance goes beyond the classroom; it helps shape their futures and opens doors to top universities. With your support and the dedication of your students, they'll be well-prepared to submit compelling UCAS applications and pursue their academic dreams at institutions like Oxford and Cambridge.

Looking Oxbridge School support?

We support schools and students in Year 9 through to Year 13 with a range of events that cover everything from choosing a course and university, writing a personal statement, navigating the admissions tests and tackling the interview.

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