Preparing for your university application

So, you want to go to university or college to study a degree?

Before you start dreaming of learning new things, meeting new friends, and experiencing the wonders of higher education, now is the time to invest in planning. 

You are about to commit the three to four years of study in a town or city that you might not have visited before.

Would you buy a new home based on a league table, without seeing the house until you moved in? Probably not. 

Target setting - January Lower Sixth Year

What are your attainment and extra-curricular targets for the Lower 6th? What grades do you need to attend your first choice university?

Lower Sixth APG Target Sheet

Usually completed by pupils in January.

 

The information in the Universities pages will guide you through the maze of choosing a university, with sections on the UK and international universities.

From course selection and planning your personal statement, to preparing for the multitude of entrance assessments that are out there, we are here to help you create a competitive and highly differentiated university application.

Stowe's Careers Team are here to help. Even if it is just to show us your research and ideas.

Example personal statements and UCAS references

How to write a personal statement? It's difficult to know where to begin. Get hints and tips on structure, content and what not to write from a university expert.

UCAS Guide: with example personal statements

This useful guide from Tutor2u, although focused on Economics, will help you understand the level of research that is needed to produce a differentiated personal statement.

UCAS Application Timeline

Starting early is important. Especially when applying to competitive courses and universities. Course search, perfect personal statement, plan towards your predicted grades, open days...

US College/University Application Timeline

The US application process is more complex than you think. University selection, SAT/ACT/AP prep, extra-curricular guidance, personal statement/essay(s), interview preparation, teacher references...