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UCAS: a survival guide

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I survived the UCAS system. Twice. When I started on my first day at university, I felt like I was stepping off one of those awful rollercoasters, with more loops than your stomach can take, into a gift shop where I could pick up an equally awful t-shirt claiming I ‘survived’ the experience. So here are my top tips for avoiding mid-application breakdown.

  1. Encrypted folders and website-blocking apps

The main causes of mid-application breakdown are the near constant refreshing of emails and UCAS profiles and the re-reading of your personal statement “just in case there’s a mistake”. So, put all of your application documents (like personal statement drafts and references) into a folder onto your laptop, and get someone else to choose a password. It is sent, you cannot change it, so stop looking at it. Then download a website-blocking app (I have SelfControl for Mac), block the UCAS website, and enjoy the freedom!

  1. Other things to focus on

It sounds obvious, but it’s so easy to let things like extra curricular activities, sports and hobbies slip while you’re focusing on UCAS and your A Levels. Don’t let it – these are the things you enjoy and everyone needs stress relief!

  1. Tissues

You will cry. With happiness and with sadness. That is completely fine.

  1. University gear

Rather than dwelling on the stressful time you’re currently facing, why not plan ahead and get excited for what comes after – university! Buy some pots and pans, check out the freshers’ pages for the places you’ve applied to, and get motivated. The more excited you are, the more likely you are to put the work in to achieve the grades you need!

  1. A back-up plan

That said… It doesn’t always work out. Having a plan is always important when things go wrong. Look up your second choice university and get excited about potentially going there too. It does no harm to keep your options open.

  1. A (back-up) back-up plan

Sometimes the back-up plan doesn’t work either. Rather than letting that get you down, consider whether you would go through Clearing, and where you might go if you do. Talk to your family and friends and make the decision that is right for you.

  1. A worst-case-scenario-do-not-open-until-the-apocalypse plan

I had to have one of these, and I’m glad I did. I realised half-way through my first application round that I was not going to get any offers. I started planning my gap year, where I’d work, what I’d do. It was a worst-case scenario plan, but I was glad I had it when I eventually needed it!

  1. A support system

Involve your family, friends and those close to you in your decisions. While they cannot choose for you, it’s important to have people around you that you can talk to about the process. It’s a stressful one, and you know what they say about a problem shared…

  1. A car, or a tolerance of public transport (and a cynical view of the world)

University open days. You will travel up and down the country for interviews, applicant days and open days and you will see universities in pristine, shining condition to lure you in. This is where the cynical view comes in – just think about what that university looks like with real students in it!

10.  A sense of humour and stamina

You’re in this for the long haul, but remember it’s just a step on the ladder in your career aspirations. Prepare yourself for the wait, but keep your sense of humour intact. It’s never the end of the world if things don’t work out – there are always options!

Do you have any more UCAS survival tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo: UniversityBlogSpot / Flickr

Harley RyleyUCAS: a survival guide

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