Don't be left out as applications rise

It's no secret (or surprise) that applications to study at University are up again this year.  The latest figures show that applications to study in September 2010 are up by 21.4% nationally. At Edge Hill the increase is even larger, with 45% more people wanting to study here next year.

There have also been a lot of stories in the press about there being fewer places for students this year which means that some applicants might end up being disappointed.

This huge rise in applications is no doubt making it more competitive to get into university and the situation potentially allows universities to be more selective about the students that they take.

So, if you are an applicant this year, what should you do now?

If you submitted your application through UCAS by the January deadline, Universities have to respond to you by 31^st March with a decision about your application.

If you made five choices on your UCAS form and you were thorough in your research about the courses before you applied, hopefully you'll receive offers from all of the Universities you have applied to.

If you don't get made offers from all of your choices, some of those Universities might make you an offer to study on an alternative course with them.  If this happens to you, think carefully about what the university is offering.  Weigh up all the pros and cons, talk it through with friends and family and, before accepting (or declining) the alternative offer, make sure it's the right decision for you.

If you haven't already done so, you should make sure you visit all of the Universities that you have applied to - you'll probably end up at one of them and as you're likely to be studying there for three years, it needs to be one that you really want to be at - somewhere that you'll enjoying studying and a university that can give you the experience that you're looking for.

Lots of Universities will have special ‘visit days' just for applicants.  These are a great opportunity for you to make sure that you're making the right decision about the University.  If your university does have a visit day for you, try to go and find out more about what they have to offer you.  Visit Days are also an excellent opportunity to meet the staff that will be teaching you in your first year and to meet other students that you'll be studying with. Visits are also a great chance to see the university facilities.

Once you've found the university that is right for you, you'll need to work for your place if you have been made a conditional offer.  Work hard over the next few months and make sure that you get the grades that you need to get onto your chosen course.  Also, there will be other things for you to be getting on with between now and September... you'll need to sort your student finances in good time (you can apply now) as well as sorting your accommodation.

Once your place is confirmed in August, find out whether there are reading lists, kit or resources that you need to buy before the course starts in September.

If you're thinking of applying to start University in September 2011, start doing your research now.  Think carefully about the type of course you want to do, where you want it to take you and what you want to get out of your time at University.  Spend time visiting Universities and find out what they are looking for from their applicants.  Start thinking about how you're going to ‘sell yourself' on your application form and start getting the relevant work experience or extra curricula activities on your CV.

All the information Edge Hill applicants need can be found at hi.edgehill.ac.uk.