What can I do to actually get into a top university in 2011?
What sorts of things will impress universities and ensure I get more than one or no offers? I have lots of work experience, good grades and have a sufficient attendance and punctuality track record. Is this enough?
Can people tell me how they did or didn’t get into university and why.University application stories please. Thanks so much 
By the way, I want to go to a university in the UK.
Thanks for stories so far, very inspiring
Something that’s completely vital, apart from grades of course, is your personal statement. Writing this will take up a lot of time (it took me ages to do) but once it’s done it will make a huge difference to your chances of going to the University you want.
Think of it as the only information the Universitites have about your life outside school, so write about achievements that you might have done that will put you above other students, for example managing a project or working as a team on something.
Also, make sure you get lots of different teachers to read through it. I got my English, Art, French, General Studies teacher and my Head of Year to read through mine so I could get as much feedback as I could to take on board. Even if you dont do English as an A Level, I would definatley ask the Head of Department to look over it because they are most likely to know what to write and can really help.
Finally, make sure you say how the other subjects you have studied have influenced what you want to study at Univeristy and how they have given you additional insight into your chosen subject.
I hope this has been useful
no it’s not enough. sorry to say. i’m ranked #1 in canada in my sport.i’m in 2 bands. i ‘m in gr 10 in piano and i have the highest average in my grade. and i’m still worried i won’t get in. i’m trying out for the ivy leagues though
References :
AP classes and SAT scores!! those are important! and your personal statement should be GOOD.. I applied to both UC davis and san diego state with a 3.7, 1560 on SAT and 4 ap classes… nothing spectacular. davis required a personal statement and san diego state didn’t.. i got into davis and not the other! and Davis is a better school.. and its their first year with a waiting list cause things are so competitive now.. so just make yourself look good!! and you’ll be surprised! :]
References :
Something that’s completely vital, apart from grades of course, is your personal statement. Writing this will take up a lot of time (it took me ages to do) but once it’s done it will make a huge difference to your chances of going to the University you want.
Think of it as the only information the Universitites have about your life outside school, so write about achievements that you might have done that will put you above other students, for example managing a project or working as a team on something.
Also, make sure you get lots of different teachers to read through it. I got my English, Art, French, General Studies teacher and my Head of Year to read through mine so I could get as much feedback as I could to take on board. Even if you dont do English as an A Level, I would definatley ask the Head of Department to look over it because they are most likely to know what to write and can really help.
Finally, make sure you say how the other subjects you have studied have influenced what you want to study at Univeristy and how they have given you additional insight into your chosen subject.
I hope this has been useful
References :
Excellent post thanks!