How to apply for college?

Applying for college or universities can be a stressful experience. In this article, we'll show you how to choose a course that's right for you and how to navigate the application system to land your dream college place.

Finding a course and a college

The hardest part of the application process is to decide what and where to study. Here are a few things you need to consider: Subject Choice
You need to not only consider a course that you will enjoy but one that will lead to a future career. Talk to your local career advisor for more help. Browse colleges online and try to peruse as many prospectuses as you can. Location
If want to study at a college far from home, then this will be expensive in terms of commuting. Find out if you can hire an apartment close to the campus. If you are a foreign student, look for courses in the UK that are recognised back home. If you want to study in England, then you may need to apply for a visa before you apply for university. Assessment Type
Courses at university and college are assessed differently, depending on the institution. If you hate exams, then look for a course that has more coursework/assignments. Typically, undergraduate courses have a mixture of coursework and exams.

Your application

You will need to write a personal statement to support your application. This not only includes details about your interests and academic abilities, but it is also a chance for you to show that you can fit in and excel in the institution you are applying to.
Tip: Be sure to mention any related work experience and charity/volunteer work that you have undertaken. Try to tailor your online application to each college. Admission tutors must feel that you care about their college. Do not copy and paste generic statements from application to application.

Getting a scholarship

With the recent increase in tuition fees, many students are now trying to find out how to apply for scholarships. There are few sports scholarships available in the UK, so the best way to find scholarships is through an employer.
Work experience
Not only will gaining work experience or an internship before your course help your application, but if you excel in this place then you may be eligible for a scholarship. Remember
Finding a college you like is one thing. However, you must be financially prepared for a full time education. Not all students get scholarships, so try your best to support yourself before applying. The last thing you want to do after securing the course of your dreams is to have to drop out half way through due to financial insecurity.