In today’s increasingly competitive higher education landscape, students and families need clear, reliable guidance when applying to UK universities. For those seeking UK universities admission advice, our aim is to help unpack recent changes and common challenges, so we spoke with Kay Fitzpatrick, Director of HALO Education and an official representative for the University of Bristol. With years of experience advising international applicants and working closely with UK admissions teams, Kay offers a uniquely informed perspective on what universities look for, how students can make better choices, and how to navigate the evolving expectations of the UCAS system.
In this interview, she discusses the new UCAS personal statement format, essential tips for applicants, factors to consider when choosing a university, the role of super-curriculars, and the traits of genuinely competitive candidates. She also highlights common pitfalls and offers practical advice for international students preparing to study abroad.
New UCAS Template
UCAS has recently introduced a new application template. What are the most important changes students should be aware of, and how should they adapt their approach?
The role of personal statements has changed significantly. Previously, students were expected to write a single 4,000-character essay—an open format many struggled with, often filling it with irrelevant details or externally written content. Concerns around authenticity have grown, with increasing numbers of students relying on AI tools or external writers, sometimes producing statements they don’t fully understand.
Universities, including those in the Russell Group, also lack the capacity to read every statement thoroughly, while international interviews have become less feasible. In response, UCAS replaced the long essay with three shorter, targeted sections:
- Why the student wants to study the course
- How their studies prepared them
- Relevant activities outside school
This structure aims to make the process clearer and more manageable. However, issues around authenticity and over-edited statements persist, and some universities may choose not to read them at all due to time constraints.
Personal Statement Tips
What are your top three recommendations for crafting a strong personal statement that truly stands out?
First, authenticity is essential. Admissions officers can immediately sense when a statement isn’t written in the student’s own voice. Genuine interest and honesty are far more compelling than perfect phrasing.
Second, keep your narrative consistent. Applying to closely related subjects is fine, but trying to cover multiple, unrelated courses makes the personal statement unfocused and can lead to rejection—especially from competitive universities.
Finally, avoid exaggeration. Students must be able to explain and evidence any experience they mention. Implausible or unethical claims do real damage. Clear reasoning, honesty, and a thoughtful understanding of the subject always make the strongest impression.
Choosing the Right University
What key factors should students consider when deciding which university or course is the best fit for them?
Choosing a university should be about fit, not prestige. With almost 400 institutions in the UK, every student has different priorities—financial constraints, proximity to home, learning styles, and the level of support they need. A student who is happy and comfortable is far more likely to succeed academically.
It’s vital to examine course content and assessment styles, which vary widely even across similarly named programs. Students who perform better with coursework should avoid exam-heavy courses, and vice versa.
The broader landscape has changed, too. While the university name may help open doors initially, long-term success depends more on skills, networking, internships, and strong interview performance. Graduating near the top of your class at a solid university can be more advantageous than struggling at a prestigious one.
Ultimately, students should choose a university that is affordable, supportive, and aligned with their strengths, setting them up for both academic success and future opportunities.
Super-Curricular Activities
How important are super-curricular activities, and how should students highlight them effectively in their applications?
Super-curriculars—like Model United Nations, Coursera courses, or subject-specific enrichment—can be valuable, but their importance depends on the course. For subjects like Law, they can be particularly useful in showing genuine engagement and helping students understand what studying the field actually involves. For others, such as hospitality or tourism, they may not carry the same weight.
These activities also help students build transferable skills such as communication, time management, and global awareness.
It’s equally important to understand the realities of certain professions. Law is very different from finance; medicine and architecture have long qualification paths. Students should research these routes carefully.
Lastly, they should remember: your first degree doesn’t define your entire career. Many graduates pivot into new fields. Keeping an open, international mindset allows students to adapt as interests evolve.
Profile of a Competitive Applicant
In your experience, what characteristics define a truly competitive applicant?
Competitive applicants perform strongly within their own school environment and continuously challenge themselves. High IB predictions—particularly 44 or 45—stand out, and completing the full IB Diploma carries more weight than taking individual IB courses.
Engagement in activities like Model United Nations demonstrates intellectual curiosity and strong communication skills. Beyond achievements, top candidates share common traits: self-motivation, high personal expectations, and genuine ambition.
Common Pitfalls
What are some common mistakes students make during the application process, and how can these be avoided?
A frequent pitfall is listing work experience that lacks genuine substance. The student should be able to explain what they learned and provide evidence. Vague or exaggerated claims are easily spotted.
More serious are issues of dishonesty or poor judgment. Some students make unethical claims in an attempt to impress—such as inappropriate involvement in medical procedures—which can lead to immediate rejection and formal investigation. Questionable references raise additional concerns.
The core issue is authenticity. Universities value honesty, clarity, and ethical conduct far more than dramatic stories.
Advice for International Students
Are there particular challenges international applicants should keep in mind?
One major challenge is integration and language immersion. Some students, especially from Mediterranean countries, tend to socialize mainly with compatriots, which limits both cultural exposure and English-language development.
UK universities provide excellent support—librarians, orientation programs, freshers’ events—but students must actively make use of these resources. International societies and university-organised trips also help broaden social and cultural experiences.
Another challenge is independence. Many students arrive with limited experience managing daily life—budgeting, cooking, time management—which can lead to financial or academic difficulties. Building independence before departure is crucial.
Overall, international students who integrate, seek support, and prepare practically tend to thrive both academically and personally.
