Annual survey of university admission officers provides useful insights into the most desirable student applicant qualities.
Students entering Clearing following the publication of A-level results on August 14, should be aware that universities look beyond exam grades when considering applicants, and be prepared to demonstrate a passion for their chosen subject, a positive attitude towards study and good written English.
The annual research, commissioned by ACS International Schools amongst university admission officers earlier this year, highlights the top ten attributes universities look for beyond qualifications.
Top ten attributes University admission officers look for in addition to academic qualifications and grades
|
|
Attribute |
% giving attribute important or very important score 2014 |
|
1 |
Evidence of a passion for their chosen course subject |
98 |
|
2 |
Evidence of a positive attitude towards study |
95 |
|
3 |
Good written English |
94 |
|
4 |
Evidence of an ability to think and work independently |
87 |
|
5 |
A reasonable grasp of maths |
72 |
|
6 |
Evidence of success through a difficult start or background |
48 |
|
7 |
Work experience |
35 |
|
8 |
Having held any positions of responsibility |
34 |
|
9 |
An awareness of global or cultural differences |
32 |
|
10 |
Participation in community or voluntary services |
17 |
Source: ACS International Schools University Admissions Officers Research 2014
Top of the list, and cited by 98 per cent of admission officers, was evidence of candidate’s passion for their chosen subject. This was followed by 95 per cent of officers citing a positive attitude towards study. Students must also demonstrate good written English with 94 per cent of officers scoring it important or very important.
In this year’s survey, 72 per cent of admission officers also considered a reasonable grasp of maths either important or very important compared to 44 per cent in last year’s report. Similarly, the requirement to think and work independently rose by 15 percentage points over 2013, with 87 per cent of admissions officers voting this attribute as important or very important.
“Clearing is a competitive process and it is vital that when applicants call their selected institutions, they are well-prepared with as much information as possible. It’s not just about the grades, they should be able to demonstrate their passion for their chosen subject and a positive attitude to study,” commented Fergus Rose, Head of Admissions at ACS International Schools.