If you’re applying to UK universities, understanding the UCAS application structure is essential. Every UCAS application includes a combination of choices, a personal statement, and a reference, along with your academic details. Each part plays a different role in convincing universities that you’re the right candidate.
Here’s a breakdown of the UCAS structure and how IB students can maximize each section.
Course Choices
- You can apply to up to 5 courses.
- Choices can be at the same university or spread across different institutions.
- For medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, you are limited to 4 choices, with a 5th option available for a different subject.
- Universities do not see where else you’ve applied, so you don’t have to worry about ranking them.
Tip for IB students: Choose a mix of aspirational, target, and safe courses based on your predicted grades.
Education and Grades
- You’ll need to enter details of your IB subjects and predicted grades.
- Universities rely heavily on these predictions when making conditional offers.
- Be sure your school coordinator or teacher enters accurate predictions.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is your chance to stand out. It’s limited to:
- 4,000 characters or 47 lines.
- A single essay sent to all your course choices.
What to include:
- Why you’re applying for the course.
- Evidence of your academic interest (linking IB subjects, EE, or TOK).
- Relevant experiences like volunteering, projects, or extracurriculars.
See our Essay Planning Templates for structuring statements effectively.
Reference
- Every UCAS application needs a reference, usually from a teacher, tutor, or school coordinator.
- References highlight your academic strengths, character, and suitability for the course.
- For IB students, references often emphasize your performance in Higher Level subjects.
Application Fee and Submission
- Once everything is complete, you pay the UCAS application fee.
- Your school coordinator will review and submit the application on your behalf.
FAQs: UCAS Application Structure
Q: Do universities see my other choices?
No. Each university only sees your application to them.
Q: Can I tailor my personal statement to each course?
No. UCAS only allows one personal statement for all choices.
Q: How important is the reference?
Very. Admissions teams use references to confirm predicted grades and academic suitability.
Conclusion: Mastering the UCAS Structure
A UCAS application may look simple on the surface, but every section—choices, personal statement, and reference—has an important role. By making smart course selections, writing a strong personal statement, and ensuring a supportive reference, you’ll give yourself the best chance of success.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Want to craft a stronger personal statement and align it with your IB work? Use RevisionDojo’s Essay Planning Templates and Ultimate TOK Essay Guide to prepare with examiner-level strategies.
