Standing out from the crowd | What are universities looking for?

With Wellington College International Shanghai’s first Global University Fair taking place on 15th March it is the perfect time to ask: What exactly are universities looking for in potential students? This deceptively simple question is often shrouded in unnecessary mysticism. Pupils and parents often worry about the foibles of an individual university’s policies without first considering the key fundamental elements that all universities are looking for in a successful pupil’s application. These can be widely summarised under four key headings.  

Academic ability

It doesn’t matter how great a pupil’s extracurricular activities are – the thing that is going to have the biggest impact on a pupil’s chances of success is his/her academic grades. Consequently, excellent grades are the most essential element of any university application. Aside from IB results, most universities will look at IGCSE grades, so it is important that pupils keep up their academic performance throughout their time in school. The subject and type of qualification, as well as the grade, are carefully considered by universities. Sixth-form pupils at Wellington take the IB Diploma, which is recognised by universities worldwide as being the most rigorous and demanding preparation for higher level study. Indeed, some universities offer extra credits and exemption from admissions tests for IB students. If pupils are interested in pursuing certain courses at university, they need to ensure that they carefully select the subjects that are going to be required or preferred. For example, a pupil interested in pursuing medicine at university would need to opt for IB Higher Level biology, chemistry and (ideally) mathematics. Likewise, a potential engineering student should ensure that HL physics and mathematics form part of their timetable.  

Academic potential

As well as current grades, universities will look at a pupil’s ‘academic potential’ to judge whether or not to offer them a place. This, of course, is much more difficult to assess. One way to do this is by setting targeting standardised tests to judge relative potential across an admission pool. This approach is most common in the US, where SAT/ACT tests are a staple of the university application process. Pupils can easily research the average SAT/ACT scores of successful candidates to a university and whether particular subject tests are advised. Other top universities will also use assessment tests to judge candidates, particularly in over-subscribed areas such as medicine and law. Assessment tests for prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge are also common. These are usually taken at school in the autumn of year 13, and play an increasingly prominent role in admissions. There are also a myriad of other ways in which universities can, and do, judge a pupil’s potential. They will pay particularly close attention to a pupil’s personal statement/college essays and school recommendations, as well as subject-specific content such as art portfolios or sample essays, for evidence that a pupil hasn’t reached an academic plateau. Ultimately, a potential interview or audition also provides universities with the perfect opportunity to assess the reality behind a candidate’s application.  

Evidence of subject/university interest

University admissions officers are human and, like most people, they want to feel wanted. Universities will want to know that pupils have made a considered choice to attend a particular university and that they are ‘passionate’ about their future studies. As often in life, honest enthusiasm can take you a long way! However, it is worth appreciating how different types of universities will look for different things. US universities generally make a ‘holistic’ judgement based upon how the pupil will fit within their community. The role of the regional admissions officer is crucial here, as they can become an advocate for a pupil’s application. By attending university talks and making themselves known to the admissions team at events like university fairs, pupils can provide evidence of a ‘demonstrated interest’ in a particular university, which can make a successful application more likely. For UK based applications it is ‘all about the subject’. Although pupils are limited to one personal statement which they send to 5 universities, it should be used to provide evidence of what they have done to further their interest in their chosen subject. I often liken it to a ‘love letter’ written to their chosen discipline. It is important that pupils provide evidence of their love of the subject – details of extra reading, further studies and relevant competitions demonstrate the kind of deep and abiding interest that subject-based admissions officers crave.  

Evidence of personal/academic attributes

Universities will also want to know that applicant pupils have all the personal and academic attributes of a successful undergraduate student. Admissions officers will look for the ability to think critically and independently, put forward logical arguments, and keep an open mind. They will also seek out evidence of self-discipline, motivation, and the desire to learn more. US universities, in particular, will look for evidence of commitment to particular activities or volunteering and evidence of key attributes such as leadership and community involvement.  

Wellington Global University Fair

These four areas provide the basis for understanding the essential elements on a university’s wish list for new students. Obviously, beyond this it is necessary to research further into the individual requirements of each university course. University fairs, such as the one taking place at Wellington College International Shanghai on 15th March 2019 3-5PM, provide the ideal opportunity for pupils and parents to do this.

Wellington invites individuals and groups interested in attending our Global University Fair to register for attendance.