Universities 'want life experience'
Would-be students increasingly need to show evidence of their outside interests and life experience when applying to university, it has been suggested.
New research shows that institutions are placing more importance on candidates showing what they do outside of the exam hall and classroom, such as volunteering or work experience.
The findings come on the day of a key applications deadline for degree courses starting this autumn.
Prospective students should stress their outside interests in their university applications, it is suggested
Whilst academic grades are still the most important measure considered by admissions officers, 97% of universities and students say that candidates should demonstrate their involvement in extra-curricular activities as part of their application, according to research by World Challenge.
Over half of universities questioned (58.5%) said that it is now more important for candidates to show their experience and skills beyond academic achievements in their applications compared to 10 years ago.
This evidence is particularly important for universities deciding between applicants with similar grades, for courses that interview prospective students and vocational subjects - such as medicine that attract high numbers of candidates, the research suggests.
Under the current system, as part of their application, students have to complete a personal statement.
According to the new study, there is general agreement that between 20% and 30% of this document should be devoted to outside interests, and should not be included as a "tick-box" exercise.
It does add that different universities and courses will be looking for different things.
Both universities and students said that the three types of activity that add most value to a personal statement are work experience, volunteering and the Duke of Edinburgh award.
Major government reforms, such as the decision to lift the cap and allow universities to recruit as many students as they like, coupled with a fall in the number of 18-year-olds, has meant that there are now more university places for fewer students, the study, which is based on interviews and surveys of universities, sixth-form teachers and students, argues.
But it adds: "The process remains competitive as universities fight to recruit the most talented students.
"Extra-curricular experience helps universities to identify the students with the most potential and helps recruitment teams to engage with prospective students after the application has been submitted."
It goes on to suggest that the controversial plan to separate AS-levels from A-levels to form a standalone qualification is expected to lead to universities placing more importance on non-academic work "due to the unreliability of predicted grades".
Matt Eastlake of World Challenge said: "This research has shown that whilst having the required academic grades remains the most important factor in securing a university place, universities are now placing more value on broader experiences and life skills.
"The challenge for students and teachers is to know exactly what universities are looking for due to the range of different perceptions throughout the sector. Overall the general advice is that students need to really think about what extra-curricular activities are going to be most relevant and have most impact on their personal development.
"It is about quality over quantity; not necessarily filling your time with every opportunity possible but focusing on a couple of really key activities that will best prepare you for where you want to go in life."
Students planning to start degree courses this autumn have until 6pm today to submit their application. Forms in by this deadline are guaranteed to be considered by the applicant's chosen universities and colleges.
Figures published last month showed that universities made record levels of offers to would-be students last year amid intense competition to attract good candidates.
Overall, the number of students securing places on degree courses at UK universities and colleges through the application MBA dissertation editing service UCAS topped half a million for the first time in 2014, with 512,400 people in total gaining places.
Ahead of today's deadline, Fatuma Mahad, director of operations at UCAS said: "Now's the time to put the finishing touches to your application. Make sure your personal statement expresses your desire, excitement and commitment to study your chosen courses.
Proofreading it several times, even reading it out loud, should help you spot any spelling mistakes that may have crept in.
"Double check all your choices carefully. Remember that it's not a big risk to pick one or two courses which ask for grades which may be a stretch, alongside others which match your teacher's predictions more closely. This could give you more options when it comes to replying to your offers later in the spring."
Peter Kent, president of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and head of Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby: "My own son is just completing the UCAS process. I have advised him to consider his options carefully and to make sure that he applies to a range of universities, some of which should be a 'stretch' and some of which should provide offers which fit in with his current predicted grades.
"When writing their personal statement I think it is important that students communicate their passion for the subject that they have applied for."