Boosting your UCAS form?

Question

Hello,

I'm entering my first year of sixth form in September and have begun wondering about activities that with boost my UCAS form for university.

I'm hoping to study a 4 year Law Course so was wondering whether activities such as volunteer work would be needed on my form? Or would it be better to have work experience in a law firm, visit a court room or do a course to increase my knowledge?

Any info on the kind of qualities universities look for in a law student would be really appreciated,

Thanks all.

Answer 1

I wouldn't bother trying to visit courtrooms and things - stuff like that just makes you look like you've only done it to put on your personal statement (not good). Would you really just visit a courtroom out of your own interest?

Remember the University is looking for a well-rounded person, not somebody who has spent the last 12 months thinking about how they can improve how they will appear. Not all things have to be to do with law if that is the ocurse you want to join. Part-time jobs are looked at in a good light, it shows you have a knowledge of money, can work with people, are a good team player etc (even if it's just waiting on in a cafe)

Maybe join a youth club after school, dance class, helping out at your local scouts or guides, helping out in school with events (eg. School Prom, Non-uniform, charity events etc), doing something for charity (marathon, sponsered sky dive...) babysitting...

Any of these things show you are committed, reliable, like to get actively involved, have teamwork/organising skills etc - All these are far better skills than a course which only proves you are 'interested' in the subject - they already know that as you are applying for that course!

University's won't pick somebody because they have done preparation work, they want somebody who will be a good student and involved with student union etc.

By all means do a course or try to get a bit of experience, but look at this as YOU getting experience to help YOU, not to impress the University.