University Application Process

At Waddesdon, the official process starts when students return from Study Leave in the summer term. The first morning is devoted to university applications and is always led by a guest speaker from a university.

General Studies lessons are then devoted to the application process, in particular the writing of the personal statement.This is an important element of the process and an area of some expertise. Thus, students will often take some time in crafting the statement. For the students not contemplating university, it acts as the basis of a letter of application. In essence, the student has to sell themselves to the university of their choice.

Students are also given help researching universities and encouraged to attend a limited number of Open Days to find out more about university life.

In September, we ask the staff to predict the grades the students studying their subjects are likely to achieve. Students need to be aware of these grades when applying to university. If predicted three Cs there is little point applying for a course which requires three Bs.

The application is completed when an academic reference is added by a member of staff.

Applying to University - 2011

Applications to full-time higher education courses in the UK have to be made through UCAS. The UCAS website contains a wealth of useful information. The applications section opens in mid-June, although applications cannot be made until mid-September

The Waddesdon Process

Monthly deadlines are set for applications to be complete. Although applications are completed on-line, we ask students are asked for a hard copy so that final checks can be completed by staff. Students may incur costs if information is entered incorrectly. Once the application is checked by a member of staff, normally the Head of Sixth Form or a form tutor, the academic reference will be added.

For 2010 applications the following dates apply:

First UCAS Deadline

Applications to Mrs Carr no later than Friday 23rd September to ensure your application is sent to UCAS by Friday 30th September.

Second UCAS Deadline

Applications to Mrs Carr no later than Friday 21st October to ensure your application is sent to UCAS by Friday 28th October.

Third UCAS Deadline

Applications to Mrs Carr no later than Friday 2nd December to ensure your application is sent to UCAS by Friday 9th December.


Final Closing Date: 15th January 2102, although for some Art and Design courses the deadline is 24th March 2012.


You can find more information in the University FAQ.

These links may also be of interest: