Rob Evans, head of admissions at the University of Sussex, looks after up to 18,000 undergraduate applications and a similar number of postgraduate applications. Here he explains what he looks for when assessing Ucas applications.
Q. What is your background?
A. I came to the University of Sussex 20 years ago as an undergraduate and have never left, so it's fitting that I can now give others the opportunity to come here too. Sussex offers diversity and choice – both in terms of the number of degree choices and the blend of high quality research and teaching.
Q. At what stage in the Ucas application should prospective students be in August? What advice would you give them?
A. The summer holidays are really the time when students should think about finalising their five university choices for entry the following September.
August and September are good times to arrange final visits to the places you're thinking of applying – most universities will hold open days in the autumn, which will be your last opportunity to ask questions face-to-face. The next open days at the University of Sussex are Friday 5 September and Saturday 4 October.
Q. What are your top three pieces of advice for students starting to think about the application process?
• Choose a subject that you're truly interested in, not one that someone else thinks you should study. In your Ucas application you'll need to demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the subject. Attitude and interest are just as important as your ability.
• Is the university campus and location somewhere you genuinely want to be? Of course you'll have a preference for some of your five choices more than others on that list, but make sure that you're genuinely enthusiastic about all of the names you've put down.
• Take time over your application. First impressions really do count when it comes to admissions, so make sure you've completed every section of the Ucas application fully and accurately.
Q. What makes an application successful? What are the main mistakes prospective students should avoid?
A. Beyond making sure that applicants meet any requirements for the subject they're applying for, I always look for interest and enthusiasm in the course. Remember that the application process isn't there to trip you up – we're actually looking for reasons to offer students a place.
There are a few basic mistakes I see every year that are easy to avoid:
• Double-check what the specific academic requirements at GCSE and A-level – or the equivalent international qualifications – are for your course.
• In your application, make sure you talk about the subject you're applying for! Your interest in the subject should form the major part of your personal statement. Use all the space available, too.
• Investigate how the course is taught at the universities you've chosen. Universities will each set their own curriculum based on the research and teaching interests of their faculty. We will be looking for evidence that an applicant is suited to the degree as we teach it.
• And of course, poor grammar, spelling and structure in your personal statement will be counted against you.
Q. What are the main differences in the application process for international students?
A. International students go through exactly the same process as students from the UK, but they're often applying independently without the support of a school or college.
As a result we're very happy to help guide them through the process – for example, to clarify qualifications requirements.
The Ucas deadline for international students also falls slightly later, in June rather than January.
Q. How can admissions departments like yours help students through the Ucas process?
A. We're always happy to answer any questions so don't be afraid to get in touch. You can find contact details for my team by visiting our webpage.
The next open day at the University of Sussex is on 5 September. Find out more and register.
