This week on Students Express we’re asking you to submit what you would have said in your Ucas application if you were truly being honest.
If you bent the truth or exaggerated a little on your statement – which had to be submitted by January 15 – you’re not alone. University places are competitive and most students are more than happy to take advice on what to include, emphasize and leave out.
You had to squeeze enough enthusiasm, academic success, part-time jobs and extra-curricular activities in to stand out from the crowd; from the netball team you captained, to the time you played Scrabble with Auntie Doris. In the process, perhaps you surprised even yourself with how much passion you apparently have for statistics or business law.
But what if you had to write a completely truthful statement? What are the real reasons you’re applying to university? Do you really want to study a course because it’s your passion – or do you simply not know what else to do? What are your true selling points? And what kind of student would you really be?
Let us know. You can remain anonymous, and submit your response in no more than 50 words. Here’s what students have already said:
@gdnstudents i swear i read ts eliot for pleasure & not just because its the most pointlessly complex text i could find that wasn't ulysses
— jo barrow (@JoBarrow) January 12, 2016
@gdnstudents Geeky, overly keen, and desperate to impress. I'll probably make it to most of my 9am lectures.
— Caitlin (@_CaitlinDoherty) January 12, 2016
@gdnstudents You'll get £9k a year and numbers aren't capped. You'd may as well let me in. #moneyforoldrope
— Andrew_1910 (@andrew_1910) January 12, 2016
How to submit your work
Submit your work through GuardianWitness – it’s really straightforward. You can share your work by clicking on the blue “Contribute” button on this article. You can also use the GuardianWitness smartphone app or the Guardian app and search for “GuardianWitness assignments”. If you’re on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram you can share your art using #guardianstudents.
Alongside your entry, let us know your name, educational instituion and what you are currently studying.
- GuardianWitness is the home of readers’ content on the Guardian. Contribute your video, pictures and stories, and browse news, reviews and creations submitted by others.
Keep up with the latest on Guardian Students: follow us on Twitter at @GdnStudents – and become a member to receive exclusive benefits and our weekly newsletter.
