As an individual, or through a school?

[white_coat]

Last year I applied for Medicine via UCAS, and did it through my school. My school had a small 6th form, and we, that is whichever student's application it was, pretty much controlled the whole process of filling out and sneding our UCAS forms. This was partly because the teachers in charge of the system weren't entirely sure how it worked, and there were some problems with the system- in the end I had to go on to my teachers file and send of my UCAS form etc etc. I didnt get any offers in the end, 1 rejection after interview and 3 w/o interview. (Just to note, I dont blame this on the school lol, it was my doing. Although some friends in a local college got assistance with mock interviews etc whereas my school is small so we got none of that, but really thats irrelevant)
When I went in for results day, I said to a teacher I might apply as an individual, but she said about referees etc and how would it work if I didnt apply through the school.


I would prefer to apply as an individual this year (that is possible, isn't it?). I wanted to know if anyone had done this for their 2nd year of applying, and how it differs? My referees (teachers) would be happy to give me a reference again I'm sure, so there wouldnt be a problem there- Id just type them up, surely? Im a bit confused.

Also writing my personal statement for the 2nd time- it means so much this time its haaard

Anyway, advice would be appreciated, thanks!

[K41]

Hey. I'm applying this year as an individual (2nd time applying, 1st time was in school, I'm now in 3rd yr of my degree) Not much seems different to me. If you apply through school, your referee can log in to UCAS and add their reference and they send it off for you.

As an individual, you can access the reference page, all you need to do is get your referee to type your reference as a Word document and email it to you or whatever. You can then just paste it in yourself. There is also a space for predicted grades, if applicable. You have to give all your referees details too, name, address etc. This is probably how UCAS verify that your reference is real and was actually written by the referee I guess. When its all complete, you send it off yourself, when you want!

HTH

[white_coat]

Ah ok, thanks! That sounds ok to me! It just makes sense to me, I've done my A levels, now on a gap year- so will be at home and not at school, so didnt see the piint really...I can sort out my referees etc easier myself I thought. As long as it doesnt disadvantage you...wouldn't have a clue why it would, but does everyone agree if I do it as an individual, its not stupid if I have the chance to apply through the school?

[white_coat]

Ah ok, thanks! That sounds ok to me! It just makes sense to me, I've done my A levels, now on a gap year- so will be at home and not at school, so didnt see the point really...I can sort out my referees etc easier myself I thought It will be the same teachers, I'll just be in control. As long as it doesnt disadvantage you...wouldn't have a clue why it would? But does everyone agree if I do it as an individual, its not stupid if I have the chance to apply through the school?

[K41]

I really don't think it matters whether it goes through the school or through you! Whatevers best for you, like you said, it'll be easier for you, and you're in control. You also don't have to chase up your teachers bugging them to send it off for you!

[white_coat]

Exactly! Thats my reasons...well I think I'll do that then. Just dont want the school to think its because Im unhappy about last year lol, but I'm sure it will be ok. Thanks for ur help.