It’s Never Too Early to Start Thinking About University

University applications aren't built overnight. The strongest candidates spend time exploring courses, visiting campuses, developing interests beyond the classroom and understanding what universities are really looking for. Here's how to start preparing with confidence.

When this year’s Year 13 students are celebrating A Level results and preparing to start life at university, the next generation of sixth formers are just starting their own journey towards higher education.

For many families, university can feel a long way off, particularly when A Levels or IB are still on the horizon. Yet aspirations are often shaped far earlier than many people realise. According to a UCAS survey, more than one in ten international students begin considering studying abroad before their 11th birthday.

So, what should students and families be thinking about early on?

Choosing What to Study

One of the biggest decisions students face is deciding what degree subject to study. This involves much more than simply choosing a favourite school subject.

Degree courses can vary enormously from one university to another, even when they share the same title. It is important to look carefully at course content and structure to make sure the programme genuinely reflects a student’s interests, strengths and future ambitions.

Many students are now also exploring joint honours degrees, which combine two areas of academic interest and can open up a broader range of future opportunities.

It is also worth considering whether a course offers:

a year abroad
a placement year in industry
research opportunities
professional accreditation
internship pathways

These experiences can be hugely valuable, both personally and professionally, and can strengthen employability after graduation.

Fancy a listen?

University open days are just one part of the admissions journey. In this episode, our higher education consultants explore the evolving role of university entrance tests, including the SAT and other standardised assessments. Learn how these tests fit into the admissions process, effective preparation strategies and what families should know when planning for university applications.

Academic results remain crucial, but in the age of AI, when polished applications are easier to produce, universities are placing greater emphasis on authentic evidence of a student’s suitability for their chosen course

Ed Ballard

Director, Higher Education

Strong grades remain essential, but increasingly universities are looking for students who can demonstrate genuine curiosity, engagement and initiative beyond the classroom.

Deciding Where to Study

Choosing where to study is just as important as deciding what to study.

For some students, a large university in a busy city with a vibrant social scene feels exciting and motivating. Others may thrive in a smaller, more close-knit environment with a stronger sense of community.

Some students love the convenience of campus life, the classic “roll out of bed and into a lecture” experience while others prefer more independence and space away from university accommodation.

Universities differ enormously in size, teaching style, facilities, culture and location. Some students are drawn to historic institutions steeped in tradition, while others prefer modern campuses with cutting-edge facilities.

A university degree represents three or four highly formative years, both academically and personally, so finding the right fit matters enormously.

Building a Strong University Profile

Building a compelling personal profile helps students stand out in competitive university applications and creates stronger material for UCAS personal statements and US application essays, as well as material for interviews.

Useful experiences might include:

summer schools
academic competitions
volunteering
leadership opportunities
sports, music or creative activities
relevant extracurricular projects
internships or work experience

These opportunities not only strengthen applications but also help students develop confidence, independence and transferable skills that will prove invaluable at university and beyond.

Work experience and volunteering can be especially helpful in testing whether a potential career path genuinely feels like the right fit.

Understanding University Entry Requirements

Students should also research university entry requirements early, particularly for competitive degree courses.

Some programmes require additional admissions tests alongside A Levels or IB qualifications. For example:

Medicine often requires the UCAT
Some Law courses require the LNAT
Certain universities may request portfolios, written work or interviews

Importantly, students only have one opportunity to sit many of these tests during each application cycle. Early preparation and regular practice can make a significant difference.

Why University Open Days Matter

One of the biggest advantages of starting university preparation early is having time to visit universities properly.

University open days give students the opportunity to:

Experience the atmosphere on campus
Attend subject talks
Explore accommodation
Speak to current students
Understand day-to-day university life

These visits can often clarify feelings that brochures and rankings simply cannot.

For international families or students unable to travel, most universities now offer excellent virtual tours, webinars and online information sessions that can still provide valuable insight.

Preparing for Year 13 and the University Application Process

By the time students reach Year 13, the university application process becomes much more manageable if the groundwork has already been done.

If students have:

A clear idea of what to study
A shortlist of universities
An understanding of entry requirements
Preparation for any admissions tests
Relevant extracurricular experiences

This puts students in a far stronger position to complete competitive UCAS and other applications confidently and calmly.

At that stage, the focus can shift back to the most important task of all achieving the best possible examination results.

Seeking Guidance Along the Way

The university admissions process can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly for international families navigating different systems and expectations.

Speaking to an experienced mentor or university adviser can help students clarify their goals, understand their options and make informed decisions about the pathways best suited to them.

The dedicated university team at Bonas Macfarlane supports prospective undergraduates throughout the university application journey, helping students identify the right opportunities and present the strongest possible applications.

The Scholato View

The strongest university applications are built over time, not in the final few months before deadlines. The most successful students are those who combine strong academic achievement with genuine curiosity, meaningful experiences and a clear understanding of what they want from their university education.

Preparing early is not about making life more intense; it is about creating time to explore, reflect and make informed decisions. Visiting universities, researching courses, developing interests beyond the classroom and understanding entry requirements all help students make choices with confidence rather than under pressure.

University is one of the biggest investments a family will make, both financially and emotionally. Taking the time to find the right course at the right university for the right reasons will almost always lead to a happier, more successful undergraduate experience and a stronger foundation for whatever comes next.