Beyond Grades: Showcasing Your Full Potential in University Applications

As holistic admissions gain traction, many universities are shifting their focus away from relying solely on qualifications and admissions test results to assess candidates. Instead, more are opting instead to gain a deeper understanding of applicants as individuals.

If you are considering applying to university yourself, it is therefore crucial to paint a complete picture of who you are, highlighting your talents, relevant experiences, and unique qualities.

In this article, we will explore three ways to showcase your full potential in university applications.

1. Promote your interpersonal skills

During a university interview, you have the chance to go beyond the confines of your written application and present yourself as an exceptional candidate. This face-to-face interaction allows admissions staff to understand your interpersonal skills, communication abilities, and overall fit for the vibrant world of university life.

Possessing strong people skills is paramount, because you’ll be regularly interacting with other students, professors, and research fellows. When you’re in an interview, you can show off these qualities, such as being a good listener, understanding others, working well in teams, and being able to communicate effectively.

If you find yourself unsure of how you are perceived by others, or if you need guidance on improving your interpersonal skills for interviews, there are valuable resources available to support you. UniAdmissions, for instance, offers an interview prep programme tailored to your specific subject and “designed to give you the highest chance of an offer at the interview stage.”

2. Highlight supercurricular activities

You’re probably well acquainted with ‘extracurricular’ activities, like playing a musical instrument, learning a language, or being part of an after-school club. While these pursuits are excellent for demonstrating a well-rounded set of skills beyond academics, ‘supercurricular’ activities centre on broadening your expertise within your chosen field of study. These hold great value when it comes to crafting a killer application.

As a prospective uni student, there is a wide variety of supercurricular activities that you can explore to bolster your application. These can be customised to align with your specific field of interest. For instance, if you are interested in law, joining debate clubs and participating in mock trials can be valuable experiences. Similarly, for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects, attending coding camps or science fairs can enrich your application.

The personal statement is the perfect outlet to discuss your supercurricular accomplishments. However, it’s crucial to employ the “show, not tell” technique. Back up your claims with concrete evidence, such as specific skills developed or tangible outcomes achieved, and illustrate their impact through compelling anecdotes.

3. Ask thoughtful interview questions

The admissions team wants to see that you have a genuine passion for the subject which extends beyond the classroom. So, how can you demonstrate this enthusiasm? One good way to do so is to prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your curiosity about the department, faculty, or specific courses.

“The questions you decide to ask ultimately help the interviewer to form an opinion of you,” Indeed writes. “Interviewers are looking for students who are keen to learn, and showing that you are ready to learn more at such an early stage may help increase your chances of being offered a placement.”

Customising general questions to your specific subject can be highly advantageous. For instance, during a chemistry interview, you might consider asking about the laboratory facilities and resources for science students. By tailoring your questions to the field, you demonstrate an interest in the subject matter and a desire to explore the learning opportunities it offers.