subject: University Place Cuts - How to make the most of your application [print this page] As we all know by now, extra university places are being cut in the coalition government's drive to reduce public spending. Cuts of 200m to the university budget will mean that there will be around 10,000 fewer extra places' from the 2009 number of intake than had been expected.
The university spending cuts were announced by the Chancellor George Osborne and his Chief Secretary David Laws."We need to tackle the deficit so that our debt repayments don't spiral out of control," said Mr Osborne.
The cuts in university budget come at a time of unprecedented demand for places - up 16.5% on last year due to the increase in strong A-level results, and a vast number of deferred places from 2009, Making 2010 a tricky time to reduce university places. Even with a possible 100,000 more people looking for university places this autumn than last year.
It will mean only an extra 8,000 full-time undergraduate places and 2,000 part time places this autumn.
The predicted great university rush of 2011 does, however, mean that you need to work hard to maximise your chances. This year, more than ever, you need to do lots of research, make sure your course choices are realistic, and portray yourself in the best possible light.
Students should look at the best ways to increase their chances of getting into university. You might want to join the thousands of students who opt for a pre-university gap year. If so, get organised! This will benefit your application if you can prove you are doing something with your gap year that is worthwhile, building upon your skills and character; many opt for instructor courses or volunteer work, which prove to universities that you are doing something worthwhile.
Last year, an estimated 130,000 students missed out on degree places and caused soaring demand in gap-year schemes, so it's crucial to decide early what you want to do. Consider whether you want to make a deferred UCAS application, sending in your form before the 15 January 2011 deadline for entry in 2012, or just apply the following year. If you do apply deferred, remember that universities will want to know what you're doing during your gap year, so write about it in your personal statement, and try to show what you will gain from the year out.
University Place Cuts - How to make the most of your application
