Now that deadline day is just around the corner, we have some advice pertaining to university selections. This edition will answer the question – Does ranking matter?
This question has no short answer. For a more comprehensive understanding, we will look at this in two different ways – the first one is ‘factors that affect you as an applicant’ and the second is ‘factors that you must consider as a university student.’
When it comes to UCAS, your final university options are limited to 4, so make sure that you apply strategically to maximize your prospects of getting in. Don’t forget to look at the entry requirements of the universities you have in mind; this includes everything from the required age at the start of the academic year to the required grades and standardized test scores. Do your research and identify what the university expects from the applicants and objectively analyze whether you have those qualities or credentials. We also advise you to look into the number of seats for international students that are available and the competition ratio for them. For instance, there are approximately 17 international students who compete for each place at the University of Cambridge (School of Clinical Medicine) whereas it is about 19 for the same place at Cardiff University School of Medicine. All of these factors give you an insight into your chances of getting in and you can make your choice accordingly.
Apart from that, there are also equally important factors that affect your life as a student at that university that you must take into consideration. The first one is the type of teaching the school provides and whether it suits your method of learning. For instance, whether the school employs a CBL or a PBL approach can make a difference to a student who learns best in a PBL environment. Look into the learning opportunities and decide what works best for you as a student, considering that it will facilitate your growth. Another factor that you should consider is the location; evaluate its pros and cons and think about whether you would prefer an urban, city-like environment, or a more practical and accessible location.
All in all, what matters is whether the university you plan on going to is the right choice for YOU. Rankings do matter because it gives you a brief sense of direction but always take it with a pinch of salt as it does not consider many other factors that are important too. The best way to make the correct choices is for you is to do your research. You can try speaking to students, emailing the universities when you need some clarification, attending their virtual open days, etc. This list is not exhaustive but it is important to consider because over the next 5 to 7 years, it will be the place you call home and it should feel like it too.
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