Completing application forms is painful at the best of times, but when the form is one that decides your future, it's best to put the apathy aside for a minute and get down to filling it in correctly.

As with any applications, such as for a new passport or a student loan (just wait…), it's easy when you follow the instructions. This guide is not meant to be all encompassing, but more an addition to the booklet supplied by UCAS.

FIRSTLY

• Take photocopies of the form (or print out copies from the UCAS website (http://www.ucas.com)). You want to make several draft copies before you fill out the real thing.
• Use a BLACK pen. UCAS will reduce the form by 50% before passing it to the institutions you applied to, so don't write to small. Biros fade when photocopied, so use a high-quality felt-tip or fountain pen. Alternatively, type it using the electronic form.
• Before answering each question, consult the booklet to check that you're giving the correct information.

USEFUL POINTS (AND COMMON MISTAKES)

• Your main contact number means you home telephone (landline).
• Your date of birth and age on 30 September 2003. Don't make the mistake of giving your age in 2002, or giving your date of birth as today's date (it may sound stupid, but it is done!).
• Student Support Arrangements. Your fee code s important - 01 means that you will receive the bill for full fees. If you are a UK resident, it is more likely that you will fall into the 02 or 05 category (but check the booklet).
• Area of permanent residence. This is your county, district or London borough - not the town you live in.
• Application choices. Put this is UCAS directory order (not order of preference). The electronic form will do this automatically.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

• Take your time about it. This is the only part of the form that will make you stand out as an individual. Organise your main achievements and interests into bullet points before you start writing.
• Summarise why you have chosen the course(s) you are applying for, and link between your present and proposed course(s). If the course is in a completely new area, give evidence of to show that you've researched it.
• Keep the statement brief and to the point. Why bother to include common interests such as socialising and reading. Who doesn't do these things?? You want to make your statement personal. Think about things that you have done which are unique or which will relate to the course that you are applying for.
• Make sure that you include any work experience that you have had (this includes part-time and holiday work). Institutions are looking for evidence of commitment and team-working skills, so give details of this.

LASTLY

Ensure that you haven't left anything blank and that you've signed and dated the form, and included your payment.

Best of Luck!

Alistair (Director - opendays.com)