Avoiding common mistakes in UK applications: lessons from past students

Applying to UK programs can be tough, especially when you are not entirely sure what the cultural expectations are. We have written a series of articles on this page about other aspects of UK application expectations which are also worth reading. Here, we cover some common mistakes which international students make when applying for UK programs.

1)  Over Reliance on Grades

Good grades and strong university credentials are indeed very important when it comes to getting admitted to masters and PhD programs. However, for all postgraduate programs in the UK at top universities, it is important to also show a range of abilities: clear interest in program, a set of research interests or questions you want to answer (those can change on the program of course), and a compelling academic story about your journey and what you want to get out of the program.

2)  Purpose of UK References

It is easy to underestimate just how important references are to an application. While they will not be a total gamechanger for your application, they could end up being a strong deciding factor – especially if there are some weaknesses in your application. It is important to remember that a reference from someone who clearly knows you well and can give detailed feedback is better than a prestigious professor who can barely remember you. A reference should also be 1 page, only include good comments, and show how you performed well in specific assignments or courses.

3)  Prepare Carefully for Interviews

Especially important at PhD level but also sometimes at masters level, carefully preparing for interviews is crucial. You need to balance preparing what you want to say while staying natural and adaptable to the specific question being asked. Interviews are a vital aspect of the application, allowing admissions to see if you have genuine motivation for the program you’re applying for and also if they can work with you as a person.