Beyond Rankings: How Graduates from Chinese Provincial Unis Can Stand Out

Perhaps you are studying at a respectable but internationally unknown university in China as you read this, imagining that you would have a very small chance of getting to study in the UK. The good news is that which Chinese university you graduate from does not reduce your chances of studying abroad if you are thoughtful about how you approach the application process and transition.

1)  Explain your course

One of the key things to do is to clearly demonstrate to a UK admissions panel your potential. For instance, if you are a Psychology major, you will want to make it clear that you have a passion for the subject: what courses did you particularly enjoy, what would you like to specialise in, what extracurricular/work experience did you do is related to your subject? By answering these questions, you are enabling an admissions committee to really focus on you as a candidate, which matters to them far more than what undergraduate university you studied at.

2)  Convert your grades 

A common mistake which international applicants make is not adequately translating your university grades into the British system. If you got 90% in specific modules (especially if those are linked to what you would like to specialise in at postgraduate level), make sure to mention that that translates into a first-class grade in the UK system. There are many converters you can find online and you can also consult with an admissions specialist who can check the grade conversion for you.

3)  Make sure you find a British proofreader 

British academic culture is unique and it can be easy to accidentally write in a way which does not align with the style and goals of the UK system. For example, an international student might be too enthusiastic in their tone (which can come across as exaggerating or insincere), or too respectful in such a way that – in a British context – that gets in the way of clarity. So by finding a British proofreader, you will be able to ensure that your personal statement demonstrates your full potential to a British reader.