This is where you can tell your selected universities and colleges why you have chosen their particular course and why they should want you as a student. In particular you could tell them why you want to study in the UK. In your essay, you should address such topics as:

1.What course you're applying for

2.Why you want to study that course

3.Why are you qualified for and prepared to study such a course (you should cite academic qualifications and any other relevant extracurricular experience you have)

4.Why you want to study in the UK and not the US

5.Other relevant extracurricular activities/leadership experience you have that shows responsibility and character

6.How your UK course of study would fit into your future plans

•Do create a list of your ideas before attempting to write the real thing.

•Do expect to produce several drafts before being totally happy.

•Do ask people you trust for their feedback.

•Do check university and college prospectuses, websites and Entry Profiles, as they usually tell you the criteria and qualities that they want their students to demonstrate.  

•Do use your best English/Welsh and don't let spelling and grammatical errors spoil your statement.

•Do be enthusiastic - if you show your interest in the course, it may help you get a place.

•Don't feel that you need to use elaborate language. If you try too hard to impress with long words that you are not confident using, the focus of your writing may be lost.

•Don't say too much about things that are not relevant - if you think that you are starting to, take a break and come back to your statement when you feel more focused.

•Don't lie - if you exaggerate you may get caught out at the interview when asked to elaborate on an interesting achievement.

•Don't rely on a spellchecker as it will not pick up everything - proof read as many times as possible.

•Don't leave it to the last minute - your statement will seem rushed and important information could be left out.

•Don't expect to be able to write your personal statement while watching TV or surfing the internet - this is your future, so make the most of the opportunity to succeed.

For most courses, the official closing date for UK and European applicants is January 15, 2011. International students may apply up until 30 June, but many programs will be full by then. We advise US applicants to submit their applications as close to 15 January as possible in order to ensure that their chosen program will have places available.

For all applications to Oxford, Cambridge, medicine (course codes A100, A101, A103, A104 or A106), dentistry (course codes A200, A203, A204, A205 or A206), veterinary medicine or veterinary science (course codes D100 or D101), the closing date is October 15, 2010. For Art and Design Route B courses, applications must be in between 1 January and 24 March. In all cases, the earlier you apply the better.

References are usually written by someone who knows you academically, such as a teacher or tutor. An academic reference is not obligatory, but if you are currently a student or recently left school or college, a reference from your school or college will be expected.

For more information, please see the UCAS guide to completing the reference.

If you are starting a course in year 1, leave the box blank. However, if you have agreed with the institution to start your studies in the second year for example, put 2 in the box.

Universities and colleges can accept and consider overseas applications until the end of June, although popular courses may not have vacancies at that time. Before applying, you should check direct with your chosen institution(s). You should also consider any other arrangements you may have to make before commencing your studies, such as travel and immigration requirements.

If you submit your UCAS application after June, it will automatically be processed through the Clearing Round. The Clearing vacancy service is a process whereby students with no offers can apply to UK university courses that still have vacancies. This service operates between August and September. Information and listings of universities with vacancies can be found on the UCAS website.

The UCAS application is used by students worldwide, therefore some sections may not necessarily be relevant to the US education system. Any section that is not relevant to you, leave blank.

The "Education" section of the online UCAS application is for information on where and what you have studied. Include details of your high school and any higher education institutions you have attended, qualifications that you have completed, and qualifications you hope to have completed by the time you commence your studies. Make sure to include any SAT, SAT II, ACT, AP and/or IB scores or courses that you have studied and provide the following information for each qualification you list:

•The date the qualification was completed or will be completed

•The exact title of the qualification

•The awarding body, e.g. The State Department of Education or College Board

•The language used for teaching the qualification

UCAS has already included several US qualifications from which you can choose

As of October 5, 2010, UCAS changed the method of submitting a reference as an individual. Applicants will now provide contact details for their referee. The referee will receive an e-mail aksing them to complete and submit a reference through the online application system.

For more information, please see the UCAS note for fall 2011 applicants.

A buzzword is a password provided to registered UCAS centres, usually schools and colleges, by UCAS. Students who attend these schools are given the buzzword and they can then use the online application and their respective schools can monitor and supervise their UCAS application.

Only a few international schools in the US are registered for a buzzword. Also, the British Council USA does not give out buzzwords. Without a buzzword, international students must register "as an individual" rather than "through a school or college." Registering as an individual does not affect your application.

When registering for the online UCAS form, you should choose "student login" and then register "as an individual", since you do not need a buzzword to apply as an individual.