How to Apply to University: Year 12 Students’ Ultimate Guide for 2025

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Why Start in Year 12?

If you’re in Year 12, university might still feel far off. But this stage is actually a crucial window—one where small, thoughtful steps can have a big impact later.

Starting early gives you time to explore your subject, boost your application, and avoid last-minute panic. It also means you can make smarter decisions now, like which A-levels to continue, based on what your chosen degree requires.

Here’s why it pays to begin in Year 12:

• University open days and UCAS fairs start early, and places book up fast

• Work experience and summer schools often need planning months in advance

• Subjects like Medicine, Law, and Vet Med expect early, structured preparation

• Personal statements are far easier to write when you’ve already done things worth writing about

The earlier you engage, the more confident you’ll feel—and the more genuine your application will be.

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5 Tips For applying to University for 2025

Here are 5 tips from our University expert, Sarah.

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Start with Research

You might already know what subject you want to study, or at least have a strong idea. But now is the time to dig deeper. What courses are out there? Which universities offer them? What grades do they expect?

If you're focused on a particular subject or institution, you’ll need to make sure you’re on track with the right A-levels, especially if you’re still deciding which one to drop for Year 13. Requirements can vary significantly by course, so this step is crucial.

On the other hand, if you're still undecided, now’s the perfect time to explore. Get curious. Visit university websites, review course modules, and attend a few open days. You might stumble upon a subject you hadn’t even considered before!

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Get Some Work Experience

This one’s especially important for courses like Medicine, Law, Veterinary Science, and Dentistry, where experience is expected.

That said, even if your course doesn’t demand it, a bit of hands-on experience can go a long way. Volunteering at a heritage site could boost an Archaeology application. Spending time in a lab might help you decide whether Biology is really for you. And let’s not forget: experience gives you stories and insights to draw on in your personal statement.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider your ultimate goal. If you’ve got a dream job in mind, see if companies in that field offer student events or resources. Places like EY (Ernst & Young) are skilled in this area.

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Consider a Summer School

Summer schools offer a taster of university life, and they’re more accessible than you might think. Many are free or come with bursaries, and they’re a great way to dive into a subject in more depth.

You’ll get a feel for lectures, meet like-minded students, and often have the chance to ask current undergraduates what the course is really like. It’s an especially useful route if finding work experience is proving tricky, particularly for more academic or STEM subjects.

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Go to Events and Get Inspired

When it comes to personal statements, real-world experiences can make all the difference. Think of events as fuel for your application: something to reflect on, argue with, or be inspired by.

You don’t need to go overboard here. A single public lecture, an exhibition, or a university taster day can give you plenty to write about, as long as you’re thoughtful about what you took from it.

Try not to go for quantity over quality. One meaningful visit is better than a dozen box-ticking exercises!

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Read Widely

This one’s essential for humanities students, and pretty important for everyone else too. Universities want to see curiosity. They want to know you’ve thought about your subject beyond the classroom.

You don’t need to read the entire Western canon. Just start with a few texts that genuinely interest you, and think critically about them. If you’re aiming for Oxbridge, this kind of independent reading and reflection is vital.

If you enjoy writing, keep a journal. Or better yet, contribute to your school magazine. No magazine? Start one. It shows initiative, and it gives you a platform to hone your voice.

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Final Thoughts

Applying to university isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about showing you’ve thought seriously about what you want to study and why. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to explore different options and shape your application into something that feels personal and strong.

To recap briefly:

• Start researching early
• Gain relevant experience (even if it's informal)
• Explore your subject in depth through reading and events

If you want help turning any of these ideas into action, or just want a bit of expert advice, feel free to reach out to the team at Ivy Education. Our consultants and tutors have guided students through every stage of the university process and would be happy to do the same for you.

Contact us to start your journey!

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