Passion 'key to university entry'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

A poll of university admissions officers reveals that with competition for places tighter than ever, many are looking for the extra qualities that make an applicant stand out.

It found that more than nine in ten (93%) are looking for evidence of a passion for a chosen subject, in addition to academic qualifications, while the same proportion want candidates with good written English.

Some 88% say they are looking for evidence of a positive attitude towards study, the poll, conducted by ACS International Schools, found.

At the same time, more than half (53%) of those questioned said they are increasing the academic standards required for entry.

The findings reflect the tough conditions students are facing when applying to higher education. Six in ten admissions officers are looking for students with work experience, the survey found, but just half (53%) said they value a gap year.

University applicants are asked to write a personal statement, and get a reference from a teacher.

The poll found that half (48%) of admissions officers treat these both the same, but 23% favour the personal statement and 13% favour the reference.

A love of learning and the ability to work independently were cited as the most important qualities which will help a student to thrive at university (chosen by 43% and 40% respectively).

The survey concludes: "University admissions officers are seeking rounded candidates who can demonstrate a passion for their chosen subject and their ability to pursue their study in an independent and self-motivated manner."