The Better Uni Choices Podcast

This week we take a dive into why you are planning to go to university. What are the good reasons, the bad reasons, and what might just be the best reason of all! We also check out a fantastic resource from The Russell Group. And we learn about what all the top achievers have in common. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.bet...

This week we look at how to get the best possible feedback on your UCAS Personal Statement. We look at how universities might make very different admissions offers from those stated on their website. And we get some inspiration from the incredible Malala Yousafzai. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.com

This week we look at the increasing problem of students not completing their degrees, and how you can avoid becoming one of them, with some self-care awareness, some financial planning, and some basic good decision-making. We also look at some important UCAS application basics, and hear about the importance of being uncomfortable. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, an...

This week we talk about The Russell Group. It may be every Head Teacher’s dream to have as many of their students as possible go to Russell Group universities, but are they really the ‘top’ universities in the UK? What is the substance behind the reputation? We also have a quick look at Zero Gravity, a start-up powering students from ordinary backgrounds into top universities. And we finish with a...

This week we take a full, in-depth look at university interviews. Quite simply, the more you know, the better prepared you can be! We look at why it’s almost always a good idea to apply early. And we hear about a special ability you can get from education. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.com

This week our main story steps away directly from the university application process. For better or for worse, most people view university as a route to a better job. And jobs need skills. So what could be more important than understanding exactly what skills employers are looking for so you can make sure you develop them at university? We then look at a small hack in the UCAS application form tha...

This week we have a look at preparing a portfolio for Art and Design - and all those other related creative courses. We check the UCAS deadlines, and discuss whether you need to meet them. And we finish with a thought from Mark Twain all about reading. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.com

This week we take a closer look at how universities make admissions decisions, and find out “Just who are Admissions tutors anyway?”. We discuss whether there are any benefits from leaving some UCAS choices blank until later in the year. And we find out exactly what you learn from falling over. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at:...

This week, we ask the question: How ambitious should you be with your UCAS choices? How do you turn all of that research you’ve done into a sensible list of five courses for your UCAS form? We look at how Data Protection affects your right to see your UCAS reference. And we hear some smart advice from a successful entrepreneur on getting what you want from life. You can also read loads of my artic...

This week, we talk university Open Days. I use my 20 years of experience organising open days to help you see beyond the obvious, to make sure you see, do and ask all about the really important stuff! We also discover a simple truth about universities and email, and we hear from one of the finest politicians ever to walk the planet. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials,...

This week we look at two different options for those of you who don’t have access to expert advice and support in your school: we look at choosing an Independent Education Counsellor and we look at applying through a student recruitment agent. And we learn the importance of making mistakes… quickly! You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newslette...

This week we look at how to get the very best from working with your school or college’s university counsellor. We have a quick look at the UCAS tariff. And finally, we discover a true superpower!

This week I give you the run down on my top 10 learnings from attending a University of Cambridge Open Day earlier in the summer. In addition, we look at the importance of knowing your predicted grades, and we learn the essentials of doing great work! You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.com

This week I give you the run down on my top 10 learnings from attending a University of Oxford Open Day earlier in the summer. We learn that grades are not everything. Not by a long shot. We also find out what one of the main barriers to learning is. And it’s not what you might expect. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.bett...

This week we hear from Warren Buffett, who has a piece of advice that sounds like it would be impossible to follow. Except it isn’t, and I’m living proof.  We learn what to do if you are applying to university and have special needs.  And we hear about the difference that just one hour a day can make. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my week...

This week we attempt to embrace the chaos of trying to make your choice of university. We examine why having a fall-back option is crucial. And we learn about the two types of people in the world. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.com

In this episode we explore a little bit of Japanese philosophy together with a brilliant way of working out if your planned career could give you the sense of purpose you are looking for. For those of you who haven’t found that perfect career yet, we find out about a super-simple (and uncannily accurate) careers quiz. And we learn what’s more important than university. You can also read loads of m...

This week we ask question whether league tables and student reviews can really tell you what is the best university for you. We discover an amazing resource for those of you who are into sport. And we hear some very simple inspiration from a young entrepreneur who just interviewed the Prime Minister. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newslett...

This week we discover a simple, but brilliant idea from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, which might just help you get started on your UCAS Personal Statement. We learn when to apply for a deferred entry if we are thinking about taking a gap year. And we find out how to rise above the ordinary. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newslette...

In this episode we look at how you can make best use of ChatGPT if you are using it to help with your UCAS Personal Statement. We hear about about The University Guys, who can help you discover everything you need to know about study overseas. And we learn the single most important lesson in communication from Simon Sinek, all round marketing guru. You can also read loads of my articles, download...

This week we have a look at super-curricular activities; what they are, and why they are so helpful and important. We also learn about Clearing, and how to find the confidence sweet spot. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.com

In this podcast we take careers advice from Dave Grohl, discuss your five UCAS choices, and hear some wisdom about how to love life. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.com

In this episode we complete the Top 20 Personal Statement top tips countdown, we discover a super-easy way to get all of your questions answered by real, live, current students, and we finish with some sage advice from a man who made chocolate. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.com

In this week’s podcast we look at Virtual Open Days and compare them to in-person events. I’ll give a little nod to my friends at unitasterdays.com for their excellent site. And we’ll finish with a wonderful thought from 19th Century Russian Philosopher and Writer Friedrich Nietzsche. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.bette...

In this, the very first podcast from betterunichoices, we cover the first ten of our Top 20 Personal Statement tips, signpost a fantastic resource for finding out about what it’s like to study different subjects at university, and provide a little bit of inspiration from Wendy Alexander, former Scottish Labour Leader. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to...