As the summer holidays come to an end and the new term starts, many Year 12 (and Year 11) students will be thinking about the university application process. Here are some of my top tips from my experience last year as an applicant for Nutrition/Nutrition & Dietetics.
- Make a choice between Nutrition and/or Nutrition & Dietetics:
There is a difference between these two courses and choosing between them is an important decision to make since they can lead to slightly different career paths. I would recommend researching the difference between the two courses and deciding on which suits you better. Click here to read a post I wrote on the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian to get you started.
- Look at universities which offer the course:
Unfortunately, not many universities offer the dietetics course, however the same cannot be said for nutrition alone. If you made the decision to study Nutrition & Dietetics then it is very important you check that the course has been accredited by the BDA (British Dietetic Association) – as this will allow registering with the HCPC, giving you the title of RD (Registered Dietitian!)
Here is a link which lists all the university courses that are accredited by the BDA.
Likewise, if you are interested in applying for Nutrition it is important that you check the course is accredited by the AfN (Association for Nutrition).
- Entry Requirements:
Once you’ve created a list of universities that interest you, looking at the entry requirements is the next step. Once you’ve returned to school/college you’ll receive your predicted grades that will be sent to universities via UCAS. Most universities are looking for AAB-BBB for Nutrition & Dietetics, although Nutrition courses vary.
It is also important for Nutrition & Dietetics that you study both Biology and Chemistry at A-Level – although again there are variations between universities – if you are currently in Year 11 thinking about A-Level choices it is important to have this in mind.
It’s important you check the website for other requirements such as extra-curricular or work experience, as well as DBS and Health Checks.
- Write your Personal Statement!
This is probably the most daunting aspect of the application process since you are limited to 4000 characters and 21 lines – so be prepared to write many drafts! You should aim to start early and get as many teachers as possible to go through it with you, recommend changes or correct grammar/spelling.
In terms of the content you need to get across WHY you want to study the course and what interests you about it. This is a chance to show extra reading you’ve done around the topic and any potential work experience and volunteering. It is also important you mention the NHS key values (especially if you are applying for Nutrition & Dietetics) as they are the attributes health workers in the NHS must embody.
Although getting work experience in the NHS is very difficult, do not be put off if you cannot find relevant work experience in the field of Dietetics – most universities understand this due to current strains on the NHS and university students carrying out placements at various hospitals. There are many alternatives such as volunteering in a care home or any other care setting – the important thing is that you understand the qualities required to work in the NHS as a dietitian. In addition, many hospitals and/or universities have ‘Dietetics Career Events’ – which universities prefer you attend, especially if you can’t find work experience. Contact your local hospital to see if they run events like these.
- Apply for your 5 choices:
Now you need to shorten your list to 5 universities/courses – it is also important to consider other aspects other than academics such as extra-curricular provisions e.g. sports and societies, accommodation, accessibility etc. For this, attending open days is important so you can get a real feel of the university and if you can see yourself studying there.
- Send your application!
Once you’ve filled out the UCAS application form and your teachers have written your reference and added your predicted grades – it’s time to send your applicaton. After this, it is simply a waiting game – Remember to send your application off BEFORE the 15th of January. Now it’s time to focus on your A-levels and wait for universities to begin sending out offers/interviews.
- Interview time:
If have been successful, you’re course may have an interview process to decide whether to give you an offer or not. Although it may seem like a nerve-wrecking process it is important to relax – you’re more likely reduce the pressure this way.
Different universities have different processes of interviewing applicants – some have a traditional interview, between you and one or two interviewers and others use an MMI system (Multiple-Mini-Interviews) – the website should tell you which they use and more information will be provided closer to the date.
- Wait for a response:
After this, you will be notified whether you have received and offer or not. If you have you should consider if you want this university as your firm or insurance choice.
- Firm/Insurance Decision:
Once you have heard back from all universities – it’s time to decide on your top 2 choices – this decision is final and solely up to you, so reflect on your offers and chose wisely.
- Exams, Summer, Results Day:
After you’ve sat all your exams it’s the summer holidays! Enjoy it and wait for Results day to find out if you’ve been successful.
If not, don’t worry; there are many options – clearing is one of them so keep your eyes peeled for any nutrition or dietetics courses available.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section or in the Contact page.
Thank you for reading and I hope you have a successful application process!
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