University Destinations

The Academic and Universities Director oversees university preparation, from initial ideas about course choice through to application submission. A dedicated Oxbridge Coordinator oversees boys applying to Oxbridge. Heads of Subject also offer specialist subject support, seminars, tutorials, personal statement advice and mock interviews. Similarly, the Master-in-Charge of American University applications oversees all those applying to US institutions, guiding them through this particularly complex process, including the ACT and SAT admissions tests, and arranging visits from US Admissions Tutors. Applicants to US universities are also supported by a dedicated Guidance Counsellor. The School’s Careers Adviser and Head of Careers ensure that boys’ university choices dovetail with their careers planning.

Wherever a Harrovian decides to apply, detailed and bespoke advice and resources are available to ensure that he makes the right decisions and maximises his chances of taking up the place of his choice.

Boys are encouraged to begin thinking about university in the Fifth Form, when the Sixth Form subject information evening and Careers Fair both offer a wealth of information about appropriate subject choices and combinations for a wide range of possible courses and careers.

Preparation and research begins in earnest in the Autumn term of the Lower Sixth, with an introduction to the Universities section of the Vaughan Library, setting up of accounts with Unifrog (application management software that also recommends suitable courses, using existing attainment, predicted grades, interests and admissions data) and a 1:1 interview with a member of the Universities Team. This interview seeks to establish initial ideas about the right course and institution, for later discussion with Tutors. Boys put together a long-list of university choices and begin to outline their personal statement over the Christmas holiday of the Lower Sixth.

In the Spring term, research continues with guidance from Tutors, House Masters and the Universities Team. There is also a series of universities talks and lectures, as well as an information session for parents and visits from admissions tutors at a range of institutions, both in the UK and abroad.

During the Summer term, the university focus centres around the Lower Sixth University Preparation Course which runs over two half days towards the end of the Summer term, offering practical information and expert advice, as well as a Higher Education Fair, giving boys direct access to admissions tutors and academic staff from a diverse range of institutions. By the end of the course, all boys have set up their UCAS accounts, made an initial selection of five universities and have completed a draft of their personal statement.

• The School's Universities Handbook provides step-by-step guidance to the application process, from initial research through to completing a personal statement.
• Unifrog is an online platform through which boys can research international universities, record their super-curricular engagement and produce CVs.
• The Vaughan Library's dedicated Universities and Careers section gives access to extensive printed and digital resources, including the UCAS Search Tool.