• Question: What do universities look for when people are applying to be scientists?

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      Asked by Ben Mars to Daniela ?, ☣ Danna, Jonny, Juan, Lindsay on 21 Jun 2016.
      • Photo: Jonathan Hunter

        Jonathan Hunter answered on 21 Jun 2016:

        I think universities look at your grades, your level of enthusiasm and dedication. Say you’ve been at a Scout for 3 years that could show dedication. Enthusiasm usually comes across in your application letter along with any extra activities you’ve done (like this one).
        With regard to grades, each course usually has the minimum grades required to do the course on their website/course booklet.

      • Photo: Lindsay Robinson

        Lindsay Robinson answered on 21 Jun 2016:

        I agree with Jonny. Grades in the relevant subjects are important and it’s important to show that you have enthusiasm for the subject you’re applying for. Try to get some work experience or work shadowing doing something similar to what you’re applying for. It gives you the chance to find out if you might like it and it looks good on your UCAS form. Like Jonny says hobbies such as learning musical instruments, scouts or helping out in your local community can give you examples to use in your application.

      • Photo: Juan Ortiz

        Juan Ortiz answered on 21 Jun 2016:

        Well, it depends on the university. In general they look for people who finished their Bachelor’s Degrees with good marks, have some experience working in a similar research topic and are highly motivated, ambitious and willing to work hard to overcome all kind of challenges. Some universities will interview the candidates gathering all these qualities and having a general knowledge of the research group and a positive attitude is of great help.

      • Photo: Danna Gifford

        Danna Gifford answered on 21 Jun 2016:

        My experience was different from the others because I did my first degree in Canada, where there are no interviews or entrance essays or anything like that–it’s all based on grades.

        So I’ll speak instead about when I applied for my PhD, in which case I was evaluated on 1) a research proposal of what I wanted to research, 2) an interview, where I was asked questions on my proposal and why I wanted to go to that university and lab, 3) my undergraduate grades, and 4) contributions I’d made to the field, in terms of papers and outreach activities.

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