Highly Competitive Applications

What is a 'Highly Competitive Application'?

This refers to courses and institutions in the UK that are most difficult to get into because they're selective and have challenging application processes. Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry, along with institutions like the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, would all be considered 'Highly Competitive'. These courses and institutions are also subject to the UCAS 'early deadline' of mid-October of Year 13, so there's an additional time pressure too.

Who should apply?

Highly Competitive Applications are for anyone who is on track to get high grades and has a subject or topic / career area they really care about. If that's you, you should definitely explore this option. You don't need to be a certain 'type of person' or know a certain type of person to get in. If you're on path for excellent grades and you're keen to aim high, this is for you. 

Support we offer:

• AimHigher sessions: Sign up for our monthly expert guidance session on Highly Competitive Applications, walking you through every aspect of the process, with support from former Norfolk students like you who've gone on to these courses and universities. Sessions take place online after school - sign up and full info is in the HAS bulletin.
• Mock interviews (Autumn of Year 13) and Assessment Test Workshops (Summer Y12 / Autumn Y13): these will give you great practice and guide you through these parts of the application process - which can be daunting, but don't need to be. These will be advertised in the HAS bulletin a few weeks in advance so keep checking!
• Enrichment events from HAS and our partners: UCL, UEA, Gonville & Caius College (Cambridge) and Balliol College (Oxford), Anglia Ruskin, Norwich University of the Arts and University of Suffolk all offer regular events, workshops, summer schools and experiences throughout Year 12 to help you explore, prepare and apply. Read the latest HAS bulletin to see what's coming up and sign up.