Year: 2019
Faces behind the frog: Jacob Lovick
13th December 2019
As part of our 'Faces behind the frog' blog post series, we talk to Jacob Lovick about the life of a Unifrog Account Manager and what people find most surprising about him... Read more >
Faces behind the frog: Sophie Oulton
6th December 2019
As part of our 'Faces behind the frog' blog post series, we talk to Sophie Oulton, our Area Manager for North London, Essex and Suffolk, about the culture at Unifrog and what her superpower would be! What does a day in the life of a Unifrog area manager look like? Normally an early start! I work with about 170 schools and colleges across North London, Essex and Suffolk, so I'm often up early to reach somewhere in time for a 9am meeting... Read more >
What does 'wider reading' mean?
29th November 2019
Some universities request evidence of ‘wider reading’ in Personal Statements without giving much clarity on what they are actually looking for. Use this guide to find out what counts as wider reading, and how to get started... Read more >
Faces behind the frog: Nick Weir
29th November 2019
As part of our 'Faces behind the frog' blog post series, we talk to Nick Weir, our Head of International Sales and Delivery, about what motivates him at Unifrog and which mountain is next on his climbing bucket list! Describe your role As Head of International Sales and Delivery, I'm responsible for looking after our international area managers... Read more >
Faces behind the frog: Lizzie Brennan
21st November 2019
As part of our 'Faces behind the frog' blog post series, we talk to Lizzie Brennan, our Data Manager, about all things data and being an Arsenal supporter! Describe your role as Data Manager at Unifrog As Data Manager, I help to maintain and update all of the information we have on our opportunity search tools, as well as researching and designing new tools to add to the platform... Read more >
Men and mental health
15th November 2019
Mental health issues can affect everyone: around the globe, 792 million people are currently living with them. While men are half as likely as women to experience these issues, they are far more likely to die by suicide... Read more >
Hate crime
15th November 2019
Hate crimes can be devastating to the individuals and communities impacted. We take a look at what exactly hate crimes are, why they’re becoming more common, and how we can put a stop to them... Read more >
Faces behind the frog: Matt Jones
15th November 2019
As part of our 'Faces behind the frog' blog post series, we talk to Matt Jones, Area Manager for north west England, north and mid Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man... Read more >
Big data
13th November 2019
The majority of us create massive amounts of data each day. The websites we visit, photos we upload to social media, destinations we navigate to on our phones, programmes we stream, and more, all leave behind a digital footprint... Read more >
The age of the ageing population
13th November 2019
Over the last few decades, modern science, medicine, and technology have helped people live longer than ever before. What does this mean for society? And how should we treat our elderly? We look at some of the key debates surrounding the topics of age... Read more >
Digital Know-how: how to stay safe online
13th November 2019
Aside from providing us with an endless source of memes and cat videos, the internet has connected the world, transformed entertainment, and made our lives far more convenient... Read more >
Fake news
12th November 2019
Fake news is a term that’s often thrown around, particularly in the wake of the 2016 US election. People sometimes use it as a buzzword to dismiss something they disagree with, which obscures the fact that it has become a widespread phenomenon... Read more >
The climate crisis
11th November 2019
Climate change is a big issue that we are facing in the world today. With new technology and the demand for energy steadily rising, this can come at a big cost - the health of our planet... Read more >
How to show respect towards people from other cultures
11th November 2019
As you get older, you’ll meet a wider range of people from diverse cultures-- not just from around the world, but sometimes within your own town or country! If you haven’t met many people whose backgrounds are very different from yours, it can be hard to know how to respectfully engage with their culture... Read more >
The plastic crisis
11th November 2019
Plastic is an integral part of our lives - but it’s only really existed as we know it for the last 70 years. In this short amount of time, it’s changed the clothes we wear, the food we eat, and the products we have in our homes... Read more >
The importance of democracy
11th November 2019
Governments, systems of groups or people who organise communities, have existed for at least 5,000 years. Throughout history, we’ve seen many approaches to running civilisations... Read more >
Why study in the Netherlands?
11th October 2019
Almost 86,000 international students from 170 different countries enrol in higher education in the Netherlands each year, and this number continues to grow... Read more >
Student life in Germany
10th October 2019
By many different measures and rankings, whether that’s affordability or quality of teaching (or amount of beer consumed at Oktoberfest!), Germany is repeatedly listed as one of the top countries for students in Europe... Read more >
Applying to the US: a UK student's perspective
10th October 2019
I am a student from Cambridgeshire, UK. I applied to Harvard, Princeton, Amherst and Georgetown in the academic year 2016/17. .. Read more >
Ask an expert: Interactions tool & Gatsby Benchmarks
4th October 2019
An interview with Unifrog Area Manager and Gatsby Champion, Charley Fowler What is the Unifrog interactions tool? The Unifrog Interactions tool is a tool for both students and teachers... Read more >
The US vs the UK
4th October 2019
The US and the UK may have some things in common culturally, but their university systems have evolved to be quite different. This guide will break down the differences, to help you think through which system might be right for you... Read more >
Example Personal Statement: Psychology
27th September 2019
I applied to study Psychology and Criminology at Southampton, Royal Holloway and Swansea, as well as Psychology at Liverpool and Oxford Brookes. I received offers from all five of my universities... Read more >
Prison reform
23rd September 2019
The idea of prison as punishment dates back to as far as 2380 BC, but it’s never been as popular as it is now, with the global prison population growing rapidly... Read more >
Giving feedback on Personal Statements
20th September 2019
Giving feedback on a Personal Statement can be frustrating: the process is often shared by multiple teachers, and then parents also like to give their views... Read more >
Introducing Unifrog themed weeks
5th September 2019
Here at Unifrog HQ, we’ve been busy putting together a programme of themed weeks which we hope you’re going to be as excited about as we are! What are themed weeks? Drawing on the findings from our recent Horizons report and from speaking to teachers and careers counselors at partner schools, we’ve chosen six important issues surrounding careers education that matter to you... Read more >
UK uni open days
2nd September 2019
Open days are possibly the best way to get a real feel for the universities on your shortlist. These seven tips will help you to get the most out of them... Read more >
Unexpected A-level results? Your guide to UCAS Clearing
15th August 2019
A-Levels results are in. If you didn’t receive the results you were expecting, don’t panic. There are still plenty of options - here’s a guide to what you can do if your predicted and actual grades don’t match... Read more >
Six myths about climate change
10th August 2019
With climate change appearing in the media so often, there are a number of conflicting claims around what it is and the best way to tackle it. This guide will take you through some of the most common myths surrounding climate change and explain why they’re untrue... Read more >
Get on the ladder: TV, radio and film production
15th July 2019
TV, radio, and film production is a fascinating but extremely competitive industry. It’s important to start getting relevant experience as soon as pos.. Read more >
Volunteering: why it matters and how to start
8th July 2019
Nobody really likes the idea of ‘working for free’, but with volunteering you do in fact get plenty back in return. Aside from making a positive impact on society, volunteering will allow you to sample a job or workplace, develop key skills that’ll impress future employers, and meet like-minded people... Read more >
Unifrog Area Manager Anna Barker awarded MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours
4th July 2019
When she’s not being a fantastic Area Manager for Unifrog, Anna Barker commits a lot of her free time to social action. In June of this year, she was appointed MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her dedication to promoting the voices of young people... Read more >
Horizons Chapter 4: Studying Abroad
1st July 2019
In our fourth and final article discussing Unifrog’s new Horizons report, we’re turning our attention to overseas study. Student interest in studying abroad remains impressively high this year, with 29% of students from state schools and 41% of students from independent schools shortlisting a UK university study abroad programme... Read more >
Get on the ladder: IT and software development
27th June 2019
IT, or Information Technology, is the transfer of information by way of computers and computer systems. People who work in IT maintain, build, or repair hardware and software relating to these systems... Read more >
Dealing with racism
24th June 2019
Racism takes many forms, from directly offensive comments and actions to more subtle prejudices and discrimination. Being a victim of racism can be a really upsetting and exhausting experience... Read more >
Summer schools
24th June 2019
There’s loads of things you can get up to over the summer holidays - and this could definitely include going to summer school. Summer schools are a great way to improve your understanding of a subject whilst experiencing a university environment... Read more >
Summer holidays
24th June 2019
Many university courses and apprenticeships require candidates to have specific skills or experiences before submitting an application. The summer break is the perfect time to get prepared... Read more >
Uni fairs
24th June 2019
One of the most exciting experiences for prospective university students is the university fair. University fairs give you the opportunity to join new societies, clubs, and learn more about the university as a whole... Read more >
How to survive university halls
24th June 2019
Student housing is its own unique experience. Even if you boarded during school, there’s really nothing like your first year at university! This guide offers some ways to make sure it’s all smooth sailing... Read more >
Your complete guide to finding and booking university accommodation
24th June 2019
One of the most exciting things about going to study at university is living in a new place. You get the chance to have your own space, and meet some new people too! Once your degree programme is confirmed, your next task is to find somewhere to live... Read more >
Preparing to study English Literature at university
24th June 2019
Anna Sykes is a British student who is currently in her first year studying English Literature at the University of York. Here, she dispenses some invaluable advice on how to prepare for a degree in English Literature... Read more >
Horizons Chapter 3: Apprenticeships
17th June 2019
A good weekly wage, strong qualifications, and effective preparation for the world of work: with so much to offer, it isn’t surprising that more young people are considering a degree apprenticeship for their next step... Read more >
How to become a lawyer in Australia
17th June 2019
Australia has an excellent reputation for Law and attracts students from across the globe. However, if you’re planning on studying law in Australia, you’ll need to know how the system works... Read more >
How to prepare for college
17th June 2019
You’ve produced a killer application, nailed the interview and secured a place at college - good stuff! Here’s what you can do to make sure you hit the ground running in September... Read more >
Horizons Chapter 2: Higher Education
10th June 2019
This week, as part of our ongoing blog series discussing Unifrog’s new Horizons report, we’re turning our attention to which university subjects students are exploring on the platform... Read more >
Apprenticeships in Law
10th June 2019
If you're considering a career in Law, but don’t fancy years of higher education and thousands of pounds of student debt, an apprenticeship in Law could be the right path for you... Read more >
Study in Japan: preparing to apply
10th June 2019
Before you start your application as an international student, you’ll need to make sure you’re eligible for an offer and get certain documents ready. This guide covers everything you’ll need to prepare - from entrance exams to health insurance... Read more >
Horizons Chapter 1: Aspirations
3rd June 2019
More young people are considering elite universities, but the gap in aspiration prevails between those with and without advantage Unifrog’s new Horizons report has thrown up a number of valuable insights into the motivations behind UK students’ choices when considering their next steps in education... Read more >
UK Medicine interviews: tackling common questions
3rd June 2019
The ability to think on your feet is important for any future doctor, but with a little planning you can make sure you’ve got answers for the most common questions down! Some questions are pretty likely to appear in your interviews, and you can ensure your answers are structured and thoughtful by preparing in advance... Read more >
US interviews for international students
3rd June 2019
You may be invited to interview for US universities that you apply to - but unlike with Oxbridge, not everywhere does it, and it’s not always required even if it’s offered... Read more >
How to ace university interviews (non-Oxbridge and non-Medicine)
3rd June 2019
Interviews feel like a lot of pressure - like your whole future is riding on them! But you don’t need to just feel stressed and helpless. Here are steps you can take to sail through your university interviews with confidence... Read more >
How to ace your college interview
3rd June 2019
Interviews are a chance for you to show the people teaching your course who you are, and how you’re suited to the course. They can be daunting, but knowing what to expect and preparing accordingly will give you the best chance of being awarded a place... Read more >
How to interview like a boss
3rd June 2019
Got a job or apprenticeship interview coming up? No worries - follow this guide and you’ll leave everyone impressed. .. Read more >
'Access and Participation' at UK universities: what it is and how it can help you
20th May 2019
By law, if a university or college wants to charge around £6,000 in fees or more, they must have a clear plan to promote equal opportunities. Access and Participation plans aim to do this by getting underrepresented students into higher education, giving them support while they’re there, and helping them to access the best opportunities when they leave... Read more >
Disadvantaged schools leading the way for careers education
9th May 2019
Schools in less-affluent areas are performing the best against the Gatsby Benchmarks. We take a look at why this might be and what it means in the long run for careers education... Read more >
Applying to study in New Zealand
6th May 2019
New Zealand is a popular destination for international students. With a world-renowned education system, glorious natural environments, and a friendly and welcoming population, it’s not hard to see why... Read more >
Curating an online profile: how to use LinkedIn like a pro
6th May 2019
LinkedIn is a great free platform to build up your work profile. With 500 million people all around to the world using it to advertise themselves and network with others, it has now become the world’s most prominent platform for creating professional profiles and job hunting... Read more >
Accessing help for the addiction of a parent or carer
2nd May 2019
Having a parent or carer with a drug or alcohol problem can be scary, stressful and isolating. It also isn’t something you have to deal with alone. This guide provides some tips and resources for finding support... Read more >
Accessing help for depression
2nd May 2019
We all get sad from time to time, but depression is more than that. If you’ve felt sad, helpless, and lacking in motivation for weeks or months, you may be experiencing depression... Read more >
Understanding body image
2nd May 2019
A person’s body image refers to how they perceive their own body. This often relates to how we think other people see and value our bodies. Sometimes, the way we view our bodies can have a negative impact on our health and wellbeing... Read more >
Becoming a barrister (How to become a barrister in England and Wales)
29th April 2019
Becoming a barrister is a great way to have a positive impact within the criminal and civil justice systems. As specialists in advocacy, barristers represent and advise clients in legal cases... Read more >
Accessing help for eating disorders
26th April 2019
We all spend time thinking about what we eat - it’s hard not to, between the desire to be healthy and the messages we get from TV, movies, and social media about how our bodies ‘should’ look... Read more >
The cost of studying in Poland: everything you need to know
26th April 2019
Poland can be an incredibly affordable place to study, particularly when compared to countries such as the UK, US, and Australia. Students from certain countries may even be able to go to university there without paying fees... Read more >
Coping with drug addiction
26th April 2019
Drug addiction is a serious health condition that can take over your life, but there is help and support available. .. Read more >
Coping with change: how to adjust to a new country
26th April 2019
Studying or working abroad can be immensely rewarding. You get to experience an entirely new culture, meet interesting people, and expand your horizons... Read more >
Fiction on the Subjects Library
22nd April 2019
The profiles on our Subjects library are full of ideas for exploring topics further, like articles, TED talks and academic books. Now, just in time for World Book Day, we’ve added recommendations for novels to every subject on the Subjects library... Read more >
Why study in China?
11th April 2019
With more than 400,000 foreign students arriving every year, China is one of the most popular destinations in Asia for international study. If you’re considering studying abroad, read on to find out why it might be the right choice for you... Read more >
Contextual offers: getting the bigger picture
4th April 2019
Contextual offers are when universities take into account applicants’ personal circumstances when considering each candidate. For example, a university’s normal entry requirements might be ABB at A-Level, but if you’ve attended a school with low progression rates to higher education or you’ve spent time in local authority care, they will lower the requirements to BCC... Read more >
Study in Romania: making an application
1st April 2019
In Romania, there is no centralised admissions procedure, so the application process varies by institution. This guide lays out all the basic information you will need to apply and will direct you to some useful resources... Read more >
Revision techniques: how to ace revision
1st April 2019
Exams are an unavoidable part of school life and beyond. With the right prep, you can minimise the stress and reach your full potential. To help you on your way to exam success, we’ve outlined some great advice (if we do say so ourselves) on how to ace revision... Read more >
How to become a lawyer in Canada
21st March 2019
Whether you see yourself as a trial attorney, in-house counsel or judge, you first need to get your hands on a law degree. .. Read more >
Apprenticeships and vocational study in Australia
18th March 2019
In other articles, we’ve discussed your options when applying to study in Australia. This mostly covers academic university study, but there are other options available... Read more >
The apprenticeship levy explained
4th March 2019
In a bid to dramatically increase the number of businesses offering apprenticeships, the UK government introduced the apprenticeship levy in April 2017... Read more >
University vs. apprenticeship
4th March 2019
A UK university degree usually takes three or four years of academic study and can cost up to £9,250 per year. Apprentices earn a weekly wage as they gain skills and knowledge on the job, working towards a qualification... Read more >
What to do when your UK university offers arrive
28th February 2019
Once the UCAS deadline has passed, it’s time to start thinking about university offers and what to do when they arrive. This guide will take you through the different types of offer and your options for each one... Read more >
Q&A: Sales Coordinator apprentice
27th February 2019
Find out exactly what it's like to complete a Sales Coordinator apprenticeship with this Q&A..... Read more >
Q&A: Business and Administration apprentice
27th February 2019
Mitch completed his apprenticeship with DPD Group in 2014, achieving an OCR Level 3 Diploma in Business and Administration. Here, he talks about why he did an apprenticeship, how he secured an interview, and the great opportunities it led to... Read more >
Q&A: Chartered Manager degree apprentice
27th February 2019
Katie Fiddaman is completing a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship with Pearson College London. By the end of her three-year apprenticeship she’ll have gained a full BA (Hons) degree in Business Management, as well as Chartered Manager (CMgr) status... Read more >
How to apply for an apprenticeship
27th February 2019
Thinking of doing an apprenticeship but not sure where to start? This guide will take you through every step - from choosing a framework to planning your finances... Read more >
Why study in Sweden?
25th February 2019
Sweden might have first caught your eye because of its progressive politics and exemplary welfare system. You may have come across the country through IKEA furniture, scandinavian cake trends, or Volvo car adverts... Read more >
Getting prepared: 4 things to put in place in Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14)
25th February 2019
Key Stage 3 can seem extremely early to start considering life after school. But developing students’ skills and interests now will help them have a better understanding of the path they wish to follow in the future... Read more >
UK Finance: How to work out your take-home pay
11th February 2019
For many people, the first pay check can be a bit surprising. In the UK, things like income tax, national insurance and student loans will come directly out of your wage before the money hits your bank account... Read more >
Applying to study in Australia
11th February 2019
If you’re considering applying to study down under but don’t know where to start - no worries, mate. This useful guide gives you everything you need to know to get organised... Read more >
The real barriers blocking Oxbridge, and how your students can overcome them
5th February 2019
It’s long been suspected that the race to secure an offer from Oxbridge isn’t a fair one, but few could predict exactly how much the odds are against you if you don’t attend a fee-paying school... Read more >
Applying to study in Hong Kong
4th February 2019
The application process for Hong Kong universities can begin a year or more before you arrive on campus. This guide will take you through the whole process step by step - from choosing a programme to booking your flights... Read more >
Q&A - Sales Coordinator Apprentice
29th January 2019
In 2015, Iryna undertook a Sales Coordinator apprenticeship with The Challenge. Since then, she’s received two promotions and now works as an Assistant Account Manager at the same charity... Read more >
Work abroad: 5 reasons to make it happen
28th January 2019
Working abroad can be a daunting prospect. You’ll be away from your friends and family, and in an unfamiliar setting. However, it can be really worth it if you can make it happen... Read more >
Work abroad: 3 things to figure out before you apply
28th January 2019
Working abroad can be a fun and life-changing experience. If you’ve decided to take the leap, there are a couple of things you need to consider. This guide will help you to make three vital decisions before you start sending off your applications... Read more >
How to write a speculative application
28th January 2019
When looking to land your first job role, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get results. From acing your CV or resume to perfecting your cover letter, it’s possible to get ahead of the game... Read more >
How to network like a pro
28th January 2019
We know it sounds scary, but networking isn’t all that bad - it’s essentially just getting to know people and getting your talent out there. If an employer needs to hire someone for a new role, do you think they’re more likely to sift through a pile of CVs or take on someone recommended to them by a friend? Yep, you guessed it... Read more >
Assessment days - what they are and how to prepare
27th January 2019
Find out exactly what to expect and how to prepare... .. Read more >
US finance: Athletics - steps to getting a scholarship
21st January 2019
Every year colleges in the US give out tens of millions of dollars to thousands of students as athletics scholarships. Only a fraction receive a 'full-ride', covering all of their college costs... Read more >
Lesser-known university subjects
21st January 2019
Medicine, Law and Psychology are not the only university subjects! Here are some lesser-known subjects... they might be perfect for you, and also they tend to be easier to get in for because fewer people know about them... Read more >
The knowledge of experience: Canada’s push to bridge the school-work gap
9th January 2019
Last August, the Government of Canada announced that they’ll create 60,000 work placements to help post-secondary students develop important work-ready skills... Read more >
Example Personal Statement: Law
7th January 2019
I applied to study Law at Cambridge, Durham, UCL, LSE and KCL in 2014. I received conditional offers from all my universities except KCL. .. Read more >
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Progression-related teaching materials, and insight from the Unifrog platform, emailed to you once a month.