Year: 2019
UK deferred entry: pros and cons
13th December 2019
‘Deferred entry’ refers to when a student delays their university place by a year, in order to take a gap year or pause their studies. You can apply for deferred entry when you first send off your UCAS form, or request it after you have received your offers... Read more >
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 >
Understanding the political spectrum
6th December 2019
You’ve probably heard the terms ‘left-wing’ and ‘right-wing’ before. A politician might be accused of being ‘too left-wing’, or a newspaper might be known as a ‘right-wing publication’... 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
Many universities request evidence of ‘wider reading’ in Personal Statements without giving much clarity on what they are actually looking for. Here's our guide... 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 >
How to decide on a career path: 6 tips
21st November 2019
The overwhelming number of possible careers can make deciding on a career path seem daunting. To simplify the process, we’ve come up with 6 tips for choosing a career that suits you... 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 >
Hate crime
15th November 2019
There’s evidence to suggest that crimes motivated by hate are on the rise. Such incidents can be devastating to the individuals and communities impacted... Read more >
What is critical thinking and why is it important?
15th November 2019
When you’re applying for higher education programmes, vocational studies, or job roles, you’ll often come across ‘critical thinking’ under the desired skills section... Read more >
Men and mental health
15th November 2019
According to the World Health Organisation, one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives... 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 >
Digital wellbeing: a quick guide to internet safety
13th November 2019
The internet is one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century. Aside from providing us with an endless source of memes and cat videos, it has connected the world, transformed entertainment, and made our lives far more convenient... 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
One of the few certainties in life is that time passes. We are all older today than we were yesterday, and we’ll be older again tomorrow. Over the last few decades, modern science, medicine, and technology have helped people live longer than ever before... Read more >
Where should you get your news from?
12th November 2019
Keeping up with current world affairs is useful for many reasons. You stay informed, have interesting things to talk about, and can make sure no embarrassing clips of you singing have made the headlines... 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. It’s a buzzword often used to dismiss something a person disagrees with... Read more >
The Climate Crisis
11th November 2019
Planet Earth is our home and the only known place in the universe capable of supporting life. It’s a truly remarkable place for many reasons - the lush Amazon rainforest, the mighty Mount Everest, and, of course, the humble smartphone... Read more >
How to show respect towards people from other cultures
11th November 2019
One of the best things about people is that we’re all different. Each person you meet is their own individual self, complete with their own thoughts, opinions, and beliefs... Read more >
The plastic crisis
11th November 2019
We take plastic for granted - 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 way we live - 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 >
Study in the US: how to determine your ‘fit’
18th October 2019
As you start to familiarise yourself with the U.S college admissions process, you will start to notice that each college’s admissions page will refer to their admissions process being “holistic”... Read more >
Why study in the Netherlands?
11th October 2019
From its low tuition fees to its creative culture, there are lots of reasons why studying in the Netherlands may be just right for you... Read more >
Student life in Germany
10th October 2019
Whether you want to do a full-time degree or just get out to the continent on a year abroad, Germany - named the most attractive destination for international students in a recent Study... Read more >
Coping with stress
10th October 2019
With all the added pressure that comes with being a young adult, it isn’t surprising that so many suffer from stress. But that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily normal or healthy; in fact, the most recent Stress in America report found that American teens report stress levels higher than what they believe is healthy... 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 supposedly have a longstanding 'special relationship' - but their university systems have grown to be quite different from each other... 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 >
Understanding human rights
23rd September 2019
The concept of human rights is something that binds all 7.7 billion of us human beings together, no matter where we’re from or what our background is. Yet it’s an idea that can often be complex and sometimes infringed upon... Read more >
Prison reform
23rd September 2019
As far back as 2380 BC, there are records of basic laws and justice. The idea of imprisoning someone as punishment dates back to Roman times but only became popular again recently... 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 >
Writing like a boss: the Personal Statement
13th September 2019
In most cases, the Personal Statement is a candidate’s only chance to describe in their own words their passion for and ability in the subject for which they are applying... 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 Open Days
2nd September 2019
Often students arriving at university have only visited once beforehand, on an Open Day. It is therefore crucial to make the most of this opportunity so that your final choice of where to study will be an informed one... Read more >
Coping with change: how to make friends at a new school or college
2nd September 2019
Moving to a new school or college brings plenty of chances to start fresh, take exciting opportunities, and meet new people. Although it can sometimes be a little daunting going into a new environment, before long, you’ll feel like part of the furniture (although not literally, we hope)... Read more >
Unexpected A-level results? Your guide to UCAS Clearing
15th August 2019
The big day has finally arrived. If you didn’t receive the results you were expecting, don’t panic - there are options, and we’re going to guide you through them... Read more >
Gap years
2nd August 2019
A gap year is an incredible opportunity to explore, save money and learn new skills, but only if you make use of your time effectively. Here are 5 tip.. Read more >
Get on the ladder: TV, radio and film production
15th July 2019
TV, radio and film production is a fascinating industry to work in. No two days are the same, you’ll meet other creative people, and seeing the end result of your hard work can be incredibly rewarding... 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 is a harmful and horrific part of many societies. Instead of celebrating and learning from our differences, some people feel compelled to criticise and alienate others because of their race, religion, culture or ethnicity... Read more >
How to survive university halls
24th June 2019
Roly is currently in her first year at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Before moving to the US, she lived in London. Here, she tells us exactly what it’s like to live in university accommodation, and what new students can do to make the experience as much fun as possible... 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 getting to live in a new place. Whether you’ve lived alone before or not, the chance to get your own space and meet some new people is one not to be missed... Read more >
Summer schools
24th June 2019
Summer schools are a great way to improve your understanding of a subject whilst experiencing a university environment. Here are 6 tips for making the most out of them... Read more >
Summer holidays
24th June 2019
Many university courses and apprenticeships require candidates to have specific skills or experiences and the summer break can be the perfect time to get yourself prepared... Read more >
Uni fairs
24th June 2019
University fairs are a great way to get your questions answered, check out the applications process, and find out more about courses and funding. Here.. 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... 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 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 >
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 >
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
If you’ve decided on Japan as a destination for your studies, you’ve made an excellent choice. With a growing reputation and plenty of incentives for international students, studying in ‘Nippon’, as the Japanese refer to their country, is an exciting prospect... 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 >
How to ace your college interview
3rd June 2019
Few people love interviews, but a little preparation goes a long way. Read on to find out what to expect and how to give yourself the best chance of s.. Read more >
How to interview like a boss
3rd June 2019
Got a job or apprenticeship interview coming up? No problem - follow this guide and you’ll be wowing your new employer in no time..... 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 don’t have to use this skill to.. Read more >
Oxbridge interviews: humanities
3rd June 2019
The Oxbridge interview process can be daunting. Some students are deterred from even applying by horror stories circulating on student forums featuring awkward silences and outrageous, unpredictable questions... Read more >
US interviews for international students
3rd June 2019
In addition to using tests, essays, and letters of recommendation, sometimes to get to know students better universities invite applicants to do interviews... Read more >
How to ace university interviews (non-Oxbridge and non-Medicine)
3rd June 2019
Interviews can be daunting, especially when they can make or break a life-changing opportunity. Here are some tips to help students excel. .. Read more >
Study in Canada: how to ace your letter of intent
21st May 2019
As part of your application for a Canadian university or college, you might be asked to submit a letter of intent. Also referred to as a ‘statement of interest’ or ‘personal statement’, your letter of intent is your chance to demonstrate that you’re a serious candidate and that your education, extracurricular activities and work experience have prepared you to be successful in the program that interests you... 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 >
Coping with a negative body image
2nd May 2019
Your body image is all about how you see yourself. If you constantly feel that your body doesn’t measure up to expectations - whether those expectations are from society, friends, family, or the media - it’s possible that you’re being overly critical about the way you look and have a negative body image... Read more >
Coping with depression
2nd May 2019
On top of all the physical and hormonal changes you might be experiencing, being a teenager means you have the added pressure of frequent deadlines, exam stress, and making choices that could have a long-term impact on your future... Read more >
Coping with social media addiction
2nd May 2019
How often do you reach for your phone to check something, only to realise you’ve ended up on Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook without even meaning to? Social media is an incredible thing, but if you feel like it’s starting to have a negative impact on your life, it’s time to take action... Read more >
Coping with 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 might help to know that you’re not alone in going through it - approximately 1 in 5 children in the UK live with a parent who drinks too much, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that a quarter of American kids grow up in households where substance abuse is present... Read more >
Becoming a UK barrister
29th April 2019
Becoming a barrister is one of the toughest and most competitive career paths on offer. To give you a hand, we have broken the process down into 4 sim.. Read more >
Coping with online bullying
26th April 2019
Cyberbullying can be a horrific experience for the victim, who might feel as though there’s nothing they can do to escape it. It’s also more popular than you might think - in a recent survey by Ditch the Label, 47% of young people who took the survey had received nasty profile comments and 62% had been sent nasty private messages via smartphone apps... Read more >
An introduction to Mindfulness
26th April 2019
Life can be hectic, especially during busy times or times of uncertainty. All of us have things that occupy our time and headspace, and at times it can feel overwhelming... Read more >
How to manage your workload
26th April 2019
When we're left to our own devices, we can find it difficult to manage our time and our workload. We've put together some top tips on time management to help you use your time effectively... Read more >
Coping with eating disorders
26th April 2019
Absolutely anyone can develop an eating disorder. They’re particularly common amongst women between the ages of 15 and 25, but that doesn’t mean that older women, boys or men are exempt... 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
Tobacco, cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, magic mushrooms, poppers, amphetamine, steroids… each one is a drug, each one will have a physiological effect on your body, and each one can lead to an addiction... 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
Mainland China is fast becoming the most popular destination in Asia for international students. With nearly half a million pupils entering from outside of China, the government is doing as much as possible to attract foreign nationals to study there... 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 >
Revision techniques: how to ace revision
1st April 2019
Not many people love exams, but they’re often a necessary part of school life and beyond. With the right prep, you can minimise the stress and reach your full potential... Read more >
Applying to study in Romania
1st April 2019
Navigating a whole new university system can be pretty daunting. We’ve broken it down into 5 easy steps to get you started… .. 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 >
The most useful job search websites
21st March 2019
Need a job pronto but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re after an immediate casual role or something a little more serious, we’ve got the perfect job search website for you... Read more >
Three reasons to choose a Facilitating Subject at A-Level
18th March 2019
Some A-levels are required for entry to degree courses more often than others. These are referred to as ‘facilitating’ because choosing them at A-level leaves a wide range of options open for university study... 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 recent changes to apprenticeships
4th March 2019
In a bid to dramatically increase the number of UK apprenticeships, the government introduced the new apprenticeship levy in April 2017. Read on to find out what it is and how it will affect you... Read more >
University vs. Apprenticeship
4th March 2019
Traditional university degree or debt-free apprenticeship? .. 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 uni offers - and what to do when they arrive... Read more >
Q&A: Business and Administration apprentice
27th February 2019
Find out everything you need to know about Business and Administration apprenticeships with this Q&A..... Read more >
Q&A: Chartered Manager degree apprentice
27th February 2019
Find out exactly what a chartered manager degree apprenticeship will be like with this Q&A. .. 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 >
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 >
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 >
Why study in Sweden?
25th February 2019
Fika, anyone? The fact that chatting over coffee and cake is a central part of the Swedish day tells you a lot about the culture - here, taking a moment to sit back or catch up with friends is important, as is promoting a healthy work/life balance, mental well-being and physical health... Read more >
How to work out your UK take-home pay
11th February 2019
For many people, the first pay check can come as a bit of a shock. 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
Getting organised to apply to study in Hong Kong can sometimes be stressful. There is a lot that you need to know to make sure your application is submitted correctly... 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
It’s scary, but totally worth it if you can make it happen. Find out why working abroad can be a savvy choice for your CV, wallet and personal develop.. Read more >
Work abroad: 3 things to figure out before you apply
28th January 2019
You’ve decided to work abroad. Splendid. What now? .. Read more >
How to write a speculative application
28th January 2019
As you’re eagerly approaching the job market for the first time, 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 write the perfect resume
28th January 2019
Resumes are commonly used in the US, Canada and Australia. They’re often shorter than CVs, and in most cases, your resume is your one big shot at securing an interview... 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 >
How to write a winning cover letter
27th January 2019
Find out how to write the perfect cover letter... .. 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 >
Entry requirements for apprenticeships in Scotland
14th January 2019
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to kickstart your career. Some employers will ask for specific qualifications, but others are looking for applicants who simply have the motivation to succeed... 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 >