Articles

Something new every week!

Search all articles

When is a top university not a top university?
Choosing a university, League tables Jonathan Tinnacher Choosing a university, League tables Jonathan Tinnacher

When is a top university not a top university?

Back in the spring, I used to keep seeing an advert on Facebook suggesting I should study for a British Masters degree at the “9th Best University in the UK”. The university in question was Liverpool John Moores University.

Now, I mean no disrespect to Liverpool John Moores, but it is not a university that has troubled the top 10 in any of the major league tables, so I was naturally curious about this claim to be ninth best? By what measure were they making this claim?

Well, the small print on the advert gave the source…

Read More
Writing your UCAS Personal Statement using ChatGPT
UCAS, Personal Statements Jonathan Tinnacher UCAS, Personal Statements Jonathan Tinnacher

Writing your UCAS Personal Statement using ChatGPT

I’m writing this during a week when hundreds, if not thousands, of schools world-wide will be holding university application weeks for their year 12 students. Right at the centre of these events will be kick-off sessions for writing your UCAS Personal Statements. I wonder how many of these sessions will focus around how to make best use of ChatGPT, and how many will just conveniently ignore it?

Read More
What exactly are super-curricular activities, and why should I be bothered?
Personal Statements, UCAS Jonathan Tinnacher Personal Statements, UCAS Jonathan Tinnacher

What exactly are super-curricular activities, and why should I be bothered?

You’ve all heard of extra-curricular activities; things like sport, games, clubs and community activities that you do outside of your studies. But what about super-curricular activities? Perhaps you’ve heard about these from teachers or advisers, but aren’t really sure what they are all about. If so, read on…

Read More
Taking careers advice from Dave Grohl
Careers Jonathan Tinnacher Careers Jonathan Tinnacher

Taking careers advice from Dave Grohl

Yep, I’m talking about Dave Grohl, him from Foo Fighters.

Undeniably successful, he is a talented musician who excelled at his chosen skill, worked very hard, got some lucky breaks and went on to be about as successful as a rock musician could possibly hope for.

Read More
Virtual open days vs. Physical open days: Which are better for you?
Choosing a university, Open days Jonathan Tinnacher Choosing a university, Open days Jonathan Tinnacher

Virtual open days vs. Physical open days: Which are better for you?

It’s coming up to open day season at UK universities, with most universities offering the chance for you to visit their campuses during June, July, September and October. These events can attract anything from a few hundred to a few thousand visitors and are designed so you can get a feel for their university, learn about their courses, facilities and student life, and generally help you make informed decisions before you apply.

Read More