This special episode features Liz Greenoff, Health Professions Recruitment Officer at the University of Huddersfield. We discuss personal statements, interviews, and how Access to HE students can stand out.
Listen to the Episode
Episode overview: Advice for Access to HE students on crafting strong personal statements, presenting relevant experience, and preparing for interviews with confidence.
Questions & Answers
What should Access to HE students focus on in their personal statement?
Students should tailor statements to the specific profession. Demonstrate understanding of the role, include relevant experience and transferable skills (e.g., teamwork, communication), and use concrete examples rather than lists. Experience can come from placements, sports teams, part-time work, or online opportunities with professional bodies and charities. Read more...
How can students show that the Access course prepared them for university?
How can Access students stand out versus A-level applicants?
Highlight specific health topics studied and the study skills you’ve built (critical reading, academic writing, independent learning) that universities expect from day one. Read more...
Should the statement align closely to the course content?
Yes. Tutors want a clear passion for the profession and a commitment to both academic and placement demands. Focus your statement and interview answers on the specific course you’re applying for. Read more...
How important is professional or personal experience?
Professional experience is valuable, and some courses require it (e.g., Dental Hygiene & Therapy may ask for dental-field experience, including voluntary work). Do not overlook caring roles, volunteering, and non-health jobs that show transferable skills and motivation. Read more...
How can students show commitment to a degree or career path?
- Demonstrate understanding of the role and scope of the profession.
- Evidence research and (where required) work or voluntary experience.
- Map your qualifications and Access units to entry requirements.
- Keep the application focused on one clear professional direction. Read more...
What do admissions teams look for in a tutor reference?
A track record of academic performance, commitment, motivation, and interpersonal skills that align with the chosen profession. Read more...
What helps applicants shine at interview for health professional courses?
- Research the profession and regulatory bodies; understand a “day in the life”.
- Prepare examples that show transferable skills.
- Be punctual; check your tech; have your camera on for online interviews.
- Ask a thoughtful question to show interest in the profession and university.
- Look professional; mind body language; be engaged and an active listener. Read more...
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Not understanding what the profession involves.
- Listing skills without evidence or unique examples.
- Submitting a generic or AI-written statement that lacks your voice. Read more...
Do admissions care which units the student studied?
For some professions, yes — specific science or biological components may be required. Always check the Entry Requirements on the university course page. Read more...
For AOLL students, full guidance is available on your VLE. If you’re not yet enrolled and want to understand the UCAS process and the support we offer, please get in touch.