Unique analysis of UCAS Personal Statements, by Dr Steven Jones of Manchester University, finds that testimonies about work experience feature prominently in university applications and may influence how places are allocated on the most competitive university courses.
As comparisons are restricted to applicants with identical A-level grades, the concern is that the UK’s University admissions process further advantages applicants from more privileged backgrounds. It’s possible young people with the grades and potential to benefit from a top university are being turned away because they have only ‘Saturday jobs’ to talk about while their privately-educated peers are boasting a range of high-prestige placements.
Read the full report: /research/research-seminars-2011-12/dr-steven-jones—20th-march-2012/
Read the press release: Work experience influences who gets into Russell Group universities