Is it hard doing UCAS alone (without direct help from school) ?

Hey guys
So I'm thinking of applying to uni during a gap year. My school has said that they would help with personal statements and references etc which I thought was good. However, a friend explained it would still be difficult but I wondered why...Any thoughts?

Hey guys
So I'm thinking of applying to uni during a gap year. My school has said that they would help with personal statements and references etc which I thought was good. However, a friend explained it would still be difficult but I wondered why...Any thoughts?

As long as you ve got a referee sorted you should be okay doing it yourself

Oh ok awesome.
May I just ask though, what exactly is a referee needed for? This may sound like a silly question lol but what exactly does a ref do? Initially I had thought I would only need a referee to do my predicted grades but because I would have actual grades I wouldn't need a referee but I've realised so far I'm wrong.

You ll need a reference for your application, they talk about your academic ability ect.

Oh so a referee is just someone who does your reference? If so that's good since my head of year has said he would do my reference for me.

Oh so a referee is just someone who does your reference? If so that's good since my head of year has said he would do my reference for me.

Yes

In that case, it's quite likely that the school will insist that you apply through them anyway as it is easier from their point of view. Make sure you find out what thieir policy is before setting up your UCAS account.

It shouldn't be stressful as long as you have a good referee, you know exactly what you want to do and where.
The personal statement is the hardest thing but since your school said they would help, there should be no problems.
Why did the friend say it would be difficult because i'm struggling to see why. I applied for UCAS this year as an individual it's not hard don't worry.