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Where on UCAS do I put my other qualifications?

I have the qualifications for a qualified bike mechanic, as well as a first aid course, and a mountain bike coaching qualification.

Where would I mention this on ucas?

The “extra activities” looks more like it has to be to do with the uni course I’m interested or similar.

Or do I just mention it in the 3rd part of the personal statement

Reply 1

Original post
by WillRoss
I have the qualifications for a qualified bike mechanic, as well as a first aid course, and a mountain bike coaching qualification.
Where would I mention this on ucas?
The “extra activities” looks more like it has to be to do with the uni course I’m interested or similar.
Or do I just mention it in the 3rd part of the personal statement

honestly I would bother mentioning any of it. unis want to see your interest in your course and continuing your academics more than any hobbies you have. if you do want to mention it and think its relevant I would put it in section 3. good luck!

Reply 2

I guess - but surely it would help me stand out no? Being a trained bike coach / mechanic
Original post
by WillRoss
I guess - but surely it would help me stand out no? Being a trained bike coach / mechanic


Are you applying for a bike mechanic degree?

Reply 4

Har de har har. Electrical and mechanical engineering
Original post
by WillRoss
Har de har har. Electrical and mechanical engineering


Why do you think that these non academic qualifications would help your application?

Reply 6

If they see 2 students both with 5As how will they tell the difference between :

Candidate 1:

Got 5As, 1 minimum wage job at the local restaurant

Candidate 2:.

Got 5As, has a passion and followed through, got qualified to become a mountain bike coach after being offered a job because of helping out doing a work experience. As well as being able to get a job at a bike shop where ever I am with a nationally recognised certificate- being the youngest person ever to hold such certificates?

Hmm yea I wonder why that would possibly look good? 🤷*♂️

Reply 7

Original post
by WillRoss
If they see 2 students both with 5As how will they tell the difference between :
Candidate 1:
Got 5As, 1 minimum wage job at the local restaurant
Candidate 2:.
Got 5As, has a passion and followed through, got qualified to become a mountain bike coach after being offered a job because of helping out doing a work experience. As well as being able to get a job at a bike shop where ever I am with a nationally recognised certificate- being the youngest person ever to hold such certificates?
Hmm yea I wonder why that would possibly look good? 🤷*♂️

I get your point but they are looking for passion in your chosen academic field, not really anywhere else. You could possibly tie in your interest of mechanical engineering stemming from mountain biking if you keep it relevant and short?
Original post
by WillRoss
If they see 2 students both with 5As how will they tell the difference between :

Candidate 1:

Got 5As, 1 minimum wage job at the local restaurant

Candidate 2:.

Got 5As, has a passion and followed through, got qualified to become a mountain bike coach after being offered a job because of helping out doing a work experience. As well as being able to get a job at a bike shop where ever I am with a nationally recognised certificate- being the youngest person ever to hold such certificates?

Hmm yea I wonder why that would possibly look good? 🤷*♂️


They’d make offers to both. It’s an academic course.

Reply 9

Not if it’s a highly competitive course

Reply 10

Original post
by WillRoss
Not if it’s a highly competitive course


Hi, experienced admissions staff here. They absolutely would make offers to both in the hypothetical scenario.

I’d recommend that you have your ref make passing reference to the extra stuff, (you’ve got limited space in your statement). From your POV you should be focussed on your suitability and motivation for the academic course at hand. Super-curriculars are a very welcome way to do this, but extra curriculars will just be skipped over as they’re not relevant and aren’t a fair way to assess candidates.
Original post
by WillRoss
Not if it’s a highly competitive course

You’re implying that a university would give preference to the wealthier student who had the privilege to devote substantial amounts of time and money to their hobby over the student who was forced to work all their free hours in order to help pay their family’s rent?

It’s an academic course. Admissions decisions are based on academic ability and potential not on non academic hobbies.

Reply 12

Original post
by PQ
You’re implying that a university would give preference to the wealthier student who had the privilege to devote substantial amounts of time and money to their hobby over the student who was forced to work all their free hours in order to help pay their family’s rent?
It’s an academic course. Admissions decisions are based on academic ability and potential not on non academic hobbies.


Yea don’t get me wrong I’m very lucky - but don’t make out as if everyone who is in my position takes advantage. Lots of my friends are quite well off and just play Fortnite all day

Reply 13

Original post
by Admit-One
Hi, experienced admissions staff here. They absolutely would make offers to both in the hypothetical scenario.
I’d recommend that you have your ref make passing reference to the extra stuff, (you’ve got limited space in your statement). From your POV you should be focussed on your suitability and motivation for the academic course at hand. Super-curriculars are a very welcome way to do this, but extra curriculars will just be skipped over as they’re not relevant and aren’t a fair way to assess candidates.


Alr cheers - thanks for the input

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