What should I do before/in my time at college

Hi there,
Yes, the EPQ can definitely be worthwhile, especially if your topic relates to the degree or career you're aiming for. Some universities may even lower their entry requirements by one grade if you achieve a high grade (A/A*) in your EPQ. If that applies, it’s usually mentioned in the course’s entry requirements section.
When it comes to your personal statement, exploring some free MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) could be a great idea. While they don’t count towards entry requirements, they show genuine interest in your subject and can be a great talking point in your statement.
Here are a few platforms to check out:

Other things you can mention in your statement include news articles, books, podcasts, documentaries, and academic papers. The Conversation is a great place to start—it's written by academics but in a clear, accessible way: https://theconversation.com/uk
You could also try searching a few key terms on Google Scholar. Skimming the introduction and conclusion of academic papers can give you a sense of the author's argument—even if you don’t fully understand all the details (which is totally fine!).
Hope this gives you a helpful starting point!
Megan (LJMU Rep)