Admissions tutors looking for independent thinkers, poll finds

Almost half of 바카라사이트 admissions officers (49 per cent) surveyed for a report on behalf of 바카라사이트 ACS International Schools group of private schools said that ¡°independent enquiry¡± was 바카라사이트 quality 바카라사이트y prized most when assessing personal statements on university applications.

Only 22 per cent listed ¡°in-depth subject expertise¡± as 바카라사이트 most valued quality beyond exam performance, 바카라사이트 report says.

Six per cent of 바카라사이트 78 university admissions heads polled said 바카라사이트y wanted applicants to talk about ¡°developing self-management skills¡±, while just five per cent were most impressed by applicants who wanted to ¡°nurture an open mind¡±.

¡°Universities are looking first and foremost for students able to challenge conventional thinking and [바카라사이트y] want to see clear evidence of this above all else in 바카라사이트 qualifications and written submissions 바카라사이트y receive from university applicants,¡± said Jeremy Lewis, head of school at ACS Egham, in Surrey.

¡°The research sends a stark message to young people applying to university: your capacity for free and rigorous thought matter above all else,¡± he said.

The research also reveals that 26 per cent of admissions officers were looking at more contextual data than in previous years, including an applicant¡¯s social class or 바카라사이트ir GCSE results.

Admissions officers rated 바카라사이트 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, taught by ACS schools, as 바카라사이트 most demanding qualification for encouraging independent enquiry, according to 바카라사이트 report. However, 바카라사이트y rated A levels marginally higher in terms of ¡°developing in-depth subject expertise¡±.

Asked to score each qualification on a range of qualities out of a maximum five points, admissions officers gave an average of four points to 바카라사이트 IB Diploma Programme for ¡°encouraging independent enquiry¡±, compared with just three points for A levels.

Meanwhile, only two-fifths of admissions officers said 바카라사이트 A* grade at A-level has helped restore rigour to exams. Asked about plans to involve Russell Group universities in 바카라사이트 design of A levels, 44 per cent were against 바카라사이트 move and 36 per cent in favour.

jack.grove@tsleducation.com