How to get into top UK universities when you're not very good at studying

(Dan Tri) - Currently, the university admissions system in the UK is undergoing major changes, attracting much attention from parents and students around the world.

Top universities such as Oxford, College London or Edinburgh no longer only evaluate based on scores, but instead focus on looking for candidates who demonstrate passion and a real desire to commit to their field of study.

The assessment of applications is also more comprehensive, especially for international candidates. As a result, even if they do not have outstanding academic achievements, candidates with rich practical experience still have a chance to be accepted.

Oxford University, UK (Photo: Getty Images).

One of the reasons why candidates with not-so-outstanding scores can still win over the admissions board is their ability to learn and explore beyond the classroom.

The personal statement is often a key part of the application process, especially for candidates with average grades. A well-written essay can be the deciding factor.

What gives an essay its weight is not its flowery language or general assertions, but its depth of thought and genuine engagement with the subject.

In addition, the emphasis on academic activities outside the classroom is also one of the prominent trends this year. This is considered proof that candidates have proactively delved into their favorite fields, demonstrating motivation, curiosity and the ability to think independently.

When skillfully and thoughtfully reflected in the personal essay, these experiences not only help the candidate stand out, but also demonstrate solid preparation for the academic environment at the university level.

In highly competitive fields such as medicine, law or courses at Oxbridge (a term used to refer to both Oxford and Cambridge), candidates often have to go through an interview or take an entrance exam. This is an opportunity for candidates without outstanding transcripts to demonstrate their true abilities.

Unlike past performance assessments, these rounds focus on thinking skills, confidence, and subject knowledge. These challenges are intended to measure academic potential and flexibility, not just grades. In fact, candidates who are good at critical thinking and clear communication often have a distinct advantage, even over those who score well but are unprepared.

In line with the general development trend of global education , schools in the UK want candidates who can bring many new perspectives to the classroom. This diversity comes not only from learning styles or approaches to problem solving, but also from the real life experiences that each candidate brings with them.

By giving opportunities to candidates with less-than-stellar grades but impressive resumes, schools are creating a more dynamic and open academic environment. At the same time, this approach also helps them expand their enrollment sources, attracting students from all over the world .

In 2025, many students with not-so-high scores but sharp thinking and rich practical experience were admitted to the most prestigious universities in the foggy country. Therefore, if the academic performance is not perfect, this is not the decisive barrier. Because now, the criteria of top universities in the UK is no longer "the person with the highest score" but "the person most ready".

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Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/cach-do-cac-truong-dai-hoc-hang-dau-nuoc-anh-khi-hoc-khong-qua-gioi-20250920100724135.htm