Contextual information aims to ensure that universities can identify students with the highest potential to succeed, rather than base their decisions only on exam results.
Universities may use some background information to improve their understanding of your abilities and potential. They may decide, for example, that a student who overachieved in a lower performing school may have demonstrated higher potential than a student who underachieved in a higher performing school.
Contextual data may help explain why you achieved the grades you did, and may affect the way a university looks at your application.
Here are some things universities might look for when considering your application.
Where you went to school or college
The location of the school you attended and its success rates is publicly available information. Universities use this information to understand how many students from your school typically go on into higher education, how your grades match up against your peers, and to identify high-achieving students in lower-achieving schools.
If you have attended more than one school, most universities will also look at these.
Where you grew up
Where you grew up can also have an impact on how well you did at school. Universities can look at where you’re living at the moment (using your postcode), but will also look at how long you have lived in that area and where you lived before that. If you’re in an area where only a low proportion of people go to university, this could be taken into consideration.
In care and looked after students
Universities also want to know if you’ve been in care at any time during your childhood. It is usually up to your school to provide records with this information, but they can also mention this in your Ucas reference.
Moves from abroad
If you have moved to Britain from abroad (either from somewhere else in the EU or internationally) make sure your teacher mentions this in your reference, espeically if English isn't your first language.
Students who have been on outreach programmes
Lots of universities run outreach programmes (often in collaboration with your school or college) that give you a taster of what particular courses and university life in general is all about – from taster days to summer events and activities.
If you have taken part in an outreach programme at a university, mention it in your personal statement. Universities like to see that you’ve shown a willingness to explore your course before you start it.
Universities use contextual info differently
The way contextual information gets used by universities can vary, but it's generally used in the following situations:
- to decide whether or not a university makes you an offer, or perhaps even a lower-than-usual offer
- to decide whether or not to invite you to an interview or admissions test, and to help assess your performance
- if you’re a borderline student – perhaps you’ve missed your offer conditions by a grade
- during Clearing
More on The Uni Guide
