A recent report in the press suggests that Teenagers and students have the opportunity to enhance their university application by receiving UCAS points based upon what they do during their gap year.

The certificate is run by Asdan, a spokesperson clarified that students keen on using their gap year programme to gain further UCAS points can work towards achieving the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness – equivalent to an A grade at AS-level. Those who gain a level three in CoPE receive 70 UCAS points, which could help secure a university place. An A* at A-level is worth 140 UCAS points, so it is a valuable offering.

CoPE requires students to demonstrate their achievement in six core modules: global awareness, enrichment activities, work-related activities, active citizenship, career planning and extended project. A structured gap year programme can be used in this way to boost your UCAS score and secure a university place in a competitive market place.

The ASDAN spokesperson pointed out that it was possible to use activities gained ‘from a wide variety of experiences to inform a course of study’ and to attract tariff points. However cautioned that CoPE is not easy to complete, students must demonstrate a huge range of knowledge and activities across a wide range of modules For more information on CoPE please contact ASDAN or visit their website www.asdan.org.uk

Volunteering abroad is the perfect way to gain variety of experiences and knowledge that could be beneficial not only for gaining a university place but also in later life and potential employers. Inspire Volunteer offer excellent volunteering projects that will be a great way to help you gain new experiences that will remain with you forever. For details on our projects or to discuss a personal programme ring us on 08000 323350.