The Better Uni Choices Podcast
Jonathan Tinnacher
There are so many things that literally everyone should know before they apply to university. How to think about career options; how to make great course choices; how to make a great application.
But many students just don't have access to the advice and support they need, and this holds them back from making great decisions about their university choices.
And so, I’m using my twenty years experience of university admissions to chat through everything from writing your UCAS Personal Statement, to the future of jobs.
All so that you can make better choices about your future.
Most episodes will be between 5 and 15 minutes long; so easy to listen to on a short journey.
Whatever your background, I promise you that every single episode will tell you something you didn’t know, or will at least challenge the way you think about universities, choices or applications.
Once you’ve listened to ten or more episodes, you’ll be better informed, hopefully a little wiser, and certainly better prepared to make the right choices for your future.
And if you are a parent or adviser, you’ll be better placed to help those in your care make better decisions.
Note that you don’t need to listen to the podcast in order; just scroll down, find a topic that grabs you and start there.
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Top 10 The Better Uni Choices Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Better Uni Choices Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Better Uni Choices Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Better Uni Choices Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Your university application timeline, self-guided tours, and the games our mind plays on us.
The Better Uni Choices Podcast
06/27/24 • 11 min
Researching and applying to university in the UK takes time. Typically around 18 months in fact.
This week we have a close look at how that 18 months will unfold, through a full UCAS timeline, starting now, and finishing next autumn as you start your course.
Secondly, we have a quick look at what to do if you can’t make a specific university Open Day, but want to visit anyway.
And finally, we learn about the games our minds play on us.
You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at:
Finding your “passion”, art and design degree shows, and having it all figured out.
The Better Uni Choices Podcast
06/27/24 • 12 min
This week we ask the question: is “find your passion” really a good way to choose a course? Or is there a better way?
Secondly, we have a look at the amazing inspiration that can be found at art and design degree shows up and down the country during June.
And finally, we learn that you really don’t need to have it all figured out after all.
You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at:
UCAS historical entry grades data, Frequently Asked Questions, and doing your best with what you know.
The Better Uni Choices Podcast
06/27/24 • 10 min
This week we look at a hugely significant new initiative by UCAS to help demystify entry grades for applicants: known as “Entry Grades Data (Beta)”.
Secondly, you know when you have a question about the UCAS process that you just can’t see the answer to in the standard information? Turns out the answers might be easier to find than you think!
And finally, we learn a bit about just doing your best.
You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at:
Crazy university jargon, the Jumpstart university, and the biggest problem in communication.
The Better Uni Choices Podcast
04/22/24 • 11 min
This week we attempt to demystify some of the crazy jargon used in university degree descriptions.
We hear about Jumpstart University, a fantastic resource to help you prepare for your studies at university.
And we learn about the single biggest problem in communication.
You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at:
Building your super-skills, support for estranged students, and taking the impossible leap.
The Better Uni Choices Podcast
04/15/24 • 9 min
This week we look at the importance of building universal transferable skills while at university, and why you really want to find your specific super-skills.
We look at some great resources for estranged students.
And we discover the truth about taking the impossible leap.
You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at:
Building slack into your life, understanding your student loan, and the antidote to anxiety.
The Better Uni Choices Podcast
04/08/24 • 8 min
This week we look at something super-important for all of you who are heading into your last term at school: building a little slack into your life!
We look at the very best explainer of that most complex of topics: how your student loan actually works.
And we finish with action, the antidote to anxiety.
You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at:
Something very special to help you with your UCAS Personal Statement
The Better Uni Choices Podcast
04/01/24 • 4 min
Welcome to a slightly different edition of #betterunichoices.
Over the last month or so I’ve been working hard on a whole suite of new materials, so instead of the usual format, this week I’d like to tell you all about my new online course, Podcast and written guide; all designed to help you to write your UCAS Personal Statement.
I mention several links in the Podcast, these are:
Go to the course: https://www.betterunichoices.com/how-to-write-your-personal-statement
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOk0wHkDaD7zcZDP0vl8AyJ6alN_XSZDU
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6x2fMXtzWqwfs0H5WV4Lm9
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-write-your-ucas-personal-statement-a-better-uni-choices-podcast/id1738414357
Download the guide: https://www.betterunichoices.com/s/How-to-write-your-UCAS-Personal-Statement-2nd-Ed.pdf
You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at:
University admissions tests, Edinburgh video diaries, plus the importance of actions and feelings
The Better Uni Choices Podcast
03/25/24 • 12 min
This week we have a close look at university admissions tests, to make sure you know everything you need to know about the tests you might need to take if you are applying to university next year.
We also check out some amazing video diaries from two students at the University of Edinburgh.
And we find out the importance of both actions and feelings, and why one without the other can be a problem!
You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at:
Applying for accommodation, the confusion of foundation courses, and the definition of happiness
The Better Uni Choices Podcast
03/18/24 • 12 min
This week we have a look at all the different options for accommodation as you head off to university, including guarantees and application deadlines.
We try to break down some of the complications and misunderstandings around foundation courses.
And we hear a very wise man’s definition of happiness.
You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at:
Summer next steps, changing your mind, and why aiming for the perfect job might not be a smart move.
The Better Uni Choices Podcast
06/27/24 • 9 min
Not sure what you should be doing over summer? Just want to relax, but have a niggling feeling there are a couple of things that you should probably get out of the way?
This week we look at just two or three things that you can usefully do over summer to keep your journey to university on track.
Secondly, a little reassurance that it is never too late to change your mind.
And finally, why aiming for the perfect job might not be a smart move.
You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at:
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Better Uni Choices Podcast have?
The Better Uni Choices Podcast currently has 51 episodes available.
What topics does The Better Uni Choices Podcast cover?
The podcast is about How To, Podcasts, Self-Improvement and Education.
What is the most popular episode on The Better Uni Choices Podcast?
The episode title 'Your university application timeline, self-guided tours, and the games our mind plays on us.' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Better Uni Choices Podcast?
The average episode length on The Better Uni Choices Podcast is 11 minutes.
When was the first episode of The Better Uni Choices Podcast?
The first episode of The Better Uni Choices Podcast was released on Nov 20, 2023.
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