One of the questions which I am regularly addressing with current and prospective Sixth Form students is the value of the Extended Project for their futures. The simple answer is that it is highly valued, both by employers and Higher Education providers.

One of our U6 recently attended an interview at Nottingham University, which was followed up with a letter from the interviewer who commented:

I have really enjoyed the opportunity to meet with you. It was really interesting hearing you talk in more detail about your EPQ and the impact your subject continues to have on contemporary thought. What particularly impressed me was your understanding of the research process behind a long piece of work, and the way you seemed to relish that challenge. I am delighted to say we will be issuing a formal offer for you to come and study with us over the next few days.

While some universities are making lower offers with a grade in the EPQ, many are keen to recruit students with the qualification. Southampton quote statistics which show lower dropout rates, higher final degree classification and higher average first year marks for EPQ students. They also value the replication of university style teaching in seminar style supervision sessions for the EPQ. When asked about the EPQ as part of a personal statement, Cambridge University admissions staff stated:

Yes, a very good idea to use it. It won’t be part of an offer but it is something we like to see especially if the student has not studied the subject before.

What is also of relevance here, is that they are not looking at the grade achieved – they are looking at the learning skills which have been developed. Many universities will consider the EPQ at confirmation of places in August if a student has fallen short of their offer. They particularly value the independent, higher level research required to do well. Students often ask us what we mean by scholarly research, and it can be a challenge for them to extend beyond the internet as a source of information. As our Sixth Former found out - those that do reap the benefits.

Louise Scofield
Director of Professional Guidance