How do you ensure your UCAS application stands out? How do you prove you have more to offer than the next applicant? As university spaces become more in demand, Real Gap look at one of the ways to enhance your UCAS application.

Helen Guyver, marketing manager, Real Gap explains, “UCAS recommend that you include any job, work experience, placement or voluntary work you have done in your personal statement, particularly if it is relevant to your subject. They recommend that you may want to include the skills and experience you have gained from these activities which is something we actively endorse.”

Guyver adds, “Our travellers gain skills way beyond those of a summer-job at the local supermarket. Not just physical or academic skills but life-skills - problem-solving, inter-personal skills and the confidence to cope with situations on their own. And it doesn't have to be a whole year, we are noticing that a percentage of our travellers are taking shorter breaks in the summer between A-levels and university, possibly wanting to secure a place and then making a commitment to travel.”

What's more, the job market once you leave university also looks at these experiences favourably. Beth, a careers advisor from Kent, explains, “Having worked with students considering taking gap breaks before university, I can highly recommend the option of experiencing life in another country - whether that be volunteering, working, teaching or travelling.  Ensuring that your time away is productive can greatly enhance your transferable skills and would be highly regarded by employers viewing a curriculum vitae and universities receiving UCAS personal statement applications.”

Charlie Launder, 19, travelled with Real Gap to Zimbabwe in March this year and spent five weeks on the Big Five Wildlife Conservation Experience. Charlie comments, “I've always wanted to see different parts of the world and I wanted a break from writing essays and revising. The programme opened my eyes to what else there is in the world and has given me the confidence to go out there and get what I want from life.”

If you would like further information on Real Gap programmes please visit www.realgap.co.uk or call 01892 516164