Unlike Irish third-level colleges, British colleges interview most applicants. They tend to invite Irish students to visit the college. This gives you a chance to suss out the location and meet staff. Making a good impression can increase your chances of getting a place. The UCAS application form - unlike our CAO form - requires a good deal of personal information which can make all the difference to an application.

A well crafted, convincing mission statement can make you stand out. So, it's wise to give a good account of yourself. The colleges are looking for people with commitment and an interest in their subject. Some sort of relevant work experience is now a must for anyone hoping to get a place on one of the more popular courses.

"Irish students are not as accomplished as British students in filling in the further information section on the UCAS form," says Aston University's Stuart Comfort. "They have a full A1 page on the UCAS form to write about themselves, about their motivations and their interests, they should make the most of it."

At the recent Higher Options Exhibition in the RDS, Dublin, Sue Wardale helps Irish students with their inquiries at the UCAS stand