UCAS is the central application service for UK universities. For IB students, it's crucial as it's how you submit your academic record, predicted grades, and personal statement to multiple institutions, forming the primary basis for admission decisions. Getting it right is key to securing your place.

Your predicted IB grades are a critical component of your UCAS application. Universities use these to assess your potential and make conditional offers. It's essential that these predictions are realistic and align with your school's reference. Lanterna can help you understand how to maximise your chances of achieving these grades and meet university requirements.

Your Personal Statement is your main opportunity to showcase your suitability for your chosen course. Focus on demonstrating your passion for the subject, relevant experiences (academic, extracurricular, work), and how your IB studies have prepared you. Highlight skills like critical thinking, research, and international-mindedness developed through the IB Diploma.

It's advisable to start early, ideally in the summer before your final IB year (DP2). This allows ample time to research courses, draft your personal statement, gather necessary documents like GCSE results, and coordinate with your school for predicted grades and references. Early preparation reduces stress during an already busy academic year.

Absolutely. Our expert tutors, many of whom are IB graduates themselves, can provide personalised 1-on-1 support for your Personal Statement. We help you brainstorm ideas, structure your essay, refine your arguments, and ensure it effectively highlights your strengths and passion for your chosen course, making it stand out to admissions tutors.

Beyond Personal Statements, Lanterna offers comprehensive support for university applications. Our tutors can help you strengthen your academic profile to meet university entry requirements, improve your predicted grades, and navigate the complexities of the application process. We also offer guidance on subject choices and interview preparation for competitive courses.

The Lanterna IB consultation is a free, no-pressure 20-30 minute session with one of our expert IB Student Success Experts. It's designed to help you, whether you're a student or parent, gain clarity on your current situation, discuss your university application strategy, and identify key areas for improvement.

Yes, the consultation is genuinely free, with absolutely no obligation to book tutoring. Our goal is to provide valuable guidance and a clear, personalised plan for your next steps. We believe in empowering students and parents with the information they need to succeed in the IB and beyond.

Our Student Success Experts are highly experienced professionals with deep knowledge of the IB Diploma and university admissions processes. They can help you understand university requirements, strategise your application timeline, and identify how Lanterna's tailored support can help you achieve your academic and university goals. They provide an objective perspective and a personalised roadmap.

After your free consultation, you'll walk away with a clear, personalised plan outlining what to focus on for your university applications and what to deprioritise. You'll have a better understanding of your strengths and areas for development, and if you choose, you can explore how Lanterna's tutoring services might further support your journey, but there's no pressure to do so.