- Imperial College London
Discover what motivates prospective students during their university application journey, and learn how your institution can stand out.
With over 40% of institutions projected to run budget deficits this year, the need to fill all available course places is clear.
This report summarises our findings from research with prospective students on behalf of various UK universities. It will help you better understand what is important to prospective students and give tips on where to focus your efforts to maximise application rates through both the UCAS window and Clearing. There is a particular focus on the part that university websites play in the decision-making process.
What students are saying:
If they've put time and effort into their website, if I go here, they will put a lot of effort into me as a student. It’s a good feeling. It makes me feel good about the university as a whole.
What's inside?
Learn from prospective students in their own words to understand:
- The role of university websites in shaping first impressions
- How students build their shortlist using UCAS and other resources
- The key design elements that sway their final decision to apply
- Common mistakes universities make that turn students away
What universities are saying:
Clearleft’s research gave us invaluable insights into the student application process and helped us improve our website experience significantly.
This report is based on in-depth research conducted across various UK universities, providing actionable insights to improve your recruitment strategy. If your website is crucial in making a great first impression or providing essential information, this report will guide you on enhancing the user experience and boosting conversions.
Complete the form below and we will email you a copy of the report
- The Open University
Researching with students to improve their distance learning experience
- Anglia Ruskin University