Wider Reading

At Varsity, we encourage Wider Reading as a way to expand your knowledge of subjects and explore potential career paths. Not only does it deepen your understanding, but it also strengthens your UCAS application by demonstrating intellectual curiosity and commitment.

Why Engage in Wider Reading?

Wider reading is an invaluable asset for a strong university or apprenticeship application. It prepares you for the demands of higher education, where independent reading is essential. Engaging in wider reading improves your ability to analyse texts deeply, broadens your vocabulary, and showcases your dedication to learning.

Reading broadly within your chosen field signals commitment and initiative, qualities that universities value in applicants. Super-curricular activities like this make your application stand out, showing that you go beyond the standard curriculum. For example, one of our medical applicants highlighted this in their UCAS personal statement:

“Reading Oliver Sacks’ The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat captivated me and expanded my understanding of rare neurological disorders.”

Benefits Beyond the Classroom

While GCSEs and A-levels provide a foundational understanding, wider reading allows you to explore multiple interpretations and gain a deeper perspective. Revisiting topics from different viewpoints not only reflects intellectual curiosity but also shows a willingness to broaden your horizons—an asset for competitive courses. One of our History students captured this benefit well:

“Reading Burckhardt’s Civilisation in the Italian Renaissance painted a vivid picture of the birth of individuality and human consciousness, highlighting how creative expression flourished under the patronage of rulers like those in Florence.”

In Summary

Wider reading helps you develop well-rounded opinions and a genuine passion for your subjects, enhancing your applications and enriching your contributions in academic or professional settings. But most importantly, it’s enjoyable—so dive into topics that interest you, and have fun learning!