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📕 A2: Grades 10-12 • FUTURE & AMBITIONS

University Applications: What You Need to Know

In this lesson, you'll learn key words for applying to university and practice using 'must' and 'have to' to talk about requirements. You will read, listen, speak, and write about your future plans.

University Applications: What You Need to Know
💬 Warm-up
1 Do you want to go to university after high school? Why or why not?
2 What do you think universities look for in a student?
3 What do you need to do to get into a good university?

🎯 Objectives

  • Learn and use 8 vocabulary words related to university applications.
  • Understand and use 'present simple' and 'must / have to' to describe rules and requirements.
  • Read a short text about what schools look for and answer questions.
  • Discuss and write about preparing for university applications.
In this block:

📚 Vocabulary

1.
apply
"I want to apply to three universities this year."
to make a formal request, usually by filling out a form
2.
admission
"She received admission to her dream school."
permission to enter a school or program
3.
requirement
"One requirement is a high school diploma."
something that is needed or necessary
4.
score
"My test score was high enough for the scholarship."
the number of points you get on a test or exam
5.
major
"He chose biology as his major."
the main subject you study at university
6.
scholarship
"She won a scholarship that pays for her tuition."
money given to a student to help pay for school
7.
interview
"The university asked me to come for an interview."
a formal meeting where you answer questions
8.
essay
"I wrote a personal essay for my application."
a short piece of writing on one subject
🗓️ Friday, 9th October 2026
apply
to make a formal request, usually by filling out a form
admission
permission to enter a school or program
requirement
something that is needed or necessary
score
the number of points you get on a test or exam
major
the main subject you study at university
scholarship
money given to a student to help pay for school
interview
a formal meeting where you answer questions
essay
a short piece of writing on one subject

✍️ Practice

Guess the missing word.
1. She spent two weeks writing her personal essay about her family and dreams.
2. To get into a university, you must fill out an online form and apply before the deadline.
3. She was very happy when she got an email about her admission to the program.
4. He studied hard to improve his test score from 70 to 90.
5. If you get a scholarship , you pay less for tuition.
6. A high school diploma is a basic requirement for most universities.
7. During the interview , they asked me about my hobbies and goals.
8. I haven't decided on a major yet, but I like science subjects.
🗓️ Friday, 9th October 2026
1. She spent two weeks writing her personal essay about her family and dreams.
2. To get into a university, you must fill out an online form and apply before the deadline.
3. She was very happy when she got an email about her admission to the program.
4. He studied hard to improve his test score from 70 to 90.
5. If you get a scholarship , you pay less for tuition.
6. A high school diploma is a basic requirement for most universities.
7. During the interview , they asked me about my hobbies and goals.
8. I haven't decided on a major yet, but I like science subjects.

📖 Reading

What Universities Look For

When you apply to university, the admission office looks at many things. First, they check your test scores. Good scores show you understand your high school subjects. They also look at your grades in your classes. High grades are a big requirement for most schools.

Next, universities read your personal essay. In the essay, you need to say why you want to study a certain major. You can also talk about your interests and experiences. Many schools also ask for an interview. In the interview, you must show you are serious about your education.

Finally, some students apply for a scholarship. A scholarship can help pay for tuition. To get one, you must have high scores and a strong application. Remember, every university has different requirements. You must read each school's website carefully. Good preparation makes the process easier.

Comprehension Questions

1.
What do admission offices check first when you apply?
They check your test scores and grades.
2.
What should you write about in your personal essay?
You should write why you want to study a certain major and talk about your interests.
3.
What happens during an interview?
You must show you are serious about your education.
4.
How can a scholarship help you?
A scholarship can help pay for tuition.
5.
What is the most important thing to remember about requirements?
Every university has different requirements, so you must read each school's website carefully.

🎧 Listening Practice

My University Application Journey

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Listening context

Comprehension Questions

1.
What does Lucy have to do by December?
She has to finish her university applications by December.
2.
What does one university ask for that makes Lucy study hard?
One university asks for a high test score.
3.
What is Lucy writing her personal essay about?
She is writing about why she wants to study science as her major.
4.
Why does Lucy hope to get a scholarship?
Because university is expensive and a scholarship helps pay for it.
5.
How does Lucy feel about interviews?
She gets nervous just thinking about it.

🗣️ Pair Work

Admissions Talk

"Work with a partner. Talk about what makes a strong university application. Use the vocabulary words and 'must' or 'have to'. Take turns asking and answering questions."

👉 Step 1: Ask your partner: What do you think is the most important part of an application? Why? Use one vocabulary word in your answer.

👉 Step 2: Listen to your partner's answer. Then ask another question, for example: Do you think an interview is necessary? Why or why not?

👉 Step 3: Share your own experience or opinion. Use at least two different vocabulary words. Try to use 'must' or 'have to'.

👉 Step 4: After 5 minutes, tell the class one interesting idea from your conversation.

🚀 EnglishDee Tasks

KEYWORDS: apply admission requirement score major scholarship interview essay
✍️ WRITING

Application Prep

Write a short guide (80-100 words) for a friend who wants to apply to university. Use 3 steps. Start each step with 'Step 1:', 'Step 2:', 'Step 3:'. Use 'must' or 'have to' in your steps.

✅ Checklist:
  • Write 80-100 words.
  • Use at least 4 vocabulary words from the lesson.
  • Use 'must' or 'have to' in each step.
  • Organize with numbered steps (Step 1, Step 2, Step 3).
🎙️ SPEAKING

Future Plan

Record a 45-second talk about your plans after high school. Start by saying what you want to do (university, work, travel?). Then describe 1 step you need to take. Use 'must' or 'have to'. Speak clearly and at a natural pace.

✅ Checklist:
  • Record for 45 seconds.
  • Use at least 4 vocabulary words from the lesson.
  • Use 'must' or 'have to' at least once.
  • Include: your plan after high school + one step you have to take.
Helpful Phrases
  • After high school, I want to...
  • I have to apply to...
  • One requirement is...
  • I must get a good score in...
  • My major will probably be...
  • I hope to get a scholarship because...