14 UNITE STUDENTS | APPLICANT INDEX SURVEY | 2022 THEMATIC ANALYSIS BACK T O T H EMES *For this question, agreement indicates a negative response; the score for this question was reversed when calculating the index score. Overall, applicants show a high level of confidence about their course choice, their ability to learn and to complete their course. However, there are some signs of “imposter syndrome” with 37% agreeing that they will struggle to keep up with other students on their course. Female students show a higher level of agreement that their course is a good fit for them. Asian/Asian British students have a lower level of agreement than average, as do international students. As there is a crossover between these two categories, this suggests that international students from Asian countries may have a lower level of personal affinity for their chosen degree subject. Asian/Asian British students are more likely to believe that they will struggle to keep up with others on their course, and international students are less likely to believe that they will complete their course. Care experienced and estranged students, and students with a disability, are also less confident in their ability to complete their course. LEARNING 71 The Learning score measures academic confidence among the cohort, combined with the level of comfort with course choice. *I think I will struggle to keep up with other students on my course I am sure I will complete my course I’m confident I can learn the knowledge and skills needed for my course ■ Strong disagreement ■ Moderate disagreement ■ Neutral ■ Moderate agreement ■ Strong agreement My chosen course is a good fit for me 0 100 80 50 20 90 60 30 70 40 10 Figure 10 : Breakdown of responses to learning theme questions