Applying to University. The UCAS Process

Transcription

1 Applying to University The UCAS Process

2 Introduction Some key facts The UCAS application form Key deadlines Selection methods Choosing a course and a university Types of course Action points The personal statement

3 Some key facts The median graduate starting salary was in 2015 (85% higher than non-graduates). (Source: High Fliers Research 2015) Currently around 9 in 10 UK graduates find work within six months of leaving university. (Source: e4s 2015) Lifetime earnings premium of for graduates. (Source: Adzuna 2014) Approximately 60% of all graduate jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. (Source: AGR 2015) The skills most desired by employers are: problem solving, teamwork and oral communication. Higher education improves these skills. (Source: AGR 2013)

4 The UCAS application form: basic details Personal details (inc. address, nationality, fee code) Course and university choice Qualifications and grades (AS, GCSE) Personal statement School reference and predicted grades 24 to apply to 2 or more courses, 13 to apply for 1 course

5 UCAS deadlines 15/09/16 for Oxbridge, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Veterinary Medicine & Dentistry. 30/11/16 for all other applicants. Apply early to avoid the rush! The best applicants usually apply early and the universities know this. They will make offers as soon as applications arrive.

6 Competition for places Competition can be severe, partly because of widening HE participation, A level grade inflation & withdrawal of some courses Popular courses such as Law and Psychology can have 15+ applicants per place e.g. English at Bristol University: 1500 applicants for 50 places Tuition fee changes have not reduced applications

7 Selection methods UCAS application form Additional tests Examples of written work Special test, e.g. BMAT, UKCAT, LNAT Interview The majority only use the first method Better universities are usually oversubscribed and are therefore selecting universities rather than recruiting universities

8 Selection methods Predicted grades ABILITY Knowledge & understanding Aptitude tests POTENTIAL Reasoning & thinking skills Personal statement (& interview) MOTIVATION Attitude & approach to learning

9 The UCAS application form: advice Research your university and course choices carefully Submit your UCAS form early Make good use of the UCAS website, university websites, other websites & the Sixth Form Careers Resources Get advice from teachers

10 Choosing a university Prestige Course Facilities Location Size Accommodation Graduate employment record Teaching quality Ranking in guide books and websites (e.g. thecompleteuniversityguide.com, whatuni.com) Costs & finance (e.g. tuition fees, bursaries)

11 Choosing a course There are many different types of degree courses available: Full-time honours degree: 3 or 4 years, industrial placement/year abroad, foundation year Focus: single honours, joint honours Subject: academic, vocational, new Flexibility: modules, electives, coursework v. exams, lectures v. tutorials

12 The UCAS website The entry profile on the UCAS website contains essential information for each course Details about the course Required qualifications Person specifications Typical offers made High grade offers usually reflect the popularity of the course Your predicted grades should be at, above (or very close) to the typical offer

13 UCAS Apply 17 Online application system Buzzword Blackburn Password and user name DO NOT lose them Log on anywhere Online help UCAS will send your form to all of the universities to which you have applied You will be given a UCAS track password DO NOT lose it

14 UCAS decisions Conditional offer Usually made on the basis of 3 A level grades (e.g. BBC, including B in Maths), or points (e.g. 112 points) Rejection Unconditional offer Offer a place on an alternative course

15 The UCAS tariff AS grade Points A level grade - - A* 56 A 20 A 48 B 16 B 40 C 12 C 32 D 10 D 24 E 6 E 16 Points Example offer: 136 points from 3 A levels

16 Using the UCAS tariff Sometimes you will be allowed to count AS subjects not taken on to A2 in your total score Example: Lower Sixth: Upper Sixth: AS Maths B A2 Maths B AS Law A A2 Law B AS History C A2 History C AS Music C UCAS tariff = 112 points from 3 A levels OR 124 points (inc.as grades)

17 Your response Wait until you ve heard from all of your universities You can accept one or two offers: Firm acceptance (F) Insurance acceptance (I) Decline (D) You must respond within the UCAS deadline. (Earliest deadline is May 2017)

18 Action to take NOW Research universities and courses Investigate the UCAS website Investigate other websites such as: Fill out basic details on the UCAS application form Start work on your personal statement

19 Personal Statement This section is very important to universities and admissions tutors. Consider it to be an electronic interview. Approximately 500 words 70% academic & 30% other skills YOU MUST CONVEY A GENUINE INTEREST IN YOUR CHOSEN SUBJECT

20 Competitive Courses Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Law, courses at Oxford University and Cambridge University Students applying for these courses receive extra information, advice and guidance

21 Final thoughts Good luck with your application and remember: the early bird catches the worm!