Year 12 Higher Education Evening 24 th February What Parents and Students need to know for a Successful Higher Education Application

Transcription

1 Year 12 Higher Education Evening 24 th February 2016 What Parents and Students need to know for a Successful Higher Education Application

2 Higher Education Why consider University? Student Finance How do I apply?

3 For A degree can lead to increased earning potential, a wider range of opportunities and a more rewarding career. graduates still earn almost 10,000 a year more than people without degrees - though the highest earners are those with postgraduate qualifications. (BBC website, 2015) New experiences New opportunities A transition between school and work

4 For University or college lets you experience a rich cultural and social scene, meeting a variety of people while studying something you love. Alternatively an opportunity to learn new things and getting to where you want to be. A degree could help you take charge of your future by building transferable skills and confidence.

5 Against Delays earning money Financial concerns Pressure on parents finances You may have had enough of academic study You may want time off before you decide - consider a Gap Year. School leavers programmes/degree apprenticeships many large firms are offering appealing school leavers employment opportunities.

6 Things To Consider Study for enjoyment vs study for a Job Course content note the importance of with vs and What are the options beyond Year 1 How will I be taught? How much contact time? How will I be assessed? Student body make-up? Drop out rates and employment rates Year in Industry options?

7 Things To Consider Will I need to buy extras? (Cost?) Locations, Venues, Weather! Transport Links Academic Facilities Campus, Town, City, College? Accommodation Support mechanisms Sporting/Enrichment Facilities

8 Words of Advice Don t take university league tables as gospel for one thing they are all different If you re looking for independent information you might want to visit and Look carefully at the new universities for many subjects they offer really excellent courses and teaching In competitive areas like Medicine, English and Law make sure you apply for a spread of universities and typical offers never focus only on the most prestigious ones.

9 University information Informed Choices latest useful information including subjects required for different degree courses has information on careers, university profiles, league tables by region, advice on choosing the right course/university

10 The Russell Group

11 The Russell Group of Universities University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Cambridge Cardiff University Durham University University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Glasgow Imperial College London King s College London University of Leeds University of Liverpool London School of Economics & Political Science University of Manchester Newcastle University University of Nottingham University of Oxford Queen Mary University of London Queen s University Belfast University of Sheffield University of Southampton University College London University of Warwick University of York

12 Research Research, research and yes, you ve guessed it, more research. USEFUL WEBSITES

13 The Application Process

14 APPLY the UCAS Internet Applications System Completed online with a password The student can work from any online computer The system administrator can check on the student s progress at any stage The completed application is sent online to UCAS Students can follow the progress of their application through UCAS Track The UCAS form is the responsibility of the student; we will advise, but what goes on the form is up to the student.

15 UCAS University Choices The number of University choices is 5*. Individual universities do not see the student s other choices Payment to UCAS by debit or credit card. Cost in was *Medicine, Vet Science/Medicine, Dentistry only 4

16 Additional Tests BMAT - for certain Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and related courses UKCAT - for Medicine or Dentistry LNAT - for Law STEP - for Mathematics

17 Admissions Tests Some universities may have additional admissions tests for certain courses or may require Portfolios of work to be produced. Both Oxford and Cambridge (new this year) have additional admissions tests.

18 The UCAS Form This has sections on the following: Personal Details Universities and Courses applying for Qualifications Jobs and Work Experience Personal Statement School Reference Most Universities will not interview you prior to giving you an offer, therefore this is all they will see!!

19 The UCAS Process End of June/early July. Year 12 off timetable after their exams. Talk from an Admissions tutor and advice on writing Personal Statements. July September. Continue working on UCAS application during summer and tutor time in school so that the form is ready as early as possible in the Autumn term of Year 13 UCAS forms checked and corrected and references added: 2-3 week process.

20 Key Dates 15 October 2016: Deadline for Oxbridge, Veterinary Medicine/Science, Medicine, Dentistry applications 15 January 2017: Final UCAS deadline Sir Roger Manwood s Applications should be completed by December 2 nd 2016

21 University Replies Correspondence is always through UCAS. There may be an invitation to attend an interview, open day, audition or submit a portfolio. Most offers will be conditional on gaining certain grades or points at A level eg. AAB/ 340 points* You follow the progress of your application on UCAS Track. When all offers are received you will need to fix on a firm and an insurance offer. The insurance choice should be a sensible, back up choice with lower grade requirements. If you fail to reach your offers you can go through EXTRA and then CLEARING.

22 Size bands Four size bands ensure existing size relationships between qualifications are maintained whilst not over-emphasising the importance of size. Size band GLH/NLH Qualifications included GLH/NLH 1 < 120 Free Standing Mathematics Qualifications IB Theory of Knowledge IB Extended Essay Extended Project Qualification AS BTEC (QCF) L3 Certificate IB Standard Certificate Scottish Higher Scottish Advanced Higher A level IB Higher Certificate BTEC (QCF) L3 Subsidiary Diploma Pre-U Principal Subject

23 Grade bands A finite grade scale has been established for Level 3/SCQF Level 6 qualifications, providing 12 grade bands that all qualifications can be mapped to. Grade points A level AS (new Tariff) Scottish Highers Scottish Advanced Highers 14 A* A A B 11 A 10 B A C 9 B 8 C B D 7 C 6 D C 5 D D 4 E 3 E

24 The new Tariff points The Tariff tables show the new Tariff points, plus the awarding organisations that offer the qualification. The size and grade bands are also shown. These bands determine the total points. The full calculation for each qualification is shown in the qualifications list, which is a technical document primarily aimed at higher education providers.

25 Extended Project GCE & VCE AS- Levels GCE & VCE A- Levels Tariff A* 56 A 48 B 40 C 32 A* 28 A D 24 B A 20 C B E 16 D C 12 D 10 E 8 E 07/03/2016 6

26 Personal Statement The most important section of the form Main emphasis should be academic Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm, aptitude and suitability for chosen course Relevant work experience should be included This is an opportunity for applicants to sell themselves Form Tutors will give guidance

27 Crucial Advice! Make sure you have the right experience, reading and focus for the course you apply for. Get on with your application - it can enhance your chances of success to be ahead of the crowd. Attend Open Days. You need to find out whether you prefer a campus or a city-based university before you make your UCAS choices. Be realistic. Only apply for those courses with the grade requirements that you are predicted to achieve.

28 Role of Parents Please: Encourage Be patient Act as a sounding board Discuss prospective visits, finances, etc Contact us if you have any concerns Reinforce deadlines