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University Information Evening 2014. Why Higher E ducation?. Increase potential earnings * Better career prospects Benefit the wider community Social and cultural reasons More independence, self-confidence and responsibility Personal challenge Broadens interests and knowledge
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Why Higher Education? • Increase potential earnings* • Better career prospects • Benefit the wider community • Social and cultural reasons • More independence, self-confidence and responsibility • Personal challenge • Broadens interests and knowledge • Better health *Source: Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, 2006, in Universities UK, Research Report, The Economic Benefits of a Degree
The UCAS Journey • Exploring their options • Deciding on a subject and on universities • Checking the entry requirements for each • Completing and sending the online application • Waiting to hear back from the universities • Replying to any offers, • Checking that they meet the entry conditions* • Making sure of finance, accommodation and materials to start the course.
How You Can Help • Assist with their research • Open Days • Proofreading their personal statement • Help them consider their offers • Motivating them to achieve their offers • Preparing them for living away from home • Results Day Support*
The Process at Campion • Registration and personal statements – June – July 2014 • Final UCAS deadline for Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry and Oxbridge applications – 15th October 2014 • Completion – by Autumn half term 2014 • Final UCAS deadline – 15th January 2015.
Choosing the Course & University • What do you like and/or do well in? • What do you need for your career? • Where do you want to study? • How do you want to be assessed? • What grades are you likely to get?
Other things to consider Work experience / Placements / Sandwich Course Study abroad Career prospects Finance – course fees, grants, travel and living costs Travel – to and from home Accommodation – university halls or private residences?
Making the application Apply is the UCAS online application system. Every applicant has six sections to complete: • Personal details • Student finance (UK and EU only) • Choices • Education • Employment • Personal statement. • The school has a very thorough checking process • Once a student submits their final application and payment has been made, the school’s reference is completed and it is sent to UCAS which passes it on to the university.
Decision-Making by Institutions • Universities and colleges will review: • Personal statement • Reference • Qualifications • Admissions test results • Interviews • Portfolios • Auditions • An admissions tutor may make one of three decisions: • Unconditional offer • Conditional offer (e.g. ABB or 300 points from 3 A Levels • Unsuccessful.
AS and A2 Levels A2 EXAMS AS EXAMS • Grade A = 60 UCAS points • Grade B = 50 UCAS points • Grade C = 40 UCAS points • Grade D = 30 UCAS points • Grade E = 20 UCAS points • Grade A*= 140 UCAS points • Grade A = 120 UCAS points • Grade B = 100 UCAS points • Grade C = 80 UCAS points • Grade D = 60 UCAS points • Grade E = 40 UCAS points BTEC Distinction = 120 points (Grade A) Merit = 80 points (Grade C) Pass = 40 points (Grade E)
How to improve their chances? • Read • EPQ • Get involved • University Taster days • Work experience • Teachers • Open days • UKCAT, BMAT, LNAT, STEP Tests • Timing
Personal Statement – Start Early Personal statements should stand out – admissions tutors receive 200 per week! Personal statements are so important, make sure your son or daughter includes: • academic achievements, past and present • interests in the chosen subject area • knowledge of the subject and enthusiasm to go beyond the syllabus • what they enjoy about studying • details of their independent study skills. The questions universities and colleges will ask: • have they chosen the right subject for the right reasons? • do they have a range of interests? • does the personal statement confirm their interest in the subject? • have they studied independently? • are they motivated and committed? • do they possess good numeracy and literacy skills?
Personal Statement Basic Structure* Paragraph 1: Introductory Paragraph – What you would like to study and a little bit about why. Paragraph 2: Main academic paragraph – What you are studying now, demonstrating genuine ability, interest and the skills and qualities to meet the requirements of the course. Self awareness may be relevant as well. Paragraph 3: Extra-curricular e.g. sports, music part-time employment. Try to link it. Paragraph 4: Short concluding paragraph leaving the tutor in no doubt about your conviction, commitment and ability to enjoy and do well. *This structure is advised, but variation is possible, you just need to impress.
UCAS SYSTEM • Your son or daughter can make up to five choices in one application • UCAS pass on the applications to each university • The 2015 applicant fee is: • £23 • ‘Invisibility’ – universities cannot see where else students have applied.
UCAS Choices • Medicine = 4 + 1 choices • Law = 1 choice should not require LNAT • All others = 5 choices Following Offers • Decision of your two preferred choices* • Called “Firm” and “Insurance” offers