Admissions at The University of Nottingham Katharine Burn, Schools Liaison Officer

1. Admissions at The University of NottinghamKatharine Burn, Schools Liaison Officer

2. The University of Nottingham and Hampton School • 2009 Entry 73 Applications- 58 offers • 2008 Entry 78 Applications- 65 offers • 2007 Entry 64 applications -51 offers

3. Admissions at The University of NottinghamFacts and Figures Around 40,000 applications per year Apps per place differ according to the School Physiotherapy - 10 Psychology - 8 English – 7 Chemistry – 6 Civil Engineering - 5 13% mature applications 25% independent sector; 75% state sector

4. Admissions at The University of NottinghamEntry Requirements Differ from School to School Economics - AAA English – AAB including A in English Psychology – AAB and B in GCSE Maths Mech Eng – AAB – BBB including Maths Physiotherapy – ABB including Biological Science/PE Non-tariff based

5. Admissions at The University of NottinghamApplication Cycle Main Application Cycle UCAS Extra Confirmation Accepted on chosen course Offered an alternative course Unsuccessful Clearing

6. Admissions at The University of NottinghamAdmissions Structure Central Admissions Office Science, Engineering, Arts, Social Sciences, Law & Education Medicine, Physio, Biosciences, PGCE separate Development of Centralised Decision Making Pilot for 2003 entry – Built Environment and Mathematics Schwartz Report Expanded for 2005 entry – 16 Schools 2009 entry - 32 Schools

7. Admissions at The University of NottinghamCentralised Decision Making Individual level of service for each School Entry criteria set by individual School Regular meetings with Admissions Tutor Applications referred (where subject-specific knowledge needed) Some applications for high demand courses need to be held until 15 January deadline

8. Admissions at The University of NottinghamCentralised Decision Making - Benefits Applications processed on a regular basis Fairness and consistency ensured Single point of contact for applicants In depth knowledge of qualifications Knowledge of developments in admissions policies and practices

9. Admissions at The University of NottinghamDecision Making Process Varies from School to School Information on UCAS application GCSEs/key skills/Advanced Extension Award Extended project A* grade Unit grades not generally used Online questionnaire – Medicine and Vet Med Additional tests – Law and Medicine Interview Parental experience of HE Care question

10. Personal statements Most important element of the UCAS form The process is all about selling yourself This is your chance to sell yourself to admissions tutors stand out amongst the applications Interviews are becoming less popular due to numbers entering higher education each year More emphasis on personal statements

11. Personal statements What are we looking for? Structure Strong opening paragraph Enthusiasm – people who are eager to learn Motivation for higher education Identify why you want to pursue the degree programme Two subjects? - try and identify a link between the two

12. Personal statements What are we looking for? An understanding of the subject area (evidence of wider reading etc.) Vocational i.e. teaching – a commitment to becoming a teacher and understanding of the role Relevant work experience/interests/hobbies Link to academic study where possible

13. Personal statements What are we looking for? Explanation of subjects and skills learned Explanation of skills learned through hobbies and interests A focus on skills that are relevant Students who are going to contribute something to the university community

14. Admissions at The University of NottinghamUCAS Application Personal Statement Why they have chosen a particular subject What interests them about that subject Any relevant experience Gap year/future plans Extra-curricular activities Encourage honesty Plagiarism Policy Reference Predicted/actual grades Skills in each subject General skills and qualities Extra-curricular activities Extenuating circumstances

15. QUESTIONS???