University Entrance – the problems & pitfalls (and how to avoid them!)

1. University Entrance – the problems & pitfalls (and how to avoid them!)

2. Work with the school • Begin discussion in Grade 8/9 (UK Years 9/10) • Explain UK university requirements • Student may need to take extra courses (AP? online?) • Contact your agency TCK education link

3. University entrance 2013 Application process now online: “The system allows you to manage the complete application process by: • monitoring how you are progressing with your applications • creating, editing and approving references • checking, approving and submitting applications • making secure payments.” (www.ucas.com)

4. Explanatory video

5. Start the process early 15th October deadline 24th March deadline Art & Design courses 15th January deadline • Medicine • Dentistry • Veterinary courses • Oxford & Cambridge • All other courses except Art & Design

6. UCAS Tariff • Shows worldwide qualifications and their equivalent in UCAS points (AP, IB) • Three A Levels no longer the only means of entrance • University web sites show points needed for each course

7. Student Finance From Student Finance: • Tuition Fee Loan • Maintenance Loan • Maintenance Grant*(family income <£25,000pa) From universities directly: • National Scholarship Programme * (family income <£25,000pa) * Non refundable

8. UK Resident Status To qualify for student finance as a student from England, you must: • be a UK national or have 'settled status' in the UK (under the terms of the Immigration Act 1971) • be ‘ordinarily resident’ in England • have been 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for the three years immediately before starting the course - and not wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education You’re 'ordinarily resident' somewhere if it’s where you normally live. It doesn’t matter if you’re out of the country temporarily from time to time. (www.direct.gov.uk)

9. Case Studies • What was the issue in this case study? • Where did the difficulties lie? • Could these have been avoided? If so, how? 4. What solution (if any) was found? 5. What lessons can be learned?

10. Pitfalls to avoid on UCAS form • Do NOT tick the OVERSEAS STUDENT box! • Apply as a UK RESIDENT • Check all details very, very carefully BEFORE final submission • Ensure parents have authorised access to student accounts

11. Important points for parents • Get a National Insurance number for your child when they turn 16 • Keep detailed evidence of regular visits to the UK • Ensure parents have authorised access to child’s UCAS/Student Finance accounts • Consider children returning to UK for a summer, prior to starting university

12. Be prepared for…. • Many emails and phone calls to the UK • Considering a foundation year • Possible year at UK Sixth Form? • Need for acculturation back to UK life

13. PRAY! Ask supporters to pray: • For the return of TCKs to the UK • For the university application process • For favourable responses from the “powers that be” in Admissions Offices • For the transition period – both student and parents!