Denis Callaghan & Eta Danagher Guidance Counsellor’s

1. Applying to UCAS Denis Callaghan & Eta Danagher Guidance Counsellor’s

2. Differences: UCAS -v- CAO

3. UCAS • Closing Dates 15 October - Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary and Oxbridge 15 January - All other courses • Web based application system • Important Sections • Choices - up to 5 choices - max. of 4 for Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary • Results - those already taken - those to be completed • Reference

4. Step 1: Research • Research subject of interest • Potential careers with your degree of choice • Entry requirements – be realistic! • University facilities, sports and social clubs

5. Step 1: Research • Every course is different so check for: • Length of course • Study abroad opportunities • Work placements • Unique facilities • Performance in RAE (research) and university rankings like the Times Good University Guide (research and teaching)

6. Step 2: Fill in your UCAS Application Form • Use your 5 choices wisely • Don’t apply to widely differing courses • Don’t apply to the same institution 5 times • Have a trial run • Follow UCAS “How to Apply” instructions • Make use of universities’ web sites for guidance

7. Step 2: Fill in your UCAS Application Form • List all qualifications in Section 7 • Make sure name, school and date of birth are correct • Only fill in date of first entry to the UK where necessary • Be careful of spelling, punctuation and grammar

8. Beware of using personal email addresses • serialkiller@ Applied for Nursing • Murder_man2003@ Applied for Social Work • Stalker_at_work@ Applied for Law • Liam_turns_me_on@ Applicant was called Liam • thongsonawashingline@

9. Why do UCAS make you fill out a Personal Statement? To help you to stand out from the crowd!

10. The Personal Statement • Should be concise • “Why should I be given a place to study x?” • Should sell the applicant • Explain any unusual references or circumstances • Be original

11. The Personal Statement: Why Me? • Why have you chosen this subject? • Which aspects of the course interest you? • Show commitment to the subject • Reading • Work and/or voluntary experience • Additional study • What can you offer to the university?

12. Why have you chosen this subject? • Show passion for the subject “Throughout my education, my interest in studying Law has increased greatly. Not only does it appeal as a subject that will challenge me intellectually but also as one which I believe is central to the future direction of our society…”

13. Which aspects of the course interest you? • Make sure any subjects mentioned are covered in degree modules! “…particularly how the critical decisions that affect our country are made. I am also keen to explore the moral, political and economic implications of such decisions on both individuals and marginalised groups in society.”

14. Show Commitment: Link to Current Studies “…I have very much enjoyed my History A -Level. Studying the battles of the First World War gave me a historical context for some of the texts I subsequently studied in English, as well as developing my analytical and research skills. I hope to build on this as…”

15. Show Commitment: Relevant Experience • Describe work and/or voluntary experience: • Where? • How long? • Why? • What did you learn? • If you couldn’t get relevant experience, explain how you attempted to gain experience and outline any other efforts you have made

16. Show Commitment: Look ahead • How has your experience to date helped you? • How will the skills you have developed help you throughout your university studies? • How will they help you in your chosen career? • Where do you see yourself in years to come? • Specialising in a particular area • Working for a particular organisation

17. What can you offer the University? • Extra – curricular activities • Examples of teamwork and enthusiasm • Outstanding Awards or Achievements • Positions of Responsibility • Skills you will take with you to University Remember! Non-academic - maximum of 25%!

18. Summing Up • Round up statement and end on a positive note “I hope that this personal statement demonstrates that I am an enthusiastic, disciplined and hard working student with a keen interest in current affairs, who would enjoy contributing to all aspects of university life”

19. What are universities looking for? • Relevant academic ability • Motivation • Skills • Relevant experience • Passion and dedication to the subject • Originality • Evidence of literacy • Someone who will be interesting to teach

20. Personal Statement Do’s Do • Research your subjects and universities • Tell the truth • Give examples – show, not just tell • Make sure it has structure – paragraphs, etc • Check your statement

21. Personal Statement Don’ts Don’t • Cover too much – keep it relevant • Write it at the last minute • Rely on spell check • Repeat yourself • Overuse quotations • Use abbreviations, text talk or non-standard English

22. Personal Statement Don’ts Don’t • Forget to demonstrate obvious subject interests • Fail to make full use of the space provided • Mention a particular university if applying to more than one • Lie or plagiarise • Use bullet points or lists • Be too wacky

23. UCAS Choices ABRDN A 2 0 N 4 0 0 MA/Acc Accountancy EDINB E 5 6 M 3 2 0 LLB Law GLASG G 2 0 M N 3 4 BFLS/FLS Financial and Legal Studies QBELF Q 7 5 M 1 0 0 LLB/LAW Law ULS U 2 0 N 1 2 0 J BSc/BusS Business Studies

24. What happens to the form?

25. What happens after you submit your UCAS application form? • Receive 5 responses by May – offer or decline • After receiving your last response, you have a few weeks to make your choice of : • Firm Choice • Insurance Choice (usually lower grade requirements)

26. What happens once you get your results? • In August: • If you received an offer and got your target grades, Congratulations! You’re in! • If you don’t achieve the grades mentioned in your offer, call the University – they will try to get you in • If you didn’t get an offer but achieved the grades, call the University – if they have room, they will give you a space • If you have an offer and achieved better grades than expected, you can apply for new courses if you wish through Adjustment

27. Differences: UCAS -v- CAO