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Studying in English speaking universities and the art of applying. 2012. Why study in the English speaking world?. Selective system Small group teaching Low drop out rates Fixed length of study Progression to international post-graduate study. Where to study within a country?.
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Studying in English speaking universities and the art of applying 2012
Why study in the English speaking world? • Selective system • Small group teaching • Low drop out rates • Fixed length of study • Progression to international post-graduate study
Where to study within a country? • Large city or small town rural area • Cost of living • University/campus location • Academic and social facilities • Accommodation facilities and costs
Using essential information sources • Ucas: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service • Ucas is the central organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges • You can apply for five courses (4 courses for medicine) at the same time • Accurate self-assessment in relation to course: see grade equivalence sheet • 22 pounds for multiple applications/7 pounds for single application • collegeboard.com and Canadian universities • Using the ucas website
Ucas and other deadlines • 15 October deadline for applications to Oxford and Cambridge • 15 October for: medicine; dentistry; veterinary medicine/science • 15 January is the main deadline for all other applications • Entrance exams • Timelines: school based dates
Application forms and self profiling • Personal statement – be very careful about age • Academic history • List your achieved and pending French qualifications and GCSEs • UK universities are familiar with French school system/grades • English language qualifications: C grade at English GCSE and OIB bi-lingualism • Essays and self-presentation
Personal statement • Read the course requirements on university website via ucas and respond • Show enthusiasm • Balance if applying to different areas: check with university for any underlying criteria they may have • Don’t alienate different institutions • Extras: stages; skills; reading; work experience. • TPE: very important • Start now!!!!!!
Personal statement (cont) • The opportunity to sell yourself • Good introduction • Clear structure • Positive messages • Strong ending – idea of a future career/readiness for university • NO PLAGIARISM OF ANY SORT
The reference • The reference should support your application • You are responsible for its input: not the referee • Various sources: bulletins; teacher profiles; students; outside activity leaders and teachers.
What happens to the form? • Transmitted live online to UCAS or to American universities; by mail to Canadian universities • Sent to admissions office at universities • Forwarded to departmental admissions tutors to make decision • Offer/Shortlist/Reject • Universities inform ucas • Ucas informs you • American and Canadian inform you directly
What universities are looking for • Students who will be interesting to teach • Motivation • Dedication • Students who meet the entry requirements: balance between self-knowledge and ambition
Exchange schemes • Check with your institution if an exchange agreement with European or world universities institution exists • Particularly appropriate for bi-lingual students • Erasmus most well known at the moment • Apply through your home institution • Details on tuition fees, transferability of credits, Erasmus grants etc are linked to individual programmes
Study abroad/ visiting students • For students who are interested in studying at a UK institution, but where no Erasmus link is available • Check individual websites for more information, entry requirements and English language qualifications
Tuition fees and living costs • www.studentloans.gov.uk • www.direct.gov.uk • Browne report • Next year: student fees rise from £3,200 to a max. of £9,000 • With student loan, this can be paid back at 9% of any income over £21,000 • EU countries outside UK do not incorporate this into their taxes • Student loan company ask for an Overseas Incomes Assessment form • Initial reports on applications this year suggest that apps. down 12% at end of October
Useful contacts • www.ucas.com • Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills www.dius.gov.uk
Finally… • Any questions??