UCAS INFORMATION EVENING

1. UCAS INFORMATION EVENING Student Entry 2014

2. Why higher education? *Source: Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, 2006, in Universities UK, Research Report, The Economic Benefits of a Degree • 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 • It can be immense fun!

3. UCAS – Who they are… • Central organisation through which applications are processed for entry to full-time higher education courses in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland • They operate on behalf of all full-time courses at member institutions • Undergraduate degree • Foundation degree • HND / HNC • Diploma / Certificate of higher education

4. When to apply … • Opening date for applications 2014: Mid September 2013 • Oxbridge/Medicine/Veterinary/Dentistry: 15 October 2013 • School deadline for general applications: 23 October 2013 • Final UCAS deadline: 15 January 2014

5. The UCAS Journey

6. How to select a course … There are 4 factors that can influence the way a student selects a course: 1 Career choice. 2 AS/A2 subjects interests. 3 Personal interests. 4 Estimated A2 grades.

8. Availability of course Course content and facilities Size of University University facilities/student life Hobbies and interests Distance from home Impression at Open Days How to select a University …

9. AS A = 60 points B = 50 points C = 40 points D = 30 points E = 20 points A2 A* = 140 points A = 120 points B = 100 points C = 80 points D = 60 points E = 40 points The UCAS Tariff

10. BTEC Subsidiary Diploma D* = 140 D = 120 M = 80 P = 40 BTEC Diploma D*D* = 280 DD = 240 points DM = 200 points MM = 160 points MP = 120 points PP = 80 points BTEC Certificate D = 60 M = 40 P = 20 The UCAS Tariff Extended Project A* = 70 A = 60 B = 50 C = 40 D = 30 E = 20 Students can also acquire points from music theory and practical – grade 6 and above

11. From the home screen scroll down to the parents section

12. How to apply … Following the selection of courses and Universities: • All applications must be made through the UCAS system via Calder VI. • Students can select up to 5 courses/Universities.

13. Prepare a Personal Statement with guidance from the Personal Tutor. • Register and complete an online application with the Personal Tutor. • Submit the form for checking. The Personal Tutor will email students with any alterations that need to be made. • Once all amendments have been made, students must pay school the UCAS fee of £23 (cheques to be made payable to Calder High School). This should be given to Mrs Jones in the sixth form office who will issue a receipt.

14. Personal statement – start early 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 statements should stand out – tutors receive 200 per week!

15. Calder VI Support • All students will receive support in their applications from their Personal Tutor. • References are written by the Personal Tutor. • Additional support is available from Amanda Gregory. • Applicants to Oxbridge, medicine, vetmed and dentistry will receive additional support from tutors, subject staff and Amanda Gregory • Support is available for all aspects of the application process including the final acceptance of a course following the publication of A2 results.

16. Research – it’s free and important to do Find us on: • Start at www.ucas.com • Make sure your son or daughter signs up for a UCAS Card – they’ll get monthly emails and discount on top-name brands. • Research – career options, universities, courses and minimum entry requirements. • Attend a UCAS event – even if your son or daughter doesn’t know what they want to do, speaking to those in the know will help. • Learn from others – student videos • are available to watch at UCAS.tv.

17. How can you support the application process? • Don’t book holidays at key times e.g. results day • Engage with the school – find out opening times and key contacts, use opportunities provided • Support your son or daughter’s managementof their application. • Make sure they read everything they are sent carefully! • Prepare them for living away from home: • Cost of living – paying bills • Independent living skills – cooking and washing. Comforting, proofreading, encouraging, testing, practicing etc Be there...

18. Following the Application Process • Students receive a letter confirming their choices and their personal UCAS number (the AS2 letter). • The UCAS number can help students to track the progress of their application. Students can use the online track service (also an app on iphones/itouch/ipad) • Each University will consider the application made. • UCAS will inform the student of the decision of the University.

19. Some Universities request interviews before places are allocated. • Universities will also send personal invitations for open days directly to the student. • Offers take the form of Conditional Offers, Unconditional Offers or Unsuccessful Applications. • Students select two Universities, one that is held as a firm choice and one as an insurance choice.

20. Replying deadlines

21. Unsuccessful Applicants • Each year over 10,000 students are unsuccessful in all of their applications – this is on the increase. • A service called ‘ucasextra’ is available from 25 February until July for unsuccessful applicants to submit their application to additional Universities where course vacancies are available. • Applicants who have not secured a place through ucasextra or who have decided to reject all of the offers made to them should apply through clearing in August.

22. Gap Year/Deferred Offers • Students who want a gap year should still apply this year. They can defer their entry and be guaranteed a place for 2015 entry. • Universities often look favourably at a gap year as students often return independent, mature and ready for education again. • Students must check with the individual University’s opinion on gap and deferment before they fully decide that this is right for them.

23. An acknowledgement of deferment should be made on the UCAS application form. Gap year can be used for a variety of experiences, earning money to finance University, to gain independence, to gain work experience, to travel. There are many organisations that help students to plan a successful Gap year, e.g. Rank Foundation/GAP Activity Projects/Latitude Students are recommended to carefully consider their plans for a gap year and to mention this on their UCAS application.

24. UCAS INFORMATION EVENING Student Entry 2014

25. http://education.guardian.co.uk/ www.ucas.com www.ucas.com/parents www.studento.com www.opendays.com www.hotcourses.com www.fasttomato.com www.gap-year.com www.gapyeardirectory.co.uk www.yearoutgroup.org www.direct.gov.uk (search for student finance) www.prospects.ac.uk Websites of interest

26. FREE Apps • The Times Higher Education's World University Rankings • UCAS Track app - to help student to track their application

27. If you have any queries please contact: Miss Amanda Gregory 01422 889918 parentenquiry@calderhigh.calderdale.sch.uk