UCAS – An introduction

1. UCAS – An introduction What do I need to do now?

2. What’s all the fuss about?! • UCAS stands for – University and College Application System • It is an electronic system operated from the following website; www.ucas.com • The entire process is electronic and costs £21 • It is the only way you can apply to Universities.

3. So What Next? • Check out the UCAS website • Complete the Stamford Test • Start to think about Courses • Start to think about Universities • Start to think about your Personal Statement • Complete your UCAS application before 30th September 2011!!!

4. UCAS website • This is found at www.ucas.com • There are several options; stamford test, course search, apply, track and student finance. • You need to have a play with this website ASAP!!!

5. Stamford Test • Are you unsure about what you should be doing? Possible careers? • The Stamford test will provide you with some ideas. • Follow the simple links and answer a number of questions • You will be provided with a number of possible careers or subject choices • Even if the suggestions do not fill you with confidence it is getting you to think about it

6. Courses • If you have an idea about a future career then your choices are limited; you must pick the relevant course • No idea? How about the subject you love the most or are best at? • How about something completely new? • 3 Yr, 4 Yr, Joint, Single, Sandwich • 80% of graduates do not use the degree they took at University in the world of work • Use www.ucas.com to check Universities out • Make sure you visit Universities on Open Days – The Head Girl Team are given the info (You are only allowed to miss 3 days of College through this)

7. Universities • Got a map and a compass, drew 100 mile radius around my home and went North!! • Maybe you are bound by Geography? • The ‘name’ does carry weight • But it is the department that matters • Four Aspects to think about; Course, Social Life, Extra-Curricular, Finance

8. The Personal Statement • This, along with your GCSE & AS grades and predicted A2 Grades, is the most important part of your UCAS application • You are selling yourself • Why have you chosen this course? • What have you already done outside of College to prove this dedication? • You need relevant work experience • Everything you write down should be relevant to your application – the best statements always come back to the subject you are wanting to study

9. NMBEC – The UCAS Route • October 15th – deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine. • January 15th – deadline for UCAS • A few dedicated lessons on UCAS during PSHE • We have this DLD to make real headway • Today you need to complete your personal details, additional information, education and employment • That means you only have the choices and personal statement left.

10. Chloe and charlotte’s Tale of Woe! • Chloe did not complete UCAS until the last minute… • Some courses she picked did not reflect predicted grades • The Personal Statement was rushed and contact time with tutor was limited • She has not got offers from the Unis she wants an is now considering taking an un-necessary year out • Charlotte did not chose an insurance offer and ended up going through clearing

11. The Early Bird Catches the Worm • 50,000 Students in 2010 failed to gain a place at University • You are not just competing against other NMBEC students, rather the whole country • There are a finite number of Uni places • An early strong application is more likely to get you into your chosen Uni • This also means AS exam results are crucial • When your UCAS application is in you can apply for a Home-Study contract