How to apply – The UCAS System

1. How to apply – The UCAS System Kiran Pharwaha

2. Talk Content • Background • The application process • What to do next? • What can parents/guardians do? • Questions

3. Why start planning now? • Application timetable • Competition for places • Skills/Experience • Time for research • Thorough: avoid mistakes

4. Why plan early? Give careful consideration of the subject you would study for 3 years Research the chosen universities: • Is the course right for me? • Do I have the grades/subjects to enrol on the courses I am interested in? • Will my individual needs be met? • Will I be happy in University X?

5. The Timetable: Year 12 • Start researching course choices • Attend Higher Education Fair – 27 March • Order prospectuses • Register for admissions tests • Work experience • Volunteering

6. The Timetable: Year 13 • Submit application to UCAS and Student Finance England • Prepare for interviews • Visit institutions/ Virtual tours • Make Firm and Insurance choices • Take exams • Check UCAS Track on Results Day • Confirm place at your chosen university

7. Some statistics… • There are over 300 institutions in the UCAS scheme • 40,000 degree courses in the UCAS system • 558,898 applicants for 2013 entry –up 3.5% on 2012 • 17,596home/EU UG applications to KeeleUniversity, up 2.05% with 7,964 holding offers

8. Total applications to UCAS These subject areas received the greatest number of applications: • Law • Business and Admin Studies • Subjects allied to Medicine • Biological Sciences • Engineering • Social Studies • Creative Arts and Design

9. Entry Requirements It is the price to secure a place at university. You must check you have the correct qualifications: • GCSE • AS or A-level/BTEC/or equivalent • Admissions tests (UKCAT)

10. Entry Requirements • Work and voluntary experience • Reference from Head of Sixth Form based on work done in Year 12 • Some A-level subjects are NOT accepted: Critical Thinking/ General Studies – please make sure you check before applying

11. Variation between Universities Psychology Sheffield – AAB Southampton Solent University – 240 Tariff Points Law Keele University – ABB Hertfordshire – 320 Tariff Points

12. What is UCAS? • Universities and Colleges Admissions Service • Only way to apply for undergraduate courses • UCAS does not accept or reject applicants • Range of services to students, schools/colleges, parents, universities • www.ucas.com

14. The UCAS apply system • Apply online • Easy to use • Apply for up to 5 institutions/courses • Medicine, Dentistry, Vet Science – only four choices plus alternative course • Oxford/Cambridge – different application deadlines • No preference at the first instance

15. June 1 September 15 October 15 January 30 June Release of UCAS Apply Applications can be sent to UCAS Medicine, Veterinary and Dentistry Oxford or Cambridge universities ‘On time’ application deadline Applications after this date held for Clearing Key dates

16. The UCAS apply system • The application fee for the UCAS service is £23 for two or more choices or £12 for a single choice • You are given a personal ID which you should keep safe and memorise (UCAS ID number) • Track • Extra • Clearing

17. Track Track is an online system that allows you to follow the progress of your application. You can see what's happening with your application, whether you've received any offers and the replies you've made. UCAS will send you a welcome letter after they have processed your application– you can then use Track.

18. Personal Statement • Why do you want to study the chosen subject? • What is stimulating and interesting? • What abilities/motivations/knowledge you have? • Career goals/aspirations? • Skills: work experience, responsibility positions, social interests. • Plans for a year out (if any)

19. Reference • Comes from Head of Sixth Form/College • Background information about school/college • Academic achievements • Predicted grades • Suitability for HE • Evidence of commitment to chosen area of study • Personal qualities • Extenuating circumstances

20. Once the form is sent… UCAS sends info to the universities Universities check: • Correct details? • Highlight issues • Qualifications obtained/ to be obtained • Interviews

21. What universities look for? • Entry requirements met? • Results already obtained • Predicted grades • Out of school activities / experience • Interviews/Admission Test Results • Motivation • Knowledge of the subject • Extenuating circumstances • Skills useful to study e.g.communication

22. Decision Made by admissions tutors • Conditional – achieve the required grade/points to gain your place • Unconditional – conditions already met • Track your progress through Track • Select CF (Firm) and CI (Insurance)

23. Further Information • www.ucas.com • www.nus.org.uk • www.keele.ac.uk and www.staffs.ac.uk • www.direct.gov.uk • Prospectus/subject leaflets • Attend HE fair and Open Days

24. Parents/guardians can… • Encourage to be realistic • Encourage research • Check course info • Support in finding work/voluntary experience • Encourage to ring if there are problems • Read through the UCAS form to check for errors • Remind of deadlines • Note UCAS Personal ID number

25. Questions? If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask……. Thank you!