A Parent’s Guide to Higher Education

1. A Parent’s Guide to Higher Education • Kirsty Matthews: Head of Sixth Form

2. Objectives • After this presentation you will: • Have an overview of a variety of Higher Education routes • Have considered Higher Education costs and sources of funding • Understand basic UCAS (University and College Admissions Service) application processes, key dates and services • Know where to find out more detailed information about UCAS • Have insight into the importance of the applicant’s personal statement

3. Main options for getting a degree • Full-time university courses (3 years +) – over 100 institutions in the UK. • Foundation degrees (usually 2 years) – at universities and Further Education courses, including Exeter College and South Devon College. • Distance learning (get a job plus study at your own pace, module by module) – mainly through the Open University. • Employer-sponsored degrees – some organisations will pay for their employees to complete university courses

4. How much does HE cost? • From September 2012, universities will be able to charge up to £9000 per year in tuition fees. • This does not include living costs such as accommodation, food, textbooks and social life. • The following example is based on estimates by Exeter University.

5. One year at university... • £9000 tuition fees • £4500 room in catered hall of residence • £300 books/equipment • £900 food & drink, toiletries, haircuts • £190 clubs, societies, sports • £200 clothing • £150 TV licence • £150 travelling • £300 telephone, internet • £1085 socialising! • Total = £16775

6. However... • Tuition fees do not have to be paid upfront • Students take out a tuition fee loan, to cover the full yearly amount • They only pay this back once they are in employment and earning over £21000* per year (*subject to parliament approval) • There are also loans available for living costs (amounts depend on parental income) • Grants are also available for some students- these do not need to be repaid. • Universities may give out grants, bursaries and scholarships – check each university website.

7. South Dartmoor Community College Guide to UCAS

8. The role of UCAS • UCAS exists to bring clarity and cohesion to the process of applying for a full-time UK HE course • UCAS is also an important source of factual information about choosing what and where to study

9. Electronic research • UCAS website can help with: • Stamford Test • Course Search • Entry Profiles • Entry Requirements • Bursary and scholarship comparator • Links to HE websites • www.ucas.com

10. Entry Profiles • Provide clear, up to date information about undergraduate courses • Same course title (e.g. nursing) – different experience • Invaluable source of information about entry requirements • Bursary and scholarship comparator

11. Key features of admissions scheme • Number of choices • Every applicant may make up to five choices for standard registration fee of £21.00 • Some subject restrictions: • Dentistry, Medicine or • Veterinary - max. 4 choices

12. Key features of admissions scheme • When to apply • 1 September - Annual opening date for applications • 15 October - Closing date for Oxbridge/Dentistry • Medicine & Veterinary • 15 January - Advisory closing • date for UK students • 24 March - Closing date for some Art and Design Courses

13. Apply

14. Key features of admissions scheme • University and college decisions • Admissions tutors can make one of three decisions: • Conditional Offer • Unconditional Offer • Unsuccessful

15. Key features of admissions scheme • Conditional offers • Expressed in: • UCAS Tariff points • or • grades e.g. BCC in A levels, or MPP in BTEC • ND • or a combination of both (e.g. 260 points, including a B inMathematics)

16. Key features of admissions scheme • Replying to offers • A maximum of two offers may be held after all final decisions have been made • Applicant can make one of three replies: • F = firm acceptance • I = insurance acceptance • D = decline

17. Key features of admissions scheme • If an applicant has no offers… • Two further stages to gain a place: • UCAS Extra (mid-March – end of June) • Clearing (mid-August onwards, for A level students)

18. Key features of admissions scheme • Track • Enables students to follow the progress of their applications (access via password) • Quickest way to find out about new offers • Students can reply to offers online

20. Key feature of admissions system • Confirmation • Exam results are issued (e.g. A levels mid-August, BTEC ND in July) • Admissions staff check if applicant has matched the conditions of the offer • If yes, the student will be sent an official confirmation of their place • Time to celebrate!!

21. The personal statement The only part of the application where applicants have the freedom to tell the HE selector: all about themselves in their own words compete with other applicants

22. The personal statement • Extra evidence to help HE selectors make decisions … … and hence make an offer • Important for both selecting and recruiting courses • Assume that admissions tutors will read it • In many cases it will substitute for an interview

23. The personal statement • Refer to proposed career • Indicate relevant experience, work, skills and interests – emphasis on what they have got out of the experience • List achievement of all kinds not listed as qualifications eg sports, Duke of Edinburgh, adventure activities,HE summer school,Young Enterprise • Can optionally give unit information

24. Support resources for students and parents • South Dartmoor Community College Help Pack, Summer 2011. Available via website and moodle 6th form general resources page • 6th form tutors, deputy head of 6th form, head of 6th form and leader of post 16 entitlement • Connexions and careers library • UCAS website: www.ucas.com and university websites • University open days • University admissions departments • HE notice board at Place House • Be wary of website offering help with personal statements! UCAS run sophisticated software to detect plaigarism.

25. Questions