DESTINATIONS: United Kingdom & Ireland

1. DESTINATIONS: United Kingdom & Ireland Thursday | May 16, 2013 Presentation to Parents Ms. Aleka Bilan Ms. Michelle Chow-Liu

3. Why go to the UK?

4. Why study here? • Excellent higher education system that is recognized and respected all over the world • Multicultural society with English language instruction • Wide variety of types of universities and locations • Urban centers to small towns • Students can specialize in a subject that interests them • Thousands of courses from which to choose • Usually a 3-year course of study

5. Fees • Cost of higher education depends on status – determined by each individual university AFTER time of application • “home” • “EU” • “international” • Fees have increased in last 3 years • For European citizens, usually more affordable fees than North America • Especially in Scotland • international students can often work on a student visa

6. Entry Requirements • Total IB Diploma points • Sometimes includes TOK + EE = 45 maximum points • Research this for each uni, though • If DP Courses, may have to take the SAT • For English B students and non-EU passport holders: IELTS exam • English language proficiency test • Recently required for visa process • Offered in Beijing at the British Council • Register early as places fill up

7. www.ucas.com Application process

8. UCAS Website Counselors guide individual students and parents through each of these specific steps. Lots of very useful information on UCAS.

9. Step 1: Choosing courses Students can use Naviance career tools to answer questions such as: • Which subjects interest me? • What are my academic strengths? • What are my talents outside the classroom? • What career would I like to pursue after university?

10. Choose the best course for you • What type of degree (qualification) does this course offer? • Is it a recognized qualification in your home country? • What are the entry requirements (“other tariff qualifications”)? • What do you study within the course? • Does it follow your chosen career path? • What are the rankings of this course? • What is the university like?

11. Decoding UCAS

12. Other Tariff Qualifications

13. Entry Requirements Bournemouth University – Sports Psychology Imperial College London - Biology

14. Choosing the “best fit” university for you • Does it have the facilities you would like? • How many activities, campus life events are on offer? • Is it in the city or the countryside? • Does it have a campus? • Can you cover the course fees? • Are there student accommodations provided? • What is the cost of living? • Is it close to friends and/or relatives?

15. Other Resources • University websites • Open Days in summer • Higher Education League Tables • The Guardian • The Times • www.unistats.com • British Council website

16. Step 2: ApplyingUCAS Deadline is Jan. 15 • Personal details • Choices of 5 courses (at Universities) • Education • All schools attended and qualifications • IB Diploma courses • or High School Diploma and SAT • Employment • Personal statement upload

17. Personal Statement • Purpose: • Why you are applying for the course(s) • How has your academic history prepared you well for this course? • How will this course help you meet your future career goals? • Counselors: • Lead writing workshops for students • Revise statements individually with students • Have exemplars from various universities

18. Personal Statement Plagiarism is taken seriously by all universities and if you are suspected of copying your personal statement then you run the risk of not being accepted by any of the universities.

19. Teacher Reference Letter (from WAB) • Choose a subject teacher from the area of the chosen course: • How has the student’s academic performance prepared them for university study? • How has the student’s work ethic prepared them for this course in particular? • What types of involvement in school activities relate to proposed course of study?

20. IB Predicted Grades (from WAB) • IB Office asks teachers for university grades in the first semester of G12 • Based on performance in class and on Internal Assessment tasks • Estimate of student’s performance on “best day” of exams • Confidential – sent directly through UCAS to universities • Students can know a range of points • Usually similar to grades on WAB reports/transcript

21. University review process • Admissions “tutors” read the applications at each university • Are professors of that course, not an admissions officer • 1st – does student pass minimum academic requirements? • 2nd – does the Personal Statement present a compelling case that the student is prepared for this course of study? • 3rd – does the Teacher Reference show that the student will be successful?

22. Additional requirements SPECIFIC PROGRAMs

23. Oxbridge Deadline: October 15 Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Can only have 4 choices Required to sit entrance exam After application: could be asked for an interview that is specific to the subject chosen Can choose only Oxford or Cambridge Also apply to a College within the university Submit a copy of the UCAS application directly by post Research if required to submit additional essay, sit an entrance exam or attend an interview. Offered in Shanghai, usually Very competitive for places

24. Art & Design programs • Usually require an art portfolio • Can apply directly to the university • May require students to take a “Foundation” course for 1 year – to improve their skills to enter the degree program

25. Step 3: Offers • Unconditional offer • You have met all the academic requirements and your place the university is happy to accept you. • Conditional offer • The university will offer you a place if you meet certain exam points requirements. • Denial • Due to the competition for places in that course, your citizenship status, your predicted grades, etc., the university will not offer you a place at this time. • You may re-apply in the next year.

26. Step 4: Exam Results • Students ask Guidance Office to request that results are sent • Use student UCAS application # • IBO sends directly to UCAS on July 5 • Sent to universities IF student earns minimum points on offer, then confirms attendance. Also OK to defer for a gap year or national service at this time. - ask the university to confirm

27. Summary of the Process • Conduct research on courses and universities • Register online with UCAS “Apply” • Use WAB “buzzword” • Complete application and pay application fee • WAB Counselor adds teacher reference and IB Predicted Grades • Counselor submits application electronically to UCAS by deadline • Oct 15 or Jan 15 • UCAS forwards to chosen universities • Universities submit decisions (offer or deny) • View offers/decisions on UCAS “Track” • Applicant replies to offers on Track • Firm • Insurance • Universities confirm places when results are released • July 6

28. How can parents help? • Research: • Ask questions about the courses • Ask about the universities • Keep students realistic (apply to a variety of courses, based on points and specific entry requirements) • University Open Days: • Dates can be found on the University websites • Application: • Proofreading the contact details, etc. • Reviewing the Personal Statement

29. http://www.educationireland.ie/ ireland

30. Another strong option for WAB students

31. Questions?