APPLYING TO EXETER University of Exeter Open Day Saturday September 19 th 2009

Applying to Exeter UCAS –Things you need to know… Admissions at the University of Exeter - Entry requirements - Our process: application to admission The Application: - Offer - making process - Personal statement

UCAS–Things you need to know UCAS application deadline – 15 January 2010 Can apply for up to 5 choices Invisibility of choices (UCAS handbook order) All applications now on-line via UCAS apply UCAS Track HEIs make decisions by end of March (C of U) Applicant makes first and insurance choices by beginning May Conditions need to be met by August 31st Confirmation/Clearing/Adjustment

UCAS things you need to know and more…. One chance to sell yourself – same details seen by all 5 choices Qualifications achieved and predicted Personal statement – tips later Academic reference – including contextual info Remember May be competing with others who have same or higher grades Personal statement needs ‘oomph’ Give reasons for deferral request

Admissions at Exeter: Facts and figures Receive annually approximately 24,000 applications in total (up 20% last year) Planned intake for Home/EU is 3,400 Make approximately 15,000 offers Publish offer-range as a guide, but please check up to date entry requirements on the web site Most popular programmes are: English, Business Management, History and Psychology

Admissions at Exeter: Entry qualifications All subjects acceptable except General Studies A level Check specific subject requirements Subject combinations? Must have evidence of English literacy and where appropriate numeracy Other ‘non-A level’ Level 3 qualifications

Our process: Application to Admissions Centralised system - applications handled centrally using criteria still set by academics All applications considered holistically on individual merit Never make decisions based on ‘school type’ -Consider contextual data Gathered field (selective courses)

The Application What an offer is based on: Academic achievement Academic potential Work experience where relevant Personal Statement Reference Interview (rarely)

Offers, etc Unconditional offers Conditional offers - Grades over 3 A levels or equivalent (not tariff) - Inclusive of specific subjects where stated - Inclusive of specific grades where stated - Unit grades not included at offer stage - Extended project welcome (60 tariff points) - AS level taken may be taken into consideration - A* at A level will not form part of offer

What happens next? Offers conveyed via UCAS All visible via UCAS track Invitation to Post Offer Open Day Your decision Accommodation guarantee Communication with you as the applicant Publication of examination results - unit grades - full academic profile

Personal Statements Musts: Free of grammar and spelling mistakes Focussed Convey motivation and enthusiasm 70-80% directly relevant to subject 50 lines (approx 4000 characters) Be checked by tutor or subject teacher

Excellent Personal Statement Clever, high impact opening statement Why you want to study this particular course - two thirds about the subject area - shows passion/knowledge for the subject - demonstrates ability to be independent learner What you can offer? Explain context of social life/achievements – WHY not WHAT? – skills learnt and challenges, setbacks, commitment and motivation ABC rule: Activity/benefit/course-relevant? What you hope to do with your degree

Remember: S ubject orientated H onest A rticulate R elevant for the purpose P assionate

ANY QUESTIONS?