University Application Process Why? What? Where? How? How much?

Why? a strong academic interest in a subject social and academic experience Rich cultural and social scene and academically challenging employment prospects enhanced: flexibility, communication skills, self reliance, ability to learn graduates earn on average 17% - 25% higher salaries this is between £150,000 and £250,000 over a lifetime compared to A’ level students who do not go nothing better to do – High drop out rate !

What to Study? Over 5000 courses available – subjects students currently studying – subjects students have never studied e.g. Criminology, Law, Computer Science, American Studies – combination of subjects e.g. Economics…. and French (50:50)…with French (66:33) – vocational subjects e.g. Physiotherapy, Medicine, Accountancy, Architecture Is my degree choice my future?

Is your degree your future? Degree Subject American Studies American Studies Biology Computer Science Chemistry Geography Economics History and Politics History Maths Mechanical Engineer Theology Job – 15 years on TV producer Lawyer Management consultant Salesperson of laboratory equipment Computer programmer Teacher of chemistry Lawyer Teacher of geography Café owner and diving instructor Investment banker Economist Human resources manager at British Airways Policy-maker in the Home Office Manager of NHS hospital Computer programmer Accountant Aerospace engineer Fundraiser for charity

Where to Study? Over 300 institutions to choose from Location? Anywhere in the UK, stay at home in London (less choice), in a city, countryside, International Size of university? Manchester has 35,000 students, St Andrew’s 6,000 students Facilities available? Type of accommodation ? Halls of residence: Leicester £58-£120, London UCL £80-£260 Renting in the city: Leicester average £60, London UCL average £105 Cost of living? London: £ 260 a week vs Rest of UK: £220

How to Apply? Online application process through UCAS ( Reference A written statement by the SCHOOL (up to 47 lines) Predicted Grades Comments from subject teachers Comments from form tutor and other teachers Contribution in and out of school Overview of your skills and personality Personal Details Education University Choices Personal Statement Student’s statement (up to 47 lines, 4000 characters) Why do you want to do these courses? Interests, Work Experience, Achievements Key skills Apply on-line to UCAS (the university application)

How to Apply – The Competition? Competition More applications than places Over 677,000 applications last year and 200,000 students did not gain places BUT 75% of 18 year olds were offered places 50% of 18 year olds were offered 4 or more places Popular courses can receive 50 applications per place Grade requirements reflect the quality and/or popularity of course e.g. Cambridge require A*AA Medical courses require AAA and significant work experience Courses are available for a range of abilities e.g Law at Wolverhampton requires CCC, Law at LSE requires A*AA

The Offers After receiving their offers students choose a ‘Firm’ and ‘Insurance’ Firm choice –students are agreeing to go if they meet the offer requirement Insurance choice – students are agreeing to go if they meet the offer, having missed out on their firm choice Typical conditional offer is a three grade requirement (eg. ABC grades ) or points offer (e.g. 300 points). A*= 140 points, A=120, B=100, C=80, D=60, E=40 Some offers have other specific requirements The Offer Post-Offer Students receiving no offers can apply to more courses - ‘UCAS Extra’

Results Day – 13 th August 2015 CLEARING PROCESS On the day of the A’ level results students who have not met their firm or insurance offers can ring and apply for any vacant university places available. DO NOT GO ON HOLIDAY OVER THIS PERIOD !!!! Decisions by universities are confirmed on the day - ‘UCAS Track’ Students can use ‘Adjustment’ – if achieved higher grades than their Firm choice then able to look for a ‘better’ course

How much does it cost? Tuition Fees – up to £9,000 a year Living Costs – £ £15,000 a year The ‘average’ Non-London student spends £22,189 a year (London: £23,521) Average Annual Expenditure for Non-London Student – Source: National Union of Students

How much does it cost per week? Accommodation: £60 - £260 a week Food: £40 - £60 Electricity/Gas: £10 Study Materials: £5 - £10 Travel: £0- £30 TV Licence: £3 Mobile / Internet: £10 Entertainment: £20 - £50 Miscellaneous: £20 Living Costs: £168 - £453 per week

Can students get financial help? Tuition Fee Loan - pays the £9,000 a year and is repayable with interest once the student has graduated and is earning over £21,000 Maintenance loan - pays for living costs of up to £7,700 a year. A student’s level of entitlement is dependent on their household income Grant – non-repayable grant given to those on low incomes – up to £3,500 a year Bursaries – non-repayable grant given by university The ‘average’ student receives £14,370 a year through loans and grants. There is an annual shortfall of over £7,000 !? (according to the NUS) Other financial Advice Parents……?! Job…!? Spend Less..!?

9% of your earnings over £21,000 per year taken from salary How do students pay it back? Income each year before tax Income from which 9% is deducted Monthly Repayment (Approx) £21,000£0 £25,000£4,000£30 £30,000£9,000£67 £35,000£14,000£105 £40,000£19,000£142 £45,000£24,000£180 £50,000£29,000£217 £60,000£39,000£292 Written off after 30 years if not paid back

Key Information Oxbridge applicants have a deadline of 15 th Oct. Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science applicants have an early deadline of 15 th Oct. All other courses have a UCAS deadline of 15 th Jan (18.00 GMT )but school deadline of 15 th Dec. Some courses require further tests: i.e. Medicine applicant may need to take the UKCAT, BMAT Law applicant may need to take the LNAT Gap Year students can either apply this year for deferred entry or apply in 2015 Many Art and Design foundation courses require direct application to the college

What is the Support in School? Compulsory fortnightly Careers lessons from January until July Optional ‘Drop-in’ UCAS sessions in September (at least two a week) A full-day of UCAS in June/July Form Tutor sessions - offer advice and will check UCAS reference Dedicated Sixth Form Careers Advisor Recommended that students go on Open Days