Liam Dowson 13 June 2016 The UCAS application process

bristol.ac.uk What is university? Higher Education – study for a degree Normally after you are 18 You have to pay to attend Choose what you study Many people move away from home

bristol.ac.uk What can you study? Over 50,000 courses available at over 150 universities in the UK Subjects you have studied before e.g. Sciences, English, History, Geography Subject you haven’t studied before e.g. Engineering, Geology, Law, Medicine

bristol.ac.uk Be inspired to learn Variable contact hours Independent study Modular system Research

bristol.ac.uk Sounds great… what happens next? RESEARCH!

bristol.ac.uk Students need to make decisions on: -What course they want to study -Where they want to study it This is a huge part of the application process!

bristol.ac.uk Choosing your course What subjects interest you? Broad or specialist? Single or combined honours? Any future career plans?

bristol.ac.uk Choosing your university Remember, courses vary between universities so you must think about the two together

bristol.ac.uk Choosing your university City centre or campus based? Distance from home Size, accommodation, facilities Cost

bristol.ac.uk Doing your research UCAS website UCAS conventions Prospectuses University websites Open days League tables University experiences Key Information Sets – unistats.com

bristol.ac.uk The choice of your course and institution is very personal. Think carefully about what you want to study and what you will enjoy. Don’t be swayed by pressure from friends, parents, teachers etc – you are more likely to succeed if you are enjoying your studies!

bristol.ac.uk How to apply Online through UCAS ( Write 1 application Send to up to 5 choices Apply during first term of year 13

bristol.ac.uk Application timeline (2017 entry) From now onwards – research and visit open days School deadlines September 2016 – UCAS application opens 15 October 2016 – deadline for applications to Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science/Medicine 15 January 2017 – deadline for receipt of applications 24 March 2017 – deadline for some art and design courses May 2017 – all decisions made, decide firm and insurance Mid August – most results known, Confirmation and Clearing September/October 2017 – start at university!

bristol.ac.uk The application Personal details Education and qualifications Employment history Personal statement Teacher’s reference

bristol.ac.uk What are universities looking for? Relevant academic ability Motivation to study Passion for the subject Relevant experience Study skills The whole person

bristol.ac.uk The personal statement One chance to sell yourself Use examples Only 4,000 characters or 47 lines Same one for each choice Spelling, punctuation and grammar Give yourself plenty of time Get it checked Draft, redraft, and redraft again Must be your own work

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The personal statement About ¾ should be subject-based -Passion and enthusiasm for the course -Skills, knowledge and experience About ¼ should be about you as a person -Hobbies and interests -Jobs -Any future plans

bristol.ac.uk SHOW not TELL

bristol.ac.uk Interest in the course e.g. ‘My fascination with the past began when I was introduced to dinosaurs at the age of one. Within months, I knew the names of all the commonly known dinosaurs and their basic behaviours.’ History

bristol.ac.uk Academic studies e.g. ‘While studying for my A levels, my self confidence and public speaking skills have improved tremendously from my Theatre Studies course. I have also developed the ability to interact with different nationalities while studying and speaking German.’ Travel and Tourism

bristol.ac.uk Academic studies e.g. ‘Studying history has given me insight into the historical development of law, for example, understanding the religious changes during Henry VIII's reign helps demonstrate why the Church of England has such a prominent position in English law. Mathematical study has improved my logical and deductive reasoning, enabling me to quickly identify a problem or analyse a certain issue. In chemistry, synthesising observations to recognise a compound is similar to reading a judgment and determining its key facts and arguments.’ Law

bristol.ac.uk Work experience ‘I undertook work experience with a firm of Solicitors followed by a set of Chambers. Seeing the power of advocacy and the dynamism of the work was exhilarating. It consolidated my legal understanding and re-affirmed my commitment to Law.’ Law

bristol.ac.uk University experiences e.g. ‘I attended two residential courses at the University of Nottingham, ‘VetSix’ and ‘VetSim’: sessions ranged from reptiles and exotics to saturing, keyhole surgery and emergency callout simulation, and I attended lectures on parasites, surgical techniques and holistic treatments. I found both courses intriguing and their diversity affirmed my desire to be a vet.’ Veterinary Science

bristol.ac.uk Interests and activities e.g.....‘The Gold Duke of Edinburgh award has given me the opportunity to take on many challenges; the practice and assessed expeditions frequently placing me in demanding situations and allowing me to deal with unusual predicaments and work with a variety of people.’

bristol.ac.uk Conclusion e.g... ‘I believe, without doubt, the veterinary profession is for me. I look forward to the day that I perform my first keyhole surgery.’ Veterinary Science

bristol.ac.uk Russell Group universities Often applications per place Personal statement is crucial Need to show you have done things for yourself Can take a long time for them to get back to you Competitive universities

bristol.ac.uk ‘Every time I go to the dentist we have the same awkward small talk. He asks me what I want to become. I respond that I want to be a lawyer. He then says every time without fail, 'Do you mean a lawyer or a liar?' and chuckles to himself. I want to say to him that the best description of a lawyer is the SiSwati word for it, ummeli-the one who stands for something: stands for the law, stands for the protection and equality that it offers. At this point, however, I cannot say any of this because his hands are in my mouth.’ Law

bristol.ac.uk Admissions statements

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You’ve applied – what next? Applications are read by admissions tutors Possibility of interviews Invitation to visit day Decisions will come through at different times (check UCAS track)

bristol.ac.uk Types of offer Two types of offer: -Unconditional (offer based on qualifications you already have) -Conditional (offer conditional upon you gaining certain grades/points/marks, maybe in particular subjects)

bristol.ac.uk You’ve been accepted – what next? Need to properly research the universities and courses you have been accepted onto Departmental open days/post-offer visit days Make two choices (all others you decline): -Conditional firm (CF) -Conditional insurance (CI)

bristol.ac.uk What if things go wrong? Extra If you don’t get any offers or you reject all your offers, this scheme allows you to have another choice before clearing. You can only apply to courses that still have places. Clearing If you don’t get the grades and your offer is not confirmed you can go through Clearing. This scheme helps students find places that are still available.

bristol.ac.uk Adjustment Scheme to provide a bit of leeway for students who do much better than anticipated For students who meet and exceed the terms of their firm choice offer Applicants may make multiple enquiries but only one formal adjustment transaction Opens on A-level results day, until end of August

Thank you for your time. Any questions?