Applying through UCAS Rosie Brown Education Liaison Officer Wednesday 22nd June 2011

Why choose higher education? To become qualified for your chosen career To improve your chances of getting a fulfilling job To get a better earning potential To meet a variety of people To develop important transferable skills To challenge ideas in a neutral and stimulating environment

Application Cycle

How do I choose a course? Which subjects interest me? What are my talents? What job would I like to do after university or college? Which academic skills would I like to improve?

What is Combined Honours? Pros Cons Variety on course Assessment deadlines may clash Employability Not an ‘easy’ option Additional skills & Requires careful experience balance of workload ‘Diluted’ degree?

How do I choose which university? Look at Entry requirements Look at course content Ask questions at HE Fairs Find out how the course is assessed Visit the universities Look at the facilities

How do I get the most out of Open Days? View the accommodation View the facilities Meet the tutors Meet current students Find out about clubs and societies Find out about entertainment

Where can I study? Over 300 universities and colleges offering higher education programmes Home or away? Live in halls or at home? Campus or city? Large or small?

What is the Personal Statement? It tells your University choices; why you’re applying for your chosen subject why they want you as a student why you’re suitable for your chosen subject It’s your opportunity to make a good impression An opportunity to stand out from the crowd!

What are the Admissions tutors looking for? A genuine interest in the subject and a desire to learn more about it Research into your chosen subject and an understanding of what it involves Qualities and skills that make you suitable for your chosen course and for Higher Education Study

What should I include?

How should I structure it? Powerful introduction What do you want to study? Why? How is your current study preparing you for your chosen course? Work experience that’s relevant to your course choice Other activities that show your qualities and skills Activities that demonstrate your interest in your course Memorable closing statement Where you hope a degree in this subject will lead Underline your desire to study

What happens after I’ve sent it? Application is sent to UCAS UCAS checks for plagiarism using Similarity Detection service UCAS sends your application and Personal Statement to each university Read by admissions tutors/faculty staff A decision is made and sent back to UCAS

Student Finance and budgeting Apply early for your student finance You don't need to have accepted your place. Find out what's available from Student Finance England. Find out what’s available Tuition fee loan, maintenance loan, grants, financial awards, Disabled Student Allowance.

Any Questions…?