UCAS

UCAS UCAS stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. It's the centralised service that students use to apply to university. Everyone who wants to study an undergraduate degree in the UK will have to apply through UCAS.

Initial Sign In The UCAS application is completed on line. To access this you need to sign in and you will receive a log on and password. You will be allocated a UCAS reference number and this will be needed if you ever have to contact UCAS. You will be given a buzzword that will link you to Clydebank High.

Getting started https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/ucas-undergraduate-getting-started Open using chrome

1. Decide which course to apply for The important thing is to choose a subject you’ll enjoy that will help you reach your goals. Think about what you enjoy doing day-to-day – maybe this could be part of a future job role. Explore jobsites and graduate careers to look for ideas to work or study towards. Take a look at our subject guides to get an idea of the types of subjects you could study.

To increase your chances of getting a place on a at least one course you get the option of applying to up to five courses at once, usually all in a similar subject so that your application is relevant to all of them. You can only apply maximum of four courses in any one of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science.

2. Choose where to study Some students set their heart on a particular universities, while others just want to choose the course they like the sound of best. Either way is fine, but there are a few things to check first.

When to apply 2018 entry applications can be submitted to UCAS from 6 September 2017. Deadline for application in CHS is 15/12/17.

The exception to this are: Any course at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry. The deadline for these course is 15/10/17

Some course providers require additional admissions tests or interviews to be taken alongside the UCAS application, and these may have a deadline e.g. Law Medicine Some specific courses at some universities have additional tests. Check these at: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting-started/entry-requirements/admissions-tests Open using chrome

Application brief overview Find courses Start to Apply Fill in your details, qualifications and course choices. Write a personal statement to demonstrate you’ll be a good student. Include your reference and pay your application fee. . 

Entry Requirements Each course has different requirements you should have or be working towards in school or college – usually a mix of qualifications, subjects and/or exam grades. When you go to find courses, you’ll need to check the entry requirements so you can apply for courses you have a good chance of getting a place on. This is where the option to apply for up to five courses comes in handy – you can choose courses with higher and lower requirements so that you’ll have a backup. DO NOT APPLY FOR A COURSE IF YOU ARE NOT STUDYING THE CORRECT NUMBER OR LEVEL OF SUBJECTS THAT MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS – YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS COURSE. 

Writing a Personal Statement https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting-started/when-apply/how-write-ucas-undergraduate-personal-statement Open using chrome

You can write up to 4,000 characters of text that show you’d make a great student – so it might take a few redrafts until you’re happy with it.

Course descriptions mention the qualities, skills and experience it’s useful to have for each subject – take note of these to help you decide what to write about. Remember it’s the same personal statement for all the courses you apply to, so avoid mentioning unis and colleges by name. Most students choose similar subjects, but if you’ve chosen a variety, just write about common themes – like problem solving or creativity.

Writing a personal statement – Do’s Do use your best English and don’t let spelling and grammatical errors spoil your statement. • Do show that you know your strengths and can outline your ideas clearly. Use words you know will be understood by the person reading your statement. • Do be enthusiastic – if you show your interest in the course, it may help you get a place. • Do expect to produce several drafts of your personal statement before being totally happy with it. • Do ask people you trust for their feedback

Writing a personal statement – don’ts • Don’t exaggerate – if you do you may get caught out at interview when asked to elaborate on an interesting achievement. • Don’t rely on a spellchecker as it will not pick up everything – proofread as many times as possible. • Don’t leave it to the last minute – your statement will seem rushed and important information could be left out.

Personal Statement The following questions are designed to help you think about what you should include in a personal statement. Write a paragraph for each one. 1. Why are you applying for your chosen course? 2. Why does the subject interest you? Include evidence that you understand what is required to study the course.

3. Why do you think you are suitable for the course 3. Why do you think you are suitable for the course? Do you have any particular skills/qualities and experience that will help you succeed in the course? 4. Do your current or previous studies relate to the course you have chosen? 5. Have you taken part in any activities that demonstrate your interest in the course?

Skills and Achievements Universities like to know the skills you have that will help you on the course, or generally with life at university, such as any accredited or non-accredited achievements. Write these down here. Examples can be found at www.ucas.com/personalstatementskills.

Also think about any other achievements you’re proud of, positions of responsibility that you hold or have held both in and out of school, and attributes that make you interesting, special or unique.

Hobbies and interests Make a list of your hobbies, interests and social activities. Then think about how they demonstrate your personality, skills and abilities. Try to link them to the skills and experience required for your course(s).

Work experience Include details of jobs, placements, work experience or voluntary work, particularly if it’s relevant to your chosen course(s). Try to link any experience to skills or qualities related to the course.

Future plans If you know what you’d like to achieve after completing the course, explain how you want to use the knowledge and experience that you gain. How does the course relate to what you want to do in the future?

Top Up You will be given the opportunity to take part in Top Up programme. The is run by University of Glasgow This involves lecture, visits and you must complete a written presentation. If you complete the programme and pass all submissions you can be offered a reduction in qualifications needed for a conditional offer. You will also be guaranteed an interview if course you apply for is at Glasgow University.

Your reference You will be linked with a member of school staff to help you with your personal statement and who will write a reference for you. It is vital you link in with them and meet all deadlines for writing your personal statement. Your referee will advise you on you personal statement but remember they will not write it for you! It is your personal statement.

Complete the Personal Information Questionnaire and give it to your referee at the start of the application. This will help referee write your reference. Your reference will support your application so it is vital you work in partnership with your referee.

References https://www.ucas.com/