UCAS & Personal Statement

What to research?

Research Courses Entry Requirements Location University Facilities Social Aspects Visit the university on Open/Applicant days Courses: Each course at university differ from another university- what is the curriculum like? (The curriculum for History at Liverpool Hope University is different than another university) Entry requirements: each university differ with their entry requirements so research this and be realistic with what university you apply for. Particular courses also ask for additional requirements (for example, you need a Grade C/Level 4 at GCSE maths for psychology). Location: there are 320 institutes in the UK and others abroad. Would you study at home or in another location? Would you live at home or in student accommodation? University: Is the university campus based or city based? How well is it performing statistically? Facilities: Does the university offer facilities or social aspects which will enrich your university experience (e.g. sport facilities, performing art spaces or theatre, radio station, clubs or societies?)

Where to research? UCAS Website University Website Open Days The Student Room/Blogs/Forums League Tables

UCAS Application Apply via www.ucas.com 5 choices of University or courses £18 fee for a single course £24 fee for multiple courses Some courses require an interview or audition before being offered a place (e.g. teaching or social work) Late applicants/those with lower than expected grades can apply for courses via clearing after results have been announced. You can apply for one similar course at five unis (such as Hisotry at five seperate

The Application - Personal details - Additional information (UK only) - Student finance (UK and EU only) - Choices – make up to five choices - Education - Employment - Personal statement - Reference

Deadlines 15th January 2019 End of June/Start of July 2019 All other courses End of June/Start of July 2019 Final date to apply 5th July 2019 Clearing opens https://www.ucas.com/ucas/events/find/cycle/2019/ scheme/undergraduate/type/key-date

Reject (R)/ Withdraw (W) UCAS Decision UCAS Decision Conditional (C) You still need to meet the requirements – usually exam results. Unconditional (U) You've got a place, although there might still be a few things to arrange. Reject (R)/ Withdraw (W) Choice removes that option, but you could add more.

Your Decision Your Decision Firm (F) Insurance (I) Decline (D)

Personal Statement

Personal Statement Most courses do not require an interview, therefore Universities only receive your UCAS application Personal statements are you opportunity to draw upon your strengths, experiences and qualities in order to impress their admissions team 4000 characters (14 tweets!) No formatting e.g. bold, italics, underline No spelling or grammar checks

Dos and Don’ts Dos Don’ts Why are you applying Talk about one Uni/course when applying for multiple Understanding of the subject Plagiarise Strengths Discuss hobbies/interests too much Relevant experience with evidence Opinions without evidence Formal English, good structure and correct grammar Poor grammar/spelling, incomplete sentences Previous study Do not waffle Concise Little focus on the subject interested in Use all characters Go over word count Use language the reader will understand Rely on spellcheck Be enthusiastic, convey your passions Exaggerate

What to consider… 1. Paragraphs 2. A balance of academic and extra-curricular content 3. Evidence that you've researched your choices 4. Lateral thinking – what inspires you? 5. Honesty 6. Enthusiasm 7. Give examples and experiences 8. What do you want from the course? 9. End on a positive note

Track your application It shows your choices, offers and personal details Gives you 24/7 access Enables you to reply to your offers online You can also use this for Extra, Clearing and Adjustment.

Other options.. Extra (25 Feb – 4 July) What is it? Extra (25 Feb – 4 July) If you have used all five choices and have no offers or have declined all offers. You could add Extra choices for consideration one at a time. Clearing (early July to October) If you have no offers, have not met the conditions of an offer, or have applied after 30th June deadline. Adjustment (up to five days mid – end August) If you have gained better results than the conditional offer you hold, you could apply for a different course or university.

Unsuccessful? Speak to your school/college; they will give you great advice Are there other routes into your career pathway? View other universities and courses Clearing E.g. Cannot get onto a competitive course like Social Work or Primary Education QTS? Why not complete an undergraduate in a National Curriculum subject for a Teaching career or health and social care and complete a masters for social work.