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 windturbines Computer programmer Teacher of chemistry 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 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 (www.ucas.com) Apply on-line to UCAS (the university application) 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 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

How to Apply – The Competition? More applications than places Over 718,500 applications last year and 186,000 students did not gain places BUT 93% of applicants were offered at least one place 56% of applicants 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 or even A*,A*,A for some courses 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

Deferred Entry? Why deferred entry? However, Deferred Entry is applying now for a place the following year i.e. September 2018 Why deferred entry? Great opportunity to travel / work / have time out from study knowing you have a place at university However, Maths admissions tutors may be concerned about students ‘losing their sharpness’. Subjects with a strong maths content may want evidence of a relevant year our e.g engineer has a year placement Medicine/Dentistry should offer something constructive in a year out. Students wanting a year out can apply for deferred entry or apply during their gap year

The Offers The Offer Typical conditional offer is a three grade requirement (eg. ABC grades ) or points offer (e.g. 120 points). A*= 56 points, A=48 , B=40, C=32, D=24, E=16 Some offers have other specific requirements Post-Offer 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 Students receiving no offers can apply to more courses - ‘UCAS Extra’

Results Day – 17thAugust 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 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 !!!!

How much does it cost? Tuition Fees – up to £9,000 a year Living Costs – £5000 - £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: £80 - £260 a week Food: £25 - £60 Electricity/Gas: £10 Study Materials: £5 - £10 Travel: £0- £30 TV Licence: £3 Mobile / Internet: £10 Entertainment: £20 - £50 Miscellaneous: £20 Living Costs: £153 - £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 £10,702 a year for students living in London, £8009 for students living outside of London. A student’s level of entitlement is dependent on their household income i.e. full loan if under £25,000 Grant – non-repayable grant given to those who are disabled or with childcare costs. Universities may have a “Financial Hardship Fund” that low income students could access. 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) ‘The ‘average’ student leaves with £42,000 of debt. Other financial Advice Parents……?! Bursaries?! Job…!? Spend Less..!?

How do students pay it back? 9% of your earnings over £21,000 per year taken from salary 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 14

Key Information Oxbridge applicants deadline is 15th Oct. (18.00) Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science applicants have an early deadline of 15th Oct. (18.00) All other courses have a UCAS deadline of 15th Jan. 2017 (18.00) but school deadline of 15th 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 Many Art and Design foundation courses require direct application to the college Gap Year students can either apply this year for deferred entry or apply from September 2017

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 External Sixth Form Careers Advisor Recommended that students go on Open Days