St Mary’s Catholic Sixth Form UCAS Parents’ Information Evening Mr Tait: Key Stage 5 Leader

Applying to University The basics Your son or daughter can make up to five choices in one application The applicant fee is: £18 for one choice/ £24 for up to five choices ‘Invisibility’ – universities cannot see where else students have applied

Applying to University Research: how you can help Sign up to the monthly UCAS Parents Newsletter (Visit www.ucas.com/parents) Take a look at the 2020 UCAS Parent Guide from the UCAS website when it is launched later this year Offer to attend open days with them, you may have a different perspective Financial assistance e.g. with railway tickets Try to remain impartial

Applying to University Making the application Personal details Student finance (UK and EU only) Choices Education Employment Personal statement

Application sent to UCAS

Applying to University Key dates UCAS Deadlines 21st May 2019 UCAS apply opens 4th September Universities open their admissions 15th October Early Entrant deadline 15th January 2020 Final deadline St Mary’s deadlines 17th May: Internal Report Form deadline From September: Apply completed,

Applying to University Personal Statements: how you can help Include: academic achievements interests in the chosen subject area knowledge of the subject and enthusiasm to go beyond the syllabus what they enjoy about studying details of their independent study skills.

Applying to University Similarity Detection Service Personal statements are checked against a library of those already in the system, and from a variety of websites and paper publications

Applying to University Decisions Universities and colleges will review: Personal statement Reference Qualifications Admissions test results Interviews Portfolios Auditions. An admissions tutor may make one of three decisions: Unconditional offer Conditional offer Unsuccessful.

Applying to University Tracking applications Track will allow your son or daughter to: follow the progress of their application 24/7 see their choices and personal information display their offers reply to offers online.

Applying to University Replying to offers When your son or daughter receives decisions from all of their choices they will need to make their replies by a set date. They can now hold a maximum of two offers: Firm Insurance Choices – aspirational and sensible backup that they want to go to!

Applying to University Confirmation Admissions staff check if the applicant has met the conditions of the offer. There are four possibilities:

Applying to University Your support is vital Don’t book holidays at key times e.g. results day Engage with the school Support your son or daughter’s management of their application Make sure they read everything they are sent carefully Prepare them for living away from home

Applying to University Student finance Students need to log-in via ww.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance They will receive a customer reference number and will be required to choose a password and secret answer. Students (with the help of parents) complete application with all the necessary information.

Applying to University Not applying to University? Not forgotten about Early identification in light of results Employability support Tracked all the way Apprenticeships

Applying to University Thank you. Students will be supported in all aspects throughout the year If you need more info? **Opps bulletin/ app Opportunities bulletin Feedback greatly valued, does inform what we do