A Parent’s Guide to Higher Education

The role of UCAS University & Colleges Admission Service UCAS is also an important source of factual information about choosing what and where to study

Main options for getting a degree Full-time university courses (3 years +) – over 100 institutions in the UK. Foundation degrees (usually 2 years) – at universities and Further Education courses, including Exeter College and South Devon College. Distance learning (get a job plus study at your own pace, module by module) – mainly through the Open University. Employer-sponsored degrees – some organisations (e.g. NHS) will pay for university courses

Research www.ucas.com Official UCAS Website Course Search – by institution or course name Entry Profiles Entry Requirements Bursary and scholarship comparator Links to HE websites UCAS Telephone Contact: 0371 468 0468 www.yougofurther.co.uk UCAS’s social networking site for applicants Puts you in touch with people in the same situation www.facebook.com/ucasonline & twitter.com/ucas_online Social networking Allows you to ask a question direct and see what others including UCAS advisers are saying http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/gug The Times University Guide http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/universityguide The Guardian University Guide http://www.opendays.com University Open Days www.sacu-student.com – short questionnaire to help you find the course that will be best for you

Key features of admissions scheme Number of choices Every applicant may make up to five choices for standard registration fee of £24.00 £13 for application to one centre Some subject restrictions: Dentistry, Medicine or Veterinary - max. 4 choices

Key dates of admissions scheme 5 September - UCAS opens for 2019 applicants 21 September - Oxbridge/Dentistry/Medicine & Veterinary applications to Ho6 15 October - UCAS closing date for Oxbridge/ Dentistry/ Medicine & Veterinary 5 November - All other HE applications to Ho6 21 December - Absolute FINAL deadline for HE applications to Ho6 15 January - UCAS final deadline

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Key features of admissions scheme University and college decisions Admissions tutors can make one of three decisions: Conditional Offer Unconditional Offer Unsuccessful

Key features of admissions scheme Conditional offers Expressed in: UCAS Tariff points or grades e.g. BCC in A levels, or DM in CTEC a combination of both (e.g. 120 points, including a B in Mathematics)

Key features of admissions scheme Replying to offers A maximum of two offers may be held after all final decisions have been made Applicant can make one of three replies: F = firm acceptance I = insurance acceptance D = decline

Key features of admissions scheme If an applicant has no offers… Two further stages to gain a place: UCAS Extra (mid-March – end of June) Clearing (mid-August onwards, for A level students)

Key feature of admissions system Confirmation Exam results are issued mid-August Admissions staff check if applicant has matched the conditions of the offer If yes, the student will be sent an official confirmation of their place Time to celebrate!!

The personal statement Extra evidence to help HE selectors make decisions and hence make an offer Assume that admissions tutors will read it In many cases it will substitute for an interview

The personal statement -Invaluable opportunity to influence the admissions tutors and explain your motivation. -Explain your reasons/motivations for choosing the courses and try to think of the reasons why the selector should choose you rather than anyone else. -Avoid one-liners e.g. "at weekends I work in a supermarket". Better to add "and so this gives me an opportunity to meet people, handle money, learn about marketing, training others, teamwork etc" -Another example "in my spare time I read" - read what? Give some examples - but be prepared as the selector may also have read them. -List your activities, particularly if they are relevant to the course selected. Illustrate the experience you have gained from these activities. -Put your various statements together in a logical way e.g. school activities, special responsibilities, work experience, reasons for choosing the course, career aspirations, hobbies/pastimes. -If you have a mixture of subjects explain here. DO NOT WAFFLE or use impressive language that has no real substance. REMEMBER if you are asked for an interview, most questions will be based on what you have written in Section 10 TAKE A COPY! -Finally, although you are asked to make good use of Section 10, remember the form is reduced to almost half its original size when it is sent to the institutions. Do not be tempted to put too much in!

Student Finance: Fees & Loans Universities are charging up to £9250 per year tuition fees. Plus then additional costs of being at university, e.g. accommodation, food, social life, etc. Students do not have to pay tuition fees ‘up front’. Students can defer paying the tuition fees by taking a Tuition Fee Loan (non-income assessed). Students can support living costs via application for Maintenance Loan (income assessed). Loan is paid back once finished course and earning over £21,000 pa.

Maintenance Loan 2018

Repaying loans Fee loan and maintenance loan When? - After leaving course & earning £21,000+ pa How? - Deductions directly from wages, like tax & NI  How much? - 9% of earnings over £21,000 pa e.g. (£67.50 per month @ £30,000) (£30.00 per month @ £25,000) (£7.50 per month @ £22,000) Can pay more If earnings fall, contributions fall Outstanding debts written off after 30 years

Interest: Inflation rate +3% Repayment (2018) Interest: Inflation rate +3%

How to make up the difference Vacation and term time earnings/savings Scholarships/trusts/charities Bank overdraft Extra parental contribution Additional support is also available for students with additional needs – e.g. students with disabilities or dependents Hardship funds

How and when to apply How? – https://www.gov.uk/student-finance When? – in the early spring in the year of entry

Support resources for students and parents South Dartmoor Community College Help Pack, Summer 2018. Available via website 6th form tutors, Head of Year, Head of 6th Form and RISE Coordinator College careers library UCAS website: www.ucas.com and university websites University open days University admissions departments HE notice board at Place House Progression Tutorials with HoY/Ho6/Tutors/Careers

Questions