UCAS PARENTS’ EVENING WEDNESDAY 25 TH SEPTEMBER 2013 WEDNESDAY 25 TH SEPTEMBER 2013 THE APPLICANT JOURNEY

AIMS By the end of this session you will… Have an understanding of the UCAS application processHave an understanding of the UCAS application process Know how to support your son/daughter through the processKnow how to support your son/daughter through the process

THE APPLICANT JOURNEY - OVERVIEW

UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY Applying to H.E. Is a very competitive journeyApplying to H.E. Is a very competitive journey Knowing how the ucas process works will enable you to provide the best possible support for your childKnowing how the ucas process works will enable you to provide the best possible support for your child Total Applicants 697,351700,161653,637 Total Placed 487,329492,030464,910

Explore your optionsExplore your options Decide on a subjectDecide on a subject Search for coursesSearch for courses Check entry requirementsCheck entry requirements SEARCH: CHOOSING COURSES

WHY GO TO UNIVERSITY?

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Tuition feesTuition fees Living costs – rent, food, books, clothing, transportLiving costs – rent, food, books, clothing, transport Support is available fromSupport is available from

CHOOSING YOUR COURSE

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH Course search

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

UCAS TVUCAS TV University websitesUniversity websites ProspectusesProspectuses Open daysOpen days UNISTATS websiteUNISTATS website Choosing a Course Choosing a Course

HOW TO APPLY – THE APPLICANT JOURNEY  Researches where and what to study  Registers online with UCAS Apply  Completes all sections of form  Reference added by school  School sends form electronically to UCAS  UCAS processes form and forwards to chosen HEIs  HEIs submit decisions  Applicant views decisions on TRACK  Applicant replies to offers on TRACK  HEIs confirm places when results are released

THE UCAS CALENDAR – KEY DATES Mid-June Mid-June Mid-September Mid-September 15 October 15 October 15 January 15 January 24 March 24 March 30 June 30 June Apply available for student registrationApply available for student registration First date for receipt of Apply applicationsFirst date for receipt of Apply applications Early ‘on-time’ deadline:Early ‘on-time’ deadline: Medicine, Veterinary and Dentistry Oxford or Cambridge Deadline for all other ‘on-time’ applicationsDeadline for all other ‘on-time’ applications Some Art and Design coursesSome Art and Design courses Last date for submission prior to ClearingLast date for submission prior to Clearing

HOW TO APPLY On-line application through application through One application per yearOne application per year Maximum of 5 choices (some restrictions for medicine/veterinary/dentistry)Maximum of 5 choices (some restrictions for medicine/veterinary/dentistry) Cost: £23 for 5 choices orCost: £23 for 5 choices or £12 for 1 choice (CUKAS fee is £16)

HOW TO APPLY There are 7 sections to completeThere are 7 sections to complete The first step is to register with UCAS. This takes about 10 minutesThe first step is to register with UCAS. This takes about 10 minutes Get a usernameGet a username Create a passwordCreate a password Set security questionsSet security questions Include the buzzwordInclude the buzzword

HOW TO APPLY 1. Personal Details

HOW TO APPLY 2.Student Finance

HOW TO APPLY 3. Choices

HOW TO APPLY 4. Education

HOW TO APPLY 5. Employment

HOW TO APPLY 6 & 7: Personal Statement and Reference Using Apply 2014

USING TRACK TRACKis the online system that allows you to follow the progress of your application. TRACK is the online system that allows you to follow the progress of your application. Follow the progress of your application 24/7 Follow the progress of your application 24/7 See your choices and personal information See your choices and personal information See offer details See offer details Reply to offers online Reply to offers online

USING TRACK Decisions  Admissions tutors may initially make one of six decisions:  Unconditional offer  Conditional offer  Rejection  Withdrawal  Full  Invitation

USING TRACK Replies Once you have decisions on all your choices, you can hold a maximum of 2 offers: Firm: your first choice where you will be placed if you meet the conditionsFirm: your first choice where you will be placed if you meet the conditions Insurance: acts as a back-up if you do not get into your ‘firm’ choiceInsurance: acts as a back-up if you do not get into your ‘firm’ choice

USING TRACK Replies Making Sense of Offers

Eligible applicant researches vacancies Contacts institution(s ) to discuss application Applicant enters choice details on Track Institution considers application Applicant placed on course If rejected, applicant starts over NEXT STEPS

Adjustment It is optionalIt is optional It is for applicants who exceed the conditions of their firm choiceIt is for applicants who exceed the conditions of their firm choice Runs from mid-end August. An applicant has only 5 calendar days to use adjustment once their firm offer comes inRuns from mid-end August. An applicant has only 5 calendar days to use adjustment once their firm offer comes in There are no vacancy lists. Applicants must contact a university directlyThere are no vacancy lists. Applicants must contact a university directly Clearing and Adjustment

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE SKILLS SKILLS TESTIMONY - Personal statement reference TESTIMONY - Personal statement reference Advice for Parents / Carers

ANY QUESTIONS?