HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS? ‘The UCAS Quiz’

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS? ‘The UCAS Quiz’ Tutor Guide (1) AIM To give potential applicants an insight into the UCAS applications process ORGANISATION Place students in small groups as this encourages discussion. All students will be familiar with ‘bits of the jigsaw’ but not be sure whether Section 10 is the Personal Statement or exactly who writes a reference! Students could spend 15 to 20 minutes working through the Quiz and sharing answers. It makes the task easier if each student has a copy of the quiz questions listed on slides 3 and 4 The Tutor then uses the presentation to reveal the answers, clarifying points, expanding explanations and responding to queries raised. A hard copy of the answers can be distributed to all students at the end of the session for future reference

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS? ‘The UCAS Quiz’ Tutor Guide (2) TIMING This task could be undertaken early in Year 12 to prepare students for something that will become a major part of their life for at least one year LENGTH OF SESSION One hour NOTES The questions are in ‘chronological’ order so should offer an overview of the whole application process

THE TWENTY QUIZ QUESTIONS 1 In 2005 were there (a) 302,624 (b) 473, 928 (c) 522,155 applicants to H.E? 2How many course choices are you allowed to list on your form? 3What is the earliest date you are able to submit a UCAS form? 4What is the closing date for UCAS applications for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Oxbridge? 5What is the closing date for all other applications? 6How much does UCAS charge for processing applications? 7 How many ways are there to apply? 8 What is the Personal Statement? 9 Is it better to apply earlier rather than later through UCAS for admission to H.E? 10 What is different about Art and Design applications?

THE TWENTY QUIZ QUESTIONS 11 Do all universities and courses accept deferred entry? 12When completing your UCAS form do you list your universities and courses in order of preference? 13Is it possible to apply for completely different courses on the UCAS form? 14Will UCAS inform me if I am invited for interview? 15What is included in the school reference? 16Offers from Higher Education Institutions are usually ‘conditional’. What does this mean? 17How are applicants informed of offers or rejections? 18How many offers are applicants able to accept? 19What is UCAS Extra? 20What do you understand by the term ‘Clearing’?

Question 1 In 2007 were there (a) 302,624 (b) 473,928 (c) 534,495 applications to higher education? 534,495 applications were made

Question 2 How many courses are you allowed to list on your form? You are able to list a maximum of FIVE courses on the application form.

Question 3 When is the earliest date you are able to submit a UCAS form? UCAS will accept applications from 1 September.

Question 4 What is the closing date for UCAS applications for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Oxbridge? The closing date for the courses listed above is October 15 th.

Question 5 What is the closing date for all other applications? The closing date for all other courses (except Art and Design Route B) is January 15 th.

Question 6 How much does UCAS charge for processing applications? The fee for applicants is £17. If you only apply for one course you pay £7.

Question 7 How many ways are there to apply? There are now TWO methods of application. ‘Apply’, the on line application service operated by UCAS, had received 97% of applications electronically by May Eventually all applications will be electronic but demands for paper applications are dealt with on an individual basis.

Question 8 What is the Personal Statement? This is the part of the form that gives the applicant the opportunity to convince an Admissions Tutor that they are a student worth having! It includes details of why you have chosen your particular courses and some persuasive details about you.

Question 9 Is it better to apply earlier rather than later through UCAS for admissions to H.E? It is sensible to apply as early as possible. Admissions Tutors do run out of time and will probably consider early applications, because they are fewer in volume, in less of a rush than those arriving later. There is a possibility of higher grades being required later in the year, if earlier applications and offers have been in large numbers and Admissions Tutors fear they have offered too many places!

Question 10 What is different about Art and Design applications? Applicants for Art and Design for 2007 entry do use UCAS but they have a choice of TWO routes, A and B. Route A is similar to the normal application process but Route B allows applicants to apply later in the year and to list institutions in order of preference. UCAS is considering changes to Art & Design applications routes in the future but the proposals will not affect 2009 entry.

Question 11 Do all universities and courses accept deferred entry? Some institutions may not accept deferred entry. It is advisable to check carefully with each college or university.

Question 12 When completing your UCAS form do you list your universities and colleges in order of preference? Universities are listed in alphabetical order- though this may change to being presented randomly in future. No university is aware which other institutions you have selected.

Question 13 Is it possible to apply for completely different courses on the UCAS form? It is not advisable to choose vastly different courses when completing a UCAS application. Although the other universities are not aware of the remaining choices listed on the form, applicants would find it impossible to produce a convincing Personal Statement that would apply to differing disciplines.

Question 14 Will UCAS inform me if I am invited for interview? Many universities/courses do not interview at present, due to the large number of applicants. Some courses, for example, for applicants wishing to join the teaching profession HAVE to interview as this is required by the DfES. If a university wishes to interview, the applicants are contacted directly and UCAS is not involved.

Question 15 What is included in the school reference? Schools are likely to comment on all, or most, of the following in the Reference: previous examination results, predicted grades, attitude to study, potential for study at H.E level, evidence of interest in the chosen subject, relevant work experience, written and oral skills, level of independent learning, evidence of teamwork, practical dexterity, extra curricular and school involvement, attendance and punctuality.

Question 16 Offers from Higher Education Institutions are usually ‘conditional’. What does this mean? A conditional offer depends on applicants achieving certain grades and, therefore, fulfilling certain conditions. An unconditional offer means there are no problems – they want you!

Question 17 How are applicants informed of offers or rejections? Applicants are notified of offers, or rejections, by UCAS and by individual institutions. The on-line UCAS Applicant Enquiry Service, known as ‘Track’, gives an up to date picture of the status of an application.

Question 18 How many offers are applicants able to accept? You may accept TWO offers, one Firm and one for Insurance.

Question 19 What is UCAS Extra? UCAS Extra operates from March to June. It offers applicants who have received all rejections, or students who have turned down all offers, the opportunity to contact institutions that still have course vacancies. Institutions are contacted one at a time.

Question 20 What do you understand by the term ‘Clearing’? Clearing is the final part of the application cycle. It aims to match unplaced students to courses with vacancies. It is used by students who have received no offers, people who have failed to achieve the grades required, applicants who have declined all offers and very, very late applicants.