Application and selection for competitive courses Sue Garrett Admissions and Student Funding Adviser

What makes a course competitive? 1)The university reputation/ranking? E.g. Oxford or Cambridge 2)Russell group? Maybe, but some non-Russell group universities have a higher proportion of selective courses 3)Subject? E.g. Medicine 4)Number of places on the course 5)Selection procedure including test/interview/audition

Always competitive? Most early deadline courses Others vary with popularity and application numbers: e.g. Psychology, Criminology, Chem Eng - popularity trends ? STEM subjects following STEM push in schools? Nursing, Paramedics and other vocational courses employment/student funding concerns? Student satisfaction? Graduate employment/pay levels?

HESA data by subject

You can see % of applicants who are made an offer on this comparison site

What is an offer based on? From the UCAS form Academic performance – GCSE profile plus additional AS Academic potential – predicated A level or IB grades Reference – this could offer important contextual information Personal Statement - examined for entry requirement essentials e.g. work experience For competitive courses it all counts plus potentially: Interview Portfolio Test or additional submission of work ( Law/Maths/Oxbridge) Additional study such as EPQ

Why do we value the EPQ? Introduces the student to independent, self directed study (typically an extended essay or piece of research, around 3000 words, research diary and presentation ) Can demonstrate a specialist interest related to choice of University programme Prepares the student for University style study : “We welcome the introduction of the Extended Project and would encourage you to undertake one as it will help you develop independent study and research skills and ease the transition from school/ college to higher education. Completion of an Extended Project will not, however, be a requirement of any offer made.” University of Cambridge “The University is supportive of the requirement to undertake an Extended Project … It is expected that some admissions tutors may make two alternative offers to those offering this qualification, one of which involves success in the Extended Project (e.g. either AAA at A-level or AAB at A-level plus Extended Project)”. University of Bristol

Is the personal statement important? Yes! - To choose between applicants with similar predicted grades, therefore vital for competitive courses -Where entry requirements specify work experience or other non-academic skill, it must be included here -As a basis for interview -To reconsider “near misses” at confirmation -It WILL be read by at least 2 staff

Teacher Support and References Tell us about: Performance subject by subject The student’s potential for further intellectual development Any restrictions or limitations in terms of the academic options available to the student Mitigating circumstances, personal problems or particular challenges the student has had to face The impact of any disability or learning need

Selective universities are much less likely to have any places left to offer through clearing Adjustment there to offer a “trade up” if you exceed your predictions, but the university still has to have some place left to offer. If tests or interviews are part of selection, adjustment offers simply may not be possible Clearing and adjustment Avoid taking a holiday around results day in year 13!

Any questions? University of Bath Open Days June 18 th 2015 September 12th 2015