How to apply – the UCAS application form Mandy Firth UK/EU Recruitment Manager

Overview  Background  The application process  How UCAS works  The application form  The Personal Statement  The university process  Questions

What you need to know  Application timetable  Competition for places  Skills and experience needed  Time for research  Be thorough: avoid mistakes  Increased use of unconditional offers

The context…  There are over 370 HEPs in the UCAS scheme  35,000 degree courses to choose from  699,000 applicants for 2014 entry (+ 3.4%) and 512, 000 were placed  ~ 18,000 home/EU applications to Keele for 2015

What is UCAS?  Universities and Colleges Admissions Service  Route to apply for undergraduate courses  UCAS does not accept or reject applicants  Range of services to students, schools/colleges, parents, universities  Hosts video clips to help with application 

The UCAS apply system  Apply online  Apply for up to 5 institutions/courses  Medicine, Dentistry, Vet Science – only four choices plus alternative course  Oxford/Cambridge – different application deadlines  No preference – list in alpha order

The UCAS apply system  The application fee for the UCAS service is £23 for two or more choices or £12 for a single choice  You are given a personal ID number which you should keep safe and memorise  Use of similarity detection software  Track / Extra / Clearing / Adjustment

Key dates

Entry requirements What is the ‘price’ to secure a place? Do you have the correct qualifications:  GCSE / AS or A-level / BTEC/or equivalent  Some A levels are not accepted  Admissions tests (e.g. UKCAT)  What is required at the point of application? Are you suitable for the course? What skills and experience do you have?

Entry requirements Accounting and Finance Anglia Ruskin 300 tariff points Keele University ABC/BBB exc Critical Thinking or DDM Forensic Science De Montfort 260 points inc. Science > C Keele University ABC/BBB inc. Chem at B or DDD with units in Chemistry Law Keele University ABB or DDM Middlesex 300 points

The PS Opportunity to sell yourself – show enthusiasm and commitment Only one PS for all 5 choices Make sure the PS is fit for purpose Well structured, current and relevant Analytical, not just descriptive A statement that is ‘personal’ to the student Keep a copy. Basis for interview?

Entry profile Demonstrate both intellectual and creative abilities, work well within a team as well as individually, good presentation skills, good written and oral communication skills. Students must demonstrate a love of English and creative writing as well as an understanding of the Media. A clear, well written personal statement outlining why they wish to study this subject is a must. Students must have basic computer literacy, including knowledge of word, excel and power point.

Entry profile Journalism To that end evidence of writing experience (e.g. on the school magazine, sports club or parish newsletter) will be an advantage as will any work experience with professional media. Students must be interested in current affairs generally and the media specifically to study this course because journalism is about what is happening now.

Other skills…

Do’s and Don’ts Think about the starting sentence Don’t start with ‘I have always been fascinated by…’ or ‘I have always wanted to be…’ Quotes, cliches and sayings: health warning Don’t start every sentence with ‘I’ Don’t repeat information that is elsewhere Make sure you sound interesting/interested

Do’s and Don’ts Make words work for you – a positive impression e.g. ‘achieved’, ‘committed’ Style – don’t try to impress, keep it simple Avoid lists and avoid waffle Demonstrate skills, evidence your claims – link to the course/subject applied to Make sure PS is fit for purpose i.e. don’t tell your life story Don’t refer to university by name

Do’s and Don’ts Be analytical: ‘I enjoy reading’… Try to inject some individuality.. But beware of humour/being too casual Be prepared to talk about your statement Finish with a punchy, positive sentence Less of what has been done and… More of what you gained from it

Reference  Written by tutors/Head of Sixth Form/College  Background information about school/college  Academic achievements  Predicted grades  Suitability for HE  Evidence of commitment to chosen area of study  Personal qualities  Extenuating circumstances

Once the form is submitted UCAS sends info to the universities Universities check:  Correct details provided?  Write out for any missing information  Highlight issues - extenuating circumstances or any discrepancies  Qualifications obtained / to be obtained  Call for interview or other evidence

Decision made Made by admissions tutors  Conditional – achieve the required grade/points to gain your place  Unconditional – conditions already met OR once selected as ‘firm’ choice  Select CF (Firm) and CI (Insurance)  Take exams  Place confirmed in August?

UCAS Track Track is an online system that allows you to follow the progress of your application. You can see what's happening with your application, whether you've received any offers and the replies you've made. UCAS will send you a welcome letter after they have processed your application– you can then use Track.

Online resources

Any questions? If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Colleagues from the Admissions office in the Exhibition Suite today Thank you!