The applicant journey Richard Allon-Smith – Inspiring Futures At the heart of connecting people to higher education

Contents  Why go to higher education?  The applicant journey o Research o Filling out the form o Personal statements o Offers and replies o Results At the heart of connecting people to higher education

Why go to higher education?  Increase potential earnings  Better career prospects  Benefit the wider community  Social and cultural reasons  More independence, self-confidence and responsibility  Personal challenge  Broaden interests and knowledge  Better health  It can be immense fun! At the heart of connecting people to higher education

UK higher education – key facts  UCAS providers  37,000 courses At the heart of connecting people to higher education

Icebreaker At the heart of connecting people to higher education

University of the Arts London Fashion Sportswear Cardiff University Conservation of Objects in Museums & Archaeology University of Abertay, Dundee Ethical Hacking & Countermeasures The University of Sheffield Financial Mathematics University of Sunderland Law & Photography Aston University Biomedical Engineering University of East London Songwriting University College London Ancient World University of West London Airline & Airport Management Can you identify the bogus degree courses? Ballistic Engineering Perfumery Bovine Management At the heart of connecting people to higher education

 Start at  Research – career options, universities, courses and minimum entry requirements.  Attend a free regional UCAS event – an opportunity to speak to dozens of universities in one hall.  Learn from others – student videos are available to watch at UCAS.tv. Research – it’s free and important to do At the heart of connecting people to higher education Find us on:

Other things to consider Employment– does the HE course offer relevant work experience? Finance – course fees, grants, travel and living costs Travel – to and from home Accommodation – uni halls or private residences? At the heart of connecting people to higher education Home or away?

My research is completed, I’m ready to apply...

 One application per admissions cycle  Application fee £23 / £12  Maximum 5 choices (some restrictions – e.g. medicine, dentistry & veterinary)  Nominated access option  Simultaneous consideration  ‘Invisibility’ Key features of the UCAS scheme At the heart of connecting people to higher education

Key dates and deadlines  Early September – Apply centres and independent applicants can start to submit completed applications  15 October (6pm) o medicine, dentistry, veterinary o Oxford or Cambridge  15 January (6pm) – main deadline date  30 June (6pm) – last date for submission of applications with initial choices At the heart of connecting people to higher education

Filling in the form Every applicant has seven sections to complete:  Personal details  Additional information (UK students only)  Student finance  Choices  Education  Employment  Personal statement Forward to tutor:  Reference  UCAS  Providers At the heart of connecting people to higher education

Personal statements are so important, make sure your son or daughter includes: academic achievements, past and present interests in the chosen subject area knowledge of the subject and enthusiasm to go beyond the syllabus what they enjoy about studying details of their independent study skills. The questions universities and colleges will ask: have they chosen the right subject for the right reasons? do they have a range of interests? does the personal statement confirm their interest in the subject? have they studied independently? are they motivated and committed? do they possess good numeracy and literacy skills? Personal statement – start early At the heart of connecting people to higher education Personal statements should stand out – tutors receive 200 per week!

Common applicant errors – avoid! ▪ Failure to check entry requirements ▪ Qualifications (eg. GCSEs) missing, or incorrectly named, on form ▪ Wrong student support fee code ▪ address not verified ▪ Forgotten to register for admissions test At the heart of connecting people to higher education

My application has been received by UCAS, what happens next?

Decision-making by providers At the heart of connecting people to higher education After viewing your form, an admissions tutor may make one of three decisions:  Unconditional offer  Conditional offer  Unsuccessful Or suggest:  A place on an alternative course

Conditional offers Can be expressed in:  UCAS Tariff points 320 points  Grades ABB in A levels, or MDD in BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)  a combination of both 320 points, including a B in a Science subject At the heart of connecting people to higher education

UCAS Extra To be eligible for Extra: You must have used all five choices All your choices have been unsuccessful, cancelled or offers declined. It’s free to use At the heart of connecting people to higher education Extra is open each year between February - July

Replying to offers When all decisions have been received you can hold a maximum of 2 offers:  Firm Choice  Insurance Choice  All other offers are declined Track will show your Reply Date At the heart of connecting people to higher education FIRM = where you really want to go INSURANCE = somewhere you would be happy to go if you don’t get into your FIRM choice

It’s vital that you note your reply date on Track At the heart of connecting people to higher education

Confirmation 1. Exam results are issued 2. Admissions staff check if the applicant has matched the conditions of the offer 3. If yes, the applicant will be sent an official confirmation of their place 4. Time to celebrate!! At the heart of connecting people to higher education

Celebration time!! At the heart of connecting people to higher education

Confirmation – other possibilities At the heart of connecting people to higher education 1. If you have not met the conditions of the firm choice they may still take you as a ‘near miss’. 2. If you have not been accepted by your firm choice, but meet the conditions of your insurance choice (which should be lower), you will be placed at your insurance choice. 3. If you have not met the conditions of your firm or insurance choice (or have no insurance), you will be entered into a process known as Clearing. 4. If your results meet and exceed the conditions of your firm offer, you are eligible for Adjustment. This provides an opportunity for you to reconsider where and what to study whilst still holding a guaranteed place at your firm choice.

A level results day – timeline 00:01 06:00 07:30 08:00 17:00 20:00 Clearing vacancies displayed on UCAS search tool Social Media support starts Adviser Track goes live Contact Centre opens ‘Restricted’ Track goes live Start time for entering a Clearing choice Contact Centre and Social Media hub close At the heart of connecting people to higher education

Applicant enters choice details on Track University or college will make a decision If unsuccessful applicant can start again Applicant contacts university or college to discuss vacancies At the heart of connecting people to higher education The Clearing process Clearing If successfully placed – celebrate!

Further information  Visit for higher education information and to apply  Visit to watch ‘how to’ guides  Visit to join UCAS on social media  Call a trained UCAS advisor for help At the heart of connecting people to higher education

Good Luck from all at UCAS and Inspiring Futures! At the heart of connecting people to higher education