Title of presentation goes in here Higher Education Evening Jill Sawyer Vice Principal Students and Learning

UCAS history at the College

Talks tonight How to Choose a Course– Kevin Betts University of Sussex Hall Taking a gap year – Jon Arnold Oyster Worldwide Rm 27 Widening Participation -Vicky Johnson University of Brighton Rm 11 Student Finance -Jo Tolley University of Brighton Hall

Talks tonight Art Foundation- Rob MacDonald Rm 26 Oxbridge – Alison Frost & Sean McEvoy Rm 5 Medicine Dentistry Veterinary science John Luton Rm Informal questions in the Hall

What makes a UCAS application different? Requires complex and detailed information and cannot be done just like that by student or us. Students need to: be really clear about what they want to study and why- and be realistic research their options thoroughly take account of predicted grades, GCSE results and university offers - and be realistic include a lot of information accurately which must match our records as we have to confirm it

What makes a UCAS application different? The sheer range of degree courses For most students the first competitive application they will make - many find it hard to ‘sell’ themselves Places are allocated at some universities as soon as applications received- important to meet the college deadline

Why do it? Why get 50k+ in debt? Employment prospects are still better Certain jobs are only open to graduates Graduate salaries start around 19k Lifetimes earnings on average 20-25% higher

Which is the best degree to take to ensure a job? 60% graduate jobs are open to graduates of any discipline- a degree gives an individual transferable skills Many academic subjects have a better record than some narrowly vocational degrees

UCAS -How you can help Encourage students to: apply while they are students here research their options thoroughly-and be realistic ensure our records match their qualifications before the summer complete 1 st drafts of personal statements before the end of summer term

How you can help clarify their course choices by the end of the summer holiday get their applications in ahead of the College deadline 25 September/16 November Help students understand and make sure students follow the process- a 2 stage process

Internal Deadlines Oxbridge/ Medics/ Vets: 25 September All others: 16 November

External Deadlines Oxbridge/ Medics/ Vets: 15 October All others: 15 January

However: university is not the right route for everyone It is important for students to consider their options and look carefully at other routes into employment. Varndean Careers Department has a wealth of information on apprenticeships, work experience and training both in the Library and on Moodle Highly recommend website: Beach