What do I need to do now?

What’s all the fuss about?! UCAS stands for – University and College Application System It is an electronic system operated from the following website; The entire process is electronic and costs £21 It is the only way you can apply to Universities.

So What Next? Check out the UCAS website Complete the Stamford Test Start to think about Courses Start to think about Universities Start to think about your Personal Statement Complete your UCAS application before 30 th September 2011!!!

UCAS website This is found at There are several options; stamford test, course search, apply, track and student finance. You need to have a play with this website ASAP!!!

Stamford Test Are you unsure about what you should be doing? Possible careers? The Stamford test will provide you with some ideas. Follow the simple links and answer a number of questions You will be provided with a number of possible careers or subject choices Even if the suggestions do not fill you with confidence it is getting you to think about it

Courses If you have an idea about a future career then your choices are limited; you must pick the relevant course No idea? How about the subject you love the most or are best at? How about something completely new? 3 Yr, 4 Yr, Joint, Single, Sandwich 80% of graduates do not use the degree they took at University in the world of work Use to check Universities out Make sure you visit Universities on Open Days – The Head Girl Team are given the info (You are only allowed to miss 3 days of College through this)

Universities Got a map and a compass, drew 100 mile radius around my home and went North!! Maybe you are bound by Geography? The ‘name’ does carry weight But it is the department that matters Four Aspects to think about; Course, Social Life, Extra- Curricular, Finance

The Personal Statement This, along with your GCSE & AS grades and predicted A2 Grades, is the most important part of your UCAS application You are selling yourself Why have you chosen this course? What have you already done outside of College to prove this dedication? You need relevant work experience Everything you write down should be relevant to your application – the best statements always come back to the subject you are wanting to study

NMBEC – The UCAS Route October 15 th – deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine. January 15 th – deadline for UCAS A few dedicated lessons on UCAS during PSHE We have this DLD to make real headway Today you need to complete your personal details, additional information, education and employment That means you only have the choices and personal statement left.

Chloe and charlotte’s Tale of Woe! Chloe did not complete UCAS until the last minute… Some courses she picked did not reflect predicted grades The Personal Statement was rushed and contact time with tutor was limited She has not got offers from the Unis she wants an is now considering taking an un- necessary year out Charlotte did not chose an insurance offer and ended up going through clearing

The Early Bird Catches the Worm 50,000 Students in 2010 failed to gain a place at University You are not just competing against other NMBEC students, rather the whole country There are a finite number of Uni places An early strong application is more likely to get you into your chosen Uni This also means AS exam results are crucial When your UCAS application is in you can apply for a Home-Study contract