1. Preparing for Higher Education

2. What are the current prospects for UK graduates? 93.2% of 2013-14 UK graduates in employment or study Number of graduates hired by organisations in Times Top 100 Graduate Employers rose by 7.9% in 2014 These employers plan to expand entry-level graduate recruitment by a further 8.1% in 2015

3. How do companies recruit? The top priority of more than half of graduate recruiters: to increase the quality of the graduates they recruit. 83% of UK’s Top Employers use aptitude tests 86% use behavioural-based interviews 79% use group exercises 72% use presentations 45% use case studies 35% use role play Most graduate employers ask for ‘a 2:1 degree in any discipline’

4. How do you maximise your chances? Do well in your degree from the beginning: choose a subject you love Be proactive: get involved in societies and take on positions of responsibility; develop pre- professional skills and experience Organise internships: be aware of deadlines and the level of competition Use your languages

5. The application journey…

6. The key decisions What to study? Where to study it?

7. How to choose… Honest reflection and introspection: o Interest o Aptitudes o Values o Ambitions Research and exploration Guided by Futurewise, family, Application Supervisors

8. How do our pupils choose between universities? Academic prestige, employment prospects Details of the course, quality of teaching Ethos, atmosphere, ‘feel’ Marks required

9. Popular routes through higher education with the OIB OIBUK universityCareer France grande école/UK Masters France: classe préparatoire France: grande école

10. Do universities know the OIB?

11. Studying in the UK

12. Why apply to the UK? Selective universities with high standards Integration of research and teaching International reputation Access to grandes écoles International profile Academic rigour combined with preparation for the professional world

13. Life in a UK university Small group teaching and active learning Less directed time for certain subjects: expectation of substantial personal reading and reflection; development of autonomy in research Critical thinking Universities combine teaching and research Wealth of opportunities: facilities, societies, sports and arts Career preparation and support

14. Studying in France

15. Why stay in France to study? High standards, relatively inexpensive Classes prépatoires very good for students with an appropriate profile Excellent specialised institutions N.B. Selective entry to classes préparatoires Selection during course for Medicine

16. Elite courses: student profile Excellent bulletins from Seconde to Terminale Capacity to absorb and synthesise complex material rapidly Resilience in competition Focus; capacity for hard work Commitment, reading & thought in chosen subject Powers of analysis & reflection Independence of mind: critical thinking, ability to challenge Excellent exam results Autonomy

17. Studying elsewhere

18. UK application procedure o UCAS: centralised application service o Selective, competitive system o Up to 5 universities o No order of preference o Conditional offers made; select a Firm and Insurance

19. The UCAS form Personal details Choices Education Employment Personal statement: 47 lines, 4000 characters Reference

20. How do universities select? All look at the following: IGCSEs Première examination results Other qualifications Personal statement Reference Some ask for: Bulletins Interviews Admissions tests

21. School reference Analysis of your academic performance (overall, and in subjects relevant to course) Evidence: marks in bulletin/year average; teachers’ comments Preparedness to read & explore beyond the course Personal qualities: e.g. commitment, ability to handle heavy workload, creativity, independence of thought Extra-curricular activities Context: OIB & school

22. What are good UK universities likely to demand? Universities most often make ‘conditional offers’ Generally 12/20 - 15/20 overall, but up to 17/20 Individual subjects: 12/20 - 18/20 Entry requirements reflect competition Database and table of equivalences on Moodle to compare with A Level

23. British University tuition fees £9,000 per year No fees payable until after graduation Loan repayments only made once graduate earnings reach £21,000 per year Monthly repayments: 9% of salary in excess of £21,000 per year

24. Example Salary of £25,000 per year Annual repayments on amount in excess of £21,000=£4,000 Monthly repayments= £30 Loans are written off if they have not been repaid after 30 years

25. Timeline: Première JanuaryFirst meetings with Application Supervisors February March AprilFollow-up meetings MayUniversity visits, taster courses June JulyResearch and writing personal statement Work experience if appropriate August

26. Timeline: Terminale SeptemberMeetings with Application Supervisors October1 October deadline for Oxbridge/ medicine November December1 December deadline for others January - May Receive offers JuneOIB JulyResults AugustMeet administrative requirements