1. Student Recruitment and Admissions Service Applying to University www.stir.ac.uk

2. Applying Through UCAS ⇒APPLY Web-based application system Apply via a registered centre (eg school/ college) Create unique account with username/ password ⇒TRACK System enables you to monitor the status of your applications online www.stir.ac.ukApply online at www.ucas.com

3. ONLINE APPLICATION: Maximum 5 applications Application deadline:15 th January 2011 (15 th October in certain cases) UCAS registration fee: £21.00 (£11.00 if making a single course application) The UCAS Application www.stir.ac.ukApply online at www.ucas.com

4. UCAS Form – Main Sections Personal Details (+ additional information) Choices (course applications) Education (completed and current studies) Employment (paid work only) Personal Statement Reference www.stir.ac.ukApply online at www.ucas.com

5. Check spelling and grammar Is the email address appropriate? Is the overall use and tone of language appropriate? No txtspk pls, LOL FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT! Student Recruitment and Admissions Service Completing the Form www.stir.ac.uk

6. Student Recruitment & Admissions Service www.stir.ac.uk Completing the Form - Choices Applications made in alphabetical order Institutions cannot see your other choices

7. Student Recruitment and Admissions Service Applying to University www.stir.ac.uk THINGS TO CONSIDER Choice of course – one type or more? Choice of institution – do your research! Entry requirements – check in advance; are they achievable? Check other requirements, eg. work experience

8. The Personal Statement Max. 47 lines of text Max. 4000 characters (approx. 600 words)

9. Reasons for choosing course Career aspirations/ future plans Relevant work experience Other activities, achievements, interests (with particular emphasis on skills acquired) Planning on taking a year out? Student Recruitment and Admissions Service Personal Statement - Guidelines www.stir.ac.uk THINGS TO INCLUDE:

10. Student Recruitment and Admissions Service Personal Statement - Guidelines www.stir.ac.uk BE AWARE: The personal statement should enhance your application – don’t waste space simply repeating information already included elsewhere Applying for several vastly different subjects can make it difficult to demonstrate commitment The personal statement should be your own work!

11. Student Recruitment & Admissions Service The Personal Statement ⇒YES…BUT… Even after universities have made their offers Particularly important for competitive subject areas Often the only opportunity to sell yourself Can make a difference at results time Does it really make a difference? www.stir.ac.uk

12. There are four possible outcomes: Unconditional offer Conditional offer Interview Unable to make an offer  ⇒UCAS Extra Student Recruitment and Admissions Service Decision Time - Universities www.stir.ac.uk

13. Wait until you hear from all your university choices. You then make your decision: 1 x FIRM acceptance (1 st choice) Plus - If Firm choice is Conditional - 1 x INSURANCE acceptance (back-up choice) Decline all other offers Student Recruitment and Admissions Service Decision Time - Student www.stir.ac.uk

14. GOOD EXAMPLE: Firm choice: ABBB at Higher Insurance choice: BBBC at Higher Student Recruitment and Admissions Service Decision Time - Student www.stir.ac.uk BAD EXAMPLE: Firm choice: BBBB at Higher Insurance choice: BBBB at Higher

15. Student Recruitment & Admissions Service Next Steps Exams (May-June) Results (August) Clearing Start university! (September-October) www.stir.ac.uk

16. Student Recruitment and Admissions Service Student Finance www.stir.ac.uk

17. Student Finance Student Recruitment and Admissions Service TUITION FEES – STUDYING IN SCOTLAND NO annual tuition fees payable by student if this is the first time studying in higher education Fees are paid on student’s behalf to the university by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) Apply online each year to SAAS for payment of fees Early application encouraged www.saas.gov.uk www.stir.ac.uk

18. Student Finance TUITION FEES - STUDYING ELSEWHERE IN UK Residents of Scotland are required to pay tuition fees to attend university in other parts of the UK Tuition fees up to £3,290 p.a. University bursaries may be available Student loans available to cover tuition fees www.saas.gov.uk Student Recruitment and Admissions Servicewww.stir.ac.uk

19. Student Finance LIVING COST SUPPORT Three main sources of support: Young Students’ Bursary – up to £2,640 p.a. Parental Contribution – incomes over £24,275 p.a. Student Loan – available to all Total support available: £5,067/ £4,107 p.a. Student Recruitment and Admissions Service www.saas.gov.uk www.stir.ac.uk

20. Student Finance Student Recruitment and Admissions Service PAYING BACK THE STUDENT LOAN Student loans are offered at a low rate of interest - typically in line with the rate of inflation Repayments begin once earnings over £15,000 p.a. Monthly repayments made through PAYE system, according to level of income eg salary: £20,000 – monthly payment: £37.50 £35,000 – monthly payment: £150.00 www.stir.ac.uk

21. Student Finance OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDING Travel Expenses (SAAS) Disabled Students’ Allowance (SAAS) NHS Bursary - www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk Scholarships (academic, sport, music) Educational trusts - www.scholarships.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/trusts.htm Discretionary funds Student Recruitment and Admissions Servicewww.stir.ac.uk

22. Student Finance Student Recruitment and Admissions Service IT PAYS TO GO TO UNIVERSITY! Average starting salary for graduates from Scottish universities: £20,000 p.a. More career options and accelerated promotion prospects 50 percent less likely to be unemployed later in life Earnings likely to continue to rise into late forties www.stir.ac.uk

23. Student Recruitment and Admissions Service Good Luck! www.stir.ac.uk