1. 22/06/2016 Why go to University? How to get started? QEGS UCAS programme 2010 http://srv-media/pshe/tertiary%20realities.htm

2. FOR An opportunity to continue to study something you enjoy Alternatively, an opportunity to start studying a course which is new to you Degree level qualifications increasingly necessary for better paid jobs Increase your earning power when you leave university. New experiences New opportunities A transition between school and work www.prospects.ac.uk/li nks/wdgdwww.prospects.ac.uk/li nks/wdgd This website gives information about Graduate jobs

3. AGAINST Delays earning money Financial concerns Pressure on parents’ finances You may have had enough of academic study You may want time off before you decide

4. SOURCES OF INFORMATION Prospectuses in careers room, Sixth Form Common Room and online Web-sites for the HE institution and the department you want to apply to. TIP: Use the institution search or course search www.ucas.com www.ucas.com UCAS ‘Big Guide’ book (Careers room) but don’t remove on pain of death! UCAS web-site: www.ucas.com (loads of useful links and advice for all) www.ucas.com Subject Staff/Tutors/Yr13 Students/former students London Taster Programme Connexions (Make appointments with Miss Thorn by email) www.unistats.com www.studentbook.org www.educationguardia n.co.uk/universityguide 2009www.educationguardia n.co.uk/universityguide 2009

5. Getting Started Do some research on the subject you are interested in Think about the type of degree you want to study for and how long (years) Do some research on courses (Uni ranking) Consider entry requirements and be realistic about your potential achievement

6. The UCAS home page has a link to a very good section for students. Use the tabs on the left to find the answers to any questions you have.

7. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Check the grades/UCAS points you will need to get accepted. Be realistic about what you can achieve (For details about UCAS points) www.ucas.com/students/ucas_tariff/ www.ucas.com/students/ucas_tariff/ Check that there are no GCSE subjects or other qualifications required Check on matriculation, ie that you have the basic qualifications needed to apply to the university Predicted grades for University references are based on the ‘AS’ grades you achieve in June so make sure you are on track, do the work. Don’t just hope!

8. THINGS TO REMEMBER Choose something you will enjoy studying for at least three years Check the content of the course carefully in the prospectus or on the university web- site Look at what will be covered after the first year e.g option courses Type of assessment How will the course affect your career plans? Be careful: courses with the same title may cover different things

9. QEGS UCAS 2010 Start research NOW (what have you done?) Start visiting Universities/corresponding with admission tutors Headstart conferences for aspiring engineers (see newsletter http://www.headstartcourses.org.uk/ http://www.headstartcourses.org.uk/ Student talk in school about engineering period 4 on 9th Feb (see Miss Slane if interested) Oxbridge conference March 24 th (Limited to students with GCSE grades of A or A*) speak to Mr Larter UCAS information evening for Parents and Students July 2010 Register and start applying July 2010 earliest submission date is 1 st September Apply online by November 2010 (School Deadline)