1. Access to Higher Education Introduction to UCAS
Shengchi Eddie Hsu
Bury College
September 2017

2. UCAS APPLICATION
Detailed standard College UCAS handbook as part of the Access to Higher Education Student Handbook
College Procedure:
Student  Group Tutor  Student Quality Manager  UCAS
Your UCAS Application will not be sent until payment is made (Please refer to Access to HE Student handbook for price).
Check your university course Entry Requirements carefully
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

3. AN EXAMPLE OF ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESS STUDENTS
Clear Grade, Level and Number of Credits stated
Check Additional requirements
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

4. New UCAS Tariffs for Sept. 2016
For the first time, Access to Higher Education Diploma is included in the UCAS Tariff. You will find the complete tariff table in your Access to HE Student Handbook.
Combinations – See tariff.
Please make sure you consult the university directly about whether they prefer to use the points or grade combinations as their entry requirement.
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

5. How do you choose a university and a degree programme?
Source: Which? Magazine
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

6. Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover…
Source: Cartoonstock.com
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

7. Some Points to Consider…
Location and accommodation
University, Department or Faculty reputation / Ranking
Course content
Career Choice
Vocational or Academic? Teaching or Research?
Finance (Bursary, Scholarships, etc) and Social/ Night life?
Anything else?
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

8. Bury College Degrees
Bury College also offers a range of degree programmes suitable for your progression from the Access to HE Diplomas. The relevant programmes are as follows:
Education Studies
Social Policy / Sociology
Health and Social Care
Psychology
Child Care and Early Years
Criminology
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

9. Personal Statement – To Get You Started
The reason it is called a Personal Statement is because… it is PERSONAL and belongs to YOU So theoretically and logically speaking NO personal statements should be the same or similar
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

10. Remember…
You should have quite a lot to write about… so… Think and Plan Carefully Before you Write…
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

11. Tell Your Story… It is YOUR story that you are writing.
And… it is VERY difficult to write about oneself.
Select carefully the anecdotes you wish to include…
Consider their significance and impact on your life…
But can you write just about ANYTHING? Not really…
Because a limited word count is stipulated…
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

12. Clichés or Statement of Significance?
Example Statement
Good?
Why or why not?
I am a mother of 4 and I have single-handedly brought up these children. Circumstances have helped me perfect my organisation and time-management skills. As my children are now older, I can start to pursue my dream to become a teacher, nurse or a midwife.
From a young age, I have always been passionate about and fascinated by A, B, C. That is why I want to apply to study to study English at your institution.
I am a charitable person and have organised/ engaged in many charity fundraising events, such as A, B, C. My involvement in these has helped me become more determined to pursue a career in Health and Social Care.
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

13. So What Can You Consider?
Personal Life (including hobbies and interests)
Work Experience
Education and Qualifications
Future Aspirations
This is a UCAS application, not a job application.
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

14. Write Carefully The register and tone of your personal statement
Try to keep your sentences/ statements concise
Proof read (punctuation and spelling)
Use paragraphs effectively and clearly
Drafting can be very longwinded and laborious. Be patient. Be persistent. Be the best!
Know about the course(s) and future career(s)
Shengchi Eddie Hsu

15. UCAS APPLY
Please read through the UCAS APPLY guide in the Appendix 1 of the Access to Higher Education handbook.
Follow instructions to register and activate your account
You will be guided through the process in your Core sessions where your group tutor and computer facilities are available.
Shengchi Eddie Hsu