2. Applying to University
UCAS application process
The Personal Statement - examples
University offers and what happens next?

3. The UCAS application process
UCAS – University and Colleges Admissions Service
On-line application -
UCAS acknowledges, checks, distributes
UCAS does not make the offer
Deadlines important – 15 October/15 January
School deadlines most important

4. UCAS Application - content
Personal details ( contact address)
Academic qualifications – taken already and studying this year
Personal Statement
Teachers reference
Course choices – key element of the application, some course restrictions….

5. Course choices Maximum of 5 choices Some choice restrictions -
Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary – maximum of 4
Oxford or Cambridge
Universities only see applications for their institution
No order of preference
Choosing between courses….

6. Course choices Compare and contrast courses at different universities
Check the entry requirements
What grades and subjects are essential?
Is a portfolio or work experience required?
Deferred entry?
Check the University if in any doubt

7. Personal Statement Sets the applicant apart from other applications
Gives the applicant the opportunity to show how interested they are in the subject – this is very important!
Shows the applicant’s range of skills and abilities
Enables the applicant to detail relevant work experience – especially important for vocational degrees

8. Personal Statement – skills and abilities
What skills and abilities are important?
Communication/interpersonal skills
Responsibilities/ teamwork
Vocational courses – skills relevant to the career – organisational skills, critical thinking, empathy

9. Communication/interpersonal skills
I know studying Engineering further will involve group work and I have had plenty of experience when it comes to working with others. I am an active member of both sixth year and school choirs, and have become involved with many team activities in which communication is the key to success. Each of these activities helps me to communicate critically and to exercise the ability to listen to the views of others, which I feel would come in very useful when studying such a complex and challenging subject as Engineering.
Being a member of a Young Enterprise company also allows me to practise my communication skills as well as my role as a leader.
As Charities Representative, I enjoy getting involved with fundraising events within school. This allows me to help others and I feel a real sense of achievement in doing this.

10. Responsibility/teamwork
I am involved in many ways in my school this year, aside from my academic work. As Prefect, chosen by both staff and pupils, I have many responsibilities within the school community. I liaise both with the senior management of the school, and the pupils on issues as diverse as recycling and sports events, and I am responsible for planning and implementing ideas from a wide variety of people, as well as making my own contributions.
My other passion is football. I have recently joined a local Amateur team. I am now captaining this side and in every training session and game I need to set an example for the rest of my team. I have enjoyed the extra responsibility placed upon my shoulders and I feel that my performances have excelled since being given the captain’s armband.

11. Vocational courses
I believe that teaching is a vocation that involves a strong desire to share knowledge and to continue and promote learning. In sixth year, I have had the chance to undertake work experience in a local primary school. As well as observing teaching techniques, I have also thoroughly enjoyed being involved in all aspects of the curriculum: taking small reading groups, helping with classroom tasks, running a physical education lesson, joining in with the music specialist and doing activities with the whole class. I have learned new methods of communicating and supporting children both individually and in small groups. As a result, I feel that I can communicate more effectively with people of all age groups.
As part of advanced higher Modern Studies, I researched the Children's Hearing System. This has helped me to gain some of the essential skills required to become a successful lawyer. The study involves detailed research and analysis in order to reach a balanced conclusion with convincing arguments. These skills and competencies will stand me in good stead in the legal profession.

12. What happens next? Once the pupil has completed their application:
School adds a reference to each application
School then sends all applications to UCAS
UCAS sends the applications to the universities
Universities review all applications and make an offer –unconditional, conditional or unsuccessful and inform UCAS
This process will take different lengths of time at each University
UCAS communicates decision to the applicant through UCAS Track

13. What happens next?
Visit the University again – applicant visits and Parent and Carers information days – February/March
Applicant accepts one offer firmly and one as a back up (insurance offer) – UCAS deadlines
Applicant works out the costs associated with going to University and applies for financial support to Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS)

14. Useful information UCAS – www.ucas.com SAAS – www.saas.gov.uk
Strathclyde Open Day:
Saturday 8 October 2016 – 10.00am-2.00pm