1. UCAS Application Session 2014-15 1

2. Applying to University Choices How to apply and personal statement What happens next 2

3. Choices Use… SWAP Progression routes UCAS Course Search University info –Website –Prospectus –Admissions contacts, helpdesks etc. 3

4. The deadline is: 15 th January 2015 Your college deadline will be sooner so they can complete references (Nov-Dec 2014) UCAS Guide in Prep for HE materials Help and videos on UCAS application/web site. Deadlines 4

5. UCAS Apply: www.ucas.com the click linkwww.ucas.com 5

6. Apply and track 6

7. Register 7

8. Complete personal details 8

9. Applying through school/college 9

10. SWAPWest Buzzword: swapwest2015 Buzzword is: swapwest2015 10

11. Select group – your college/programme 11

12. Welcome page 12

13. Sections 13

14. Personal details Personal Details… Some filled in automatically Provide other details, e.g. fee code usually 02 – UK Declare any relevant criminal convictions (not spent). Additional Information… E.g. Nationality If you have been in care Your family’s education background. 14

15. Personal Details 15

16. Student Finance 16

17. Choices Select courses you would like to study and where Use all 5 choices Start date: Oct 2015 (can also apply for deferred place) For year 1 as point of entry, UCAS advises to leave box this box blank. 17

18. Choices 18

19. Education 19

20. Education Centre name (the field will be ‘greyed out’) Click on ‘Find’ 20

21. Add ‘Scottish Wider Access Programme’ Perform a search for SWAP (NB: it will not be found) Click the link “My school / centre is not listed here” You will be returned to the Education page where you can then type in ‘Scottish Wider Access Programme’ in the space that was previously greyed out. 21

22. Education Centre name : Scottish Wider Access Programme (not listed) Centre number: 78792 22

23. Education Click on add qualifications then National Units – Scotland Enter unit titles with codes, qualification date, awarding body (SQA), level (Higher etc.) and result. 23

24. Employment Can add up to five employers 24

25. Personal Statement 25

26. 26 http://www.ucas.tv/ucas/video/48Mgg Personal Statement – UCAS TV

27. Personal Statement Use UCAS guides and SWAPWest guides –What excites you about course; how did you get excited? –Skills you have (academic/work/life), outside reading/learning, experience. Evidence! –What makes you unique? Hobbies/experiences etc. Avoid flowery language, clichés, rambling, plagiarism! Be authentic, positive and enthusiastic Be clear and concise, have structure, use paragraphs (e.g. punchy intro, chunky middle and end on personal touch). –Proofread; it will take you many drafts! 27

28. Personal Statement mind map 28

29. Declaration, payment and sending your application Declaration When finished, agree to the declaration. Payment and referee Pay using credit or debit card Application then sent to referee Form then sent to chosen universities. 29

30. After sending your application Universities have until early May to respond Use Track at: www.ucas.ac.uk/students/track/ Possible responses are: ResponseWhat it means Unconditional OfferUniversity offer a place with no conditions Conditional OfferUniversity offer a place on condition, e.g. on successful completion of SWAP with BBB profile WithdrawnIf you don’t respond to offers or attend interview UnsuccessfulUniversity will not offer you a place 30

31. Replying to offers You reply to your offers in three ways: accept firm, accept insurance, and decline Replying to offers: Accept conditional firm + conditional insurance Decline all other choices 31

32. I have been unsuccessful - what can I do? Contact the SWAP office Extra and Clearing are available For a back up or if not ready for university, HNC/D (apply!!!) 32

33. Further assistance Good luck! 33