1. Ponteland High School Higher Education Evening February 2013

2. Information for Parents 1.Choosing where to study & what to study 2.How the application process works at PCHS 3.Financial concerns

3. Higher Education Universities Colleges and Institutes of Higher Education Further Education Colleges Single English Language (BA) Joint Geography and Statistics (BSc) Major/Minor Modern Languages with Accounting (BA) Sandwich Applied Biology with Placement Year (BSc)

4. Choosing the Right Institution Where would I live? Halls of Residence? Self catering flats? Private accommodation? What type?  Old or new?  Collegiate?  City or campus? Accessibility?  How far is it from home?  How much will it cost to go home? What Size?  Number of students in total?  Number on selected course? Social Life?  Clubs & societies?  Sport?  Music, theatre….

5. Choosing a course and an institution www.ucas.com/parents www.educationuk.org www.prospects.ac.uk www.Whatuni.com

6. The Application Process at PCHS

7. The UCAS Application Form Apply Online: www.ucas.comwww.ucas.com The form asks for: Personal information Examination results: GCSE, AS + other relevant exams A2 subjects to be taken Chosen institutions Personal statement Reference The 2013 application costs: £12 for one choice; £23 for 2-5 choices UCAS 2014 will go ‘live’ in July 2013

8. Applying to University July 2013 Registration begins September First draft of form ready Tutors check forms Return for corrections Process repeated if needed Students give Dr Allen a hard copy of the complete application for fine-tuning Forms returned to student if needed Reference added Application sent to UCAS if UCAS fee has been paid

9. Deadlines Oxbridge, Medics, Vets & Dentists Official deadlines: 15 October Everyone else (apart from Art & Design Route B) 15 January Internal deadlines 23 September 28 October (draft)

10. How places are offered Two systems: Grades e.g AAB Tariff points: 140 = A* at A2 level 120 = A 100 = B 80 = C 60 = D 40 = E Also: Portfolios of work Sample work Interviews Auditions Tests Unit grades Contextual information

11. Following offers through Track – a system by which students can monitor their application Students can elect to keep 2 offers: Conditional Firm- CF Conditional Insurance- CI In August students are automatically allocated to their firm offer if they meet the grade requirements

12. The UCAS Reference Admissions Tutors look for: Good academic performance Academic potential Inter-relation with personal statement

13. The UCAS Personal Statement Suggested structure: Why do you want to study this subject? What have you done in the past that makes you particularly suitable to study this subject? What else have you done that would contribute to the course and the university community and makes you an interesting and unique individual?

14. Reasons for Rejection Too many excellent candidates for too few places Unconvincing personal statement Applicants for vocational courses not demonstrating appropriate work experience Predicted grades do not match expectations of institution Failure to meet the academic requirements in August (leads to UCAS Extra in March or Clearing in August)

15. The Financial Aspect ‘ A mixture of a graduate tax and a loan on good terms’ Martyn Lewis http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/ - https://www.gov.uk/browse/education/student-finance www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinancewww.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance (online forms)

16. Tuition Fees Much of the cost of HE is still paid by the government In 2006 universities began to charge variable fees – currently capped at £9000 per year Most English institutions have opted for £9000 - ‘You get what you pay for’ image

17. An important message NO undergraduates are required to pay any fees at any time while they are studying at university Fees can be paid at the time or deferred until after graduation, & only when earning at least £21,000 per year. This is done by taking out a fee loan alongside a maintenance (living cost) loan.

18. Student Loans Two types which combined = amount of debt a graduate repays Living cost Loan Paid directly to student; Income assessed 3 instalments Tuition fee Loan Covers fees Paid directly to university Non-income assessed

19. Living cost loans (2013 entry figures) Students receive their loan in 3 instalments. £5,500 max. for those living away from home (£7,675 max. in London) £4,375 max. if living at home

20. What will university cost? Up to £9,000 fees per annum (+inflation) So … £9,000 per annum x 3 yr. degree £27,000 Living costs loan of about £16,000 Total loan debt on graduation perhaps around £43,000

21. Living Cost Loan + Grant Variable rates dependent on income: Income Loan +Grant =Total £25,000 £3875£3250£7125 £35,000£4784£1432£6216 £40,000£5239£523£5762 £50,000£47880£4788 £60,000£37880£3788

22. Special offers! Discounts likely for shortage subjects Scholarships possible to encourage more able students Bursaries for disadvantaged and/or high achieving students Offers ‘in kind’ – laptops, rent rebates, field trips, sports membership etc. Be cautious! Partners: www.ncl.ac.uk/partners

23. NHS Bursaries http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/816.aspx - http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/816.aspx - Chiropody Dental Hygiene Dental Therapy Dietetics Nursing Midwifery Occupational Therapy Orthoptics Physiotherapy Prosthetics & Orthotics Radiography Speech & Language

24. Loan Repayment Repayments begin once earning are in excess of £21,000 Repayments are fixed at 9% of any income over £21,000 Repayments are deducted at source Interest is added according to the rate of inflation and is means tested. Outstanding loan debts are written off after 30 years. Some on low salaries will NEVER pay off their loan in full during the 30 years.

25. Typical Repayments Graduate salary of £21,000 or less: repayment = nil. Graduate salary of £24,000: repayment = £22.50 pcm Graduate salary of £30,000: Repayment = £67.50 pcm salary of £50,000 Repayment = £217 pcm

26. Additional Government Help For certain undergraduates: Disabled Students’ Allowance Parents’ Learning Allowance Adult Dependents’ Allowance Care Leavers’ Allowance Access to Learning Fund (AFL)

27. Is it worth the expense? It’s important to be realistic What about getting a job? Study the university tables – jobs depend on subject, degree qualification, institution & what else a student has to offer. A degree becomes a ‘screening device’ for employers What if I want to make money?  medicine (including vet.), dentistry, engineering & economics fare well But …most jobs do NOT depend on the subject of the degree. Graduate earnings are better than non-graduate earnings (approx. £300,000 over a working life on average)

28. Is it worth the expense? YES! A life-changing experience A long-term investment in your career Many jobs only employ graduates Opportunity to make the most of yourself HE tends to happen once & the loan is only taken out once But.. It’s not about money, but controlling your own destiny.

29. And now for something completely different! Studying Abroad Information Evening Wednesday 13th March at 17.30 Durham Johnston Comprehensive School Crossgate Moor Durham DH1 4SU Speakers from European and American universities will be present to discuss this option Parents information studying abroad: www.astarfuture.co.uk/parents.htmlParents information studying abroad www.astarfuture.co.uk/parents.html