1. 1 Admissions at The University of Nottingham Matthew Harrison Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer

2. Sunday, September 06, 20152 What I’m going to talk about today… Admissions – facts and figures from The University of Nottingham What we do with applications The UCAS application process Personal statements What are we looking for in an application? Top tips

3. Sunday, September 06, 20153 The University of Nottingham and Hampton School 2010 Entry: 69 applications, 54 offers 2009 Entry: 73 applications, 58 offers 2008 Entry: 78 applications, 65 offers 2007 Entry: 64 applications, 51 offers

4. Sunday, September 06, 20154 Admissions – Facts and Figures Around 40,000 applications per year Apps per place differ according to the School –Physiotherapy - 10 –Psychology - 8 –English – 7 –Chemistry – 6 –Civil Engineering - 5 13% mature applications 25% independent sector; 75% state sector

5. Sunday, September 06, 20155 Entry requirements Differ from School to School –Economics – AAA (for now...) –English – AAA including A in English –Psychology – AAB and B in GCSE Maths –Mech Eng – AAB – BBB including Maths –Physiotherapy – ABB including Biological Science/PE Non-tariff based

6. Sunday, September 06, 20156 Application Cycle Main Application Cycle UCAS Extra Confirmation –Accepted on chosen course –Offered an alternative course –Unsuccessful Clearing

7. Sunday, September 06, 20157 Admissions structure Central Admissions Office –Science, Engineering, Arts, Social Sciences, Law & Education –Medicine, Physio, Biosciences, PGCE separate Development of Centralised Decision Making –Pilot for 2003 entry – Built Environment and Mathematics –Expanded for 2005 entry – 16 Schools –2009 entry - 32 Schools

8. Sunday, September 06, 20158 Centralised Decision Making Individual level of service for each School Entry criteria set by individual School Regular meetings with Admissions Tutor Applications referred (where subject-specific knowledge needed) Some applications for high demand courses need to be held until 15 January deadline

9. Sunday, September 06, 20159 Centralised Decision Making - Benefits Applications processed on a regular basis Fairness and consistency ensured Single point of contact for applicants In depth knowledge of qualifications Knowledge of developments in admissions policies and practices

10. Sunday, September 06, 201510 The UCAS Process UCAS Universities and Colleges Admissions Service Central applications agency for HE applications in England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland UCAS operate on behalf of all full-time HE courses at member institutions Handles over 600,000 applications per year www.ucas.com

11. Sunday, September 06, 201511 UCAS – Key facts ‘Invisibility’ Maximum of five choices (some exceptions) Simultaneous consideration Conditional offers – 2 can be held August – confirmation of offers £22 Registration Fee

12. Sunday, September 06, 201512 Personal statement Most important element of the application form Sells your skills and experience to the admissions tutor 360 degree snapshot of you! Must be completed by the applicant Start early and listen to advice Use UCAS entry profiles Evidence real interest in the course

13. Sunday, September 06, 201513 Personal statement Evidence wider reading / experience around the subject area Show a valuable contribution to the University Be honest!

14. Sunday, September 06, 201514 UCASapply – Personal statement

15. Sunday, September 06, 201515 UCASapply – Personal statement preview

16. Sunday, September 06, 201516 UCAS Application Personal Statement –Why they have chosen a particular subject –What interests them about that subject –Any relevant experience –Gap year/future plans –Extra-curricular activities –Encourage honesty Plagiarism Policy Reference –Predicted/actual grades –Skills in each subject –General skills and qualities –Extra-curricular activities –Extenuating circumstances

17. Sunday, September 06, 201517 What are we looking for? Strong academic profile may include specific GCSE’s and AS/A2 Levels Knowledge and interest in subject area students who have read outside of the curriculum texts! Career aspirations Relevant work experience/voluntary placements

18. Sunday, September 06, 201518 What are we looking for? Extra curricular activities Key skills teamwork, organisation, time management Other factors; Interviews Additional tests Additional information on questionnaires etc

19. Sunday, September 06, 201519 How parents can help… Offer advice and guidance Start the process early, research all options! Encourage realism Encourage attendance at open days Offer help for finding relevant work experience Offer support with the personal statement Offer support around the A Level results period Encourage development of key skills at this stage

20. Sunday, September 06, 201520 Top tips! Start early Research thoroughly Use the advice and guidance available Websites, Open Days etc. Ask questions Get your application in on time Be wise with your Insurance Choice Make sure it is what you want to do

21. Sunday, September 06, 201521 Sources of information www.ucas.com www.unistats.ac.uk www.nhscareers.nhs.uk www.qaa.ac.uk www.prospects.ac.uk www.nusonline.org.uk www.unionview.co.uk www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

22. Sunday, September 06, 201522 UCAS Online UCAS Online offers the latest how-to guides and case studies about applying to universities in the UK Visit the UCAS Youtube Channel; http://www.youtube.com/user/UCASonline http://www.youtube.com/user/UCASonline Or go to www.ucas.tvwww.ucas.tv

23. Sunday, September 06, 201523

24. 24 Questions? Matthew Harrison Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer