1. Tony Charlton Professional Development Team The application procedure – a beginner’s guide

2. Understanding the application process

3. The applicant journey - summary 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ▪Researches where to study ▪Registers online with UCAS Apply ▪Completes all sections of form ▪Reference added by centre ▪Centre sends form electronically to UCAS ▪UCAS processes form and forwards to chosen HEIs ▪HEIs submit decisions ▪Applicant views decisions on Track ▪Applicant replies to offers on Track (Firm / Insurance) ▪HEIs confirm places when results are released

4. Setting the scene – UK higher education  Largest sector in Europe  300 + universities & colleges  38,000+ courses

5. Completing the form

6. Key facts  Number of choices (5 max.)  2013 applicant fee - £23.00  Simultaneous consideration  ‘Invisibility’  Conditional offers

7. Key dates 15 October 15 January 24 March 30 June Medicine, Veterinary and Dentistry Oxford or Cambridge ‘On time’ applications Various Art & Design Courses Applications after this date held for Clearing

9. Student registration is fast & easy

10. What information will UCAS require? Your students are asked to complete the following sections: Personal Details Student Finance Additional Information Choices Education Employment Personal Statement Having checked the above, you will then add: A Reference

11. Common applicant errors  Failure to check entry requirements  Qualifications (eg. GCSEs) missing, or incorrectly named, on form  Wrong student support fee code  Email address not verified  Ticking criminal conviction box!  Forgotten to register for admissions test

12.  Work the UCAS reference into the existing school schedule. For example at the end of year 12  Students fill in activity / information sheets  Subject tutors complete subject reference on students the same time they complete end of year reports  Head of sixth (or assigned co-ordinator) gathers all information and edits reference  Keep files of previous students references Reference writing

13. Example format for a reference Information on school /college Suitability for chosen course Subject by subject report Personal qualities Endorsement

16. University and college decisions

17.  Admissions tutors can make one of three decisions:  Conditional Offer  Unconditional Offer  Unsuccessful

18. Conditional offers Can be expressed in:  UCAS Tariff points  200 points  Grades  BCC in A levels, or MPP in BTEC ND  a combination of both  260 points, including a B in Maths

19. Tariff tables

20. Reply dates - how it works

21. Results time

22. Confirmation  Exam results are issued (e.g. A levels on 16 August 2012, IB & BTEC in July 2012)  Admissions staff check if applicant has matched the conditions of the offer  If yes, the student will be sent an official confirmation of their place

23. Confirmation (2)  Adjustment period  What is it? Five day window of opportunity to seek place at another university or college  Eligibility Results must have exceeded CF offer and subsequently been made UF

24. Celebration time!!

25. If an applicant has no offers… Two further stages to gain a place:  UCAS Extra (24 February – 4 July 2012)  Clearing (16 August 2012 onwards)

27. Questions Tony Charlton Professional Development Officer t.charlton@ucas.ac.uk