1. Y14 Induction - Careers Department Head of Careers Mr J Davey

2. Higher Education University Fees: NI Universities : £3,575 GB Universities: up to £9,000 Republic of Ireland Universities: €2,500 European Universities (UNICAS): Free > €2,500 ------------------------------------------------------ College of Further and Higher Education: Belfast Metropolitan: £2,575

3. Why Higher Education?

4. Considering a STEM Career... Top 10 Recruiting Industries in NI 2012 … *IT *Engineering *Accountancy & Finance *Pharmaceutical & Science Public Sector *Manufacturing Sales *Banking, Financial Services & Insurance Secretarial & Administration *Construction & Architecture *7 out of 10 = STEM related

5. Remember: STEM is not for everyone  You will do better in courses you enjoy  Consider studying Arts / Creative courses  Job satisfaction is important  You may be a long time in your chosen career so choose wisely!

6. UCAS University and course research  UCAS website;  University prospectus / website;  Unistat Unistat

7. Choose Suitable Courses You should consider:  Your interests;  Your academic strengths;  What you enjoy studying;  Your desired career path;  Be realistic about entry requirements;  A course with a lower entry requirement

8. UCAS Registration  Before returning to school on the 4 th September, all students MUST have: Registered with UCAS using the buzzword:  KNOCKCAREERS10 Completed the Personal Details, Education and Work sections on the UCAS application form Started a first draft of a Personal Statement  UCAS Parent Guides are available in the Hall and online- www.ucas.com

9. Key to writing Personal Statements  It is a process that will require several drafts.  It should be: Short (47 lines or 4000 characters); Concise and relevant; Written in formal language; Well structured using paragraphs; Without errors in punctuation, spelling and grammar; Strong in its opening and closing statements

10. Writing Personal Statements  Word process and then paste into UCAS when complete  Seek parental help  Submit to your Careers teacher for further advice only after you have re-drafted a number of times  Be aware of similarity detection

11. Why do Admissions Tutors reject applicants?  No evidence of ‘enthusiasm’ or ‘passion’ for the subject  Spelling mistakes  Repetition of words e.g. ‘interesting’  Poor structure  No evidence of interest outside of the school curriculum  Lack of expansion on relevant areas  Broad statements, no specifics  Too much emphasis on hobbies with no links to courses

12. Additional Advice  Make sure to keep your referee fully informed of your plans  Arrange post AS results appointment with your referee to discuss grades  Be realistic in your choice of courses  Be aware that some courses require Aptitude Tests  All payment to UCAS by credit card  Keep checking your e-mail for further information

13. Key Dates and Deadlines  Open Days: UU: Wednesday 11 th September (Open Evening - 12 th September) QUB: Friday 13 th September St Mary’s: Tuesday 17 th September  Higher Education Conference at Methodist College: Evenings of Thursday 12 th and Friday 13 th September (by ticket only)

14. Key Dates and Deadlines  School UCAS Deadlines: Early applicants (Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine): 30 th September 2013 All other applicants: 25 th October 2013  UKCAT: Registered before 20 th September 2013 Test completed by 4 th October 2013

15. Careers Advice  Careers Staff will be in the Sports Hall for advice. Mr Davey Mr McKenna Ms Hughes Best wishes with your Year 14 studies!