1. Applying to a competitive university

2. Aims and objectives To understand what a competitive university is Develop an understanding of what the benefits of attending a competitive university are Look at how you can make you can enhance your application to a competitive university

3. Making your choice There are over 300 Higher Education providers You need to narrow down your choice to 5 or less

4. Competitive Universities Research intensive Outstanding teaching Excellent learning experience World class research Reputation

5. What does this mean for me? Taught by leading researchers State of the art research facilities Study with peers who want to be there Encourage enquiry based independent learning

6. Benefits Reputation Graduate Salary Employability

7. The Russell Group The Russell Group… Is a group of 24 Universities Share common goals: - Outstanding teaching - World class research - Excellent learning experience

8. Russell Group bingo

9. What does this mean for me? Highest number of students achieving top grades on graduation High levels of student satisfaction Taught by academics delivering world class research National Student survey 2014 The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014/15

10. What does this mean for me? EmployabilityUniversityOverall ranking 1 Imperial College London 6 2 St George's, University of London 46 3Cambridge1 4Bath8 5Birmingham17 6 London School of Economics 3 7Oxford2 8Cardiff23 9 University College London 9 10Surrey12 11Bristol18 12Robert Gordon54 13Glasgow30 14Loughborough13 15King's College London28 16Durham5 17Exeter10 18Nottingham23 19Newcastle20 Swansea42 12 of the top 20 Universities with most graduates in graduate level jobs are Russell Group members (The Complete University Guide, 2015) Most in Graduate Level Jobs

11. What does this mean for me? Top 20 Universities with Highest Graduate Earnings 12 of the top 20 Universities with most graduates on the highest starting salaries are members of the Russell group (The Telegraph, 2015)

12. Academic ability Interest in your chosen subject Transferable skills Understanding of what the degree programme involves What are universities looking for?

13. Application Process Achieved and predicted grades Personal statement Reference Interviews Admissions tests

14. Entry Requirements Example: BSc Single Honours Biological Sciences AAB-ABB; IB 34-32 AL Biology Grade B or IB Biology HL5 plus another AL science subject Grade B GCSE Maths Grade B and GCSE Double Award Science or Chemistry Grade C

15. Personal Statement Personal statement is 70-80% directly relevant to the subject Should demonstrate your interest and knowledge in your chosen subject Stand out by showing relevant skills and experiences Why does the university want you?

16. Making the most of your skills AccomplishmentsSkills attainedLinks within your subject

17. To Conclude Gained an understanding of what the benefits of applying to a competitive university are. Gained an understanding of how to make your application stronger.

18. Any question? Contact: Tel: 01392 xxxxxx Xxxxxx @exeter.ac.uk www.exeter.ac.uk Join the Conversation! #ExeterOpen @uniofexeter facebook.com/exeteruni