1. And all that Jazz

2. To support you in applying to University To give guidelines about writing personal statements and essays

3. By the end of this session you will: Be aware of any key application deadlines for UK/US Revisit considerations for choosing a university Have a list of useful websites Know what is expected re: personal statement/essay

4. Up to 5 choices - BUT (4 - Medicine or 1 College only – Oxbridge + 4 others) Register on UCAS website 15 th October ( Medicine/Vet Science/Vet Medicine/Oxbridge) DEADLINE = 15 th January (except some Art and Design courses = 24 th March) www.ucas.ac.uk

5. Choose about 8 Universities SATs / ACTs / IELTS/ TOEFL Common Application? 414 members

6. Individual requirements Form + exam scores + essay or PS + reports/exam results + recommendations + fee Before January 2011

7. Your sales document for University admission

8. About YOU About your interests About your skills About why YOU are the right person for the University to admit to the course

9. Competition Ability to get the most from University Vocational success Course tutor + Admissions Tutor

10. Enthusiasm Commitment Variety of skills and interests

11. Ability to communicate Evidence of skills Care and attention

12. Achievements Special attributes Future plans/goals Present and past experience

13. School Sports Out of school Work experience Life experience Career aspirations USP

14. What you Do/Did? What Opportunities have opened up? What Skills have you used developed? How is it relevant to your application?

15. Spending two weeks in a local office last summer raised my commercial awareness. I learnt about the company’s suppliers and competitors and how important customer care is to any business. The experience brought my studies to life and I am now more keen than ever to learn more………………..

16. More individual – how you think More controversial – reasoned and subtle Humour but with care Honesty Concise

17. Tell us: why you have chosen us About yourself and what makes you who you are Someone who has had an influence on you and why

18. I remember sitting on my grandmothers knee listening to stories about her childhood. More than anything else she fed my enthusiasm and interest in learning. It wasn’t just learning though, she took me with her out into the community and got me involved. I remember feeling helpless when……

19. It’s all your own work Spelling is perfect It flows well Justification – so what? Positive language/active words Balance Care with different subjects Different Universities

20. 1. Mind map or worksheet 2. Initial draft 3. Review by Form Tutor/Mrs Baker 4. Modifications 5. Review…review…review… 6. Final draft

21. DON’T FORGET TO ASK IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING

22. Research What are you looking for? Helpful websites Decide and double check requirements Start to gather papers/forms etc together

23. HAPPY WRITING