Applying to a UK Universities

Applying to a UK University: 

Applying to a UK University

Choosing where to go and what to study: 

Choosing where to go and what to study Information that may help to make choices: Take the Stamford test to find out which careers/ courses may suit best ( www.ucas.com ) See www.ucas.com/ parents Browse potential jobs ( www.prospects.ac.uk ) to establish which courses are relevant to a career, salaries and personal qualities required Speak to careers advisers in school. What are the entry requirements and are they attainable?

Making choices: 

Making choices www.ucas.com Use prospectuses and course brochures Look at websites like like www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk Check out open days/taster days Ask questions/email the relevant department at universities

Choosing what to study: 

Choosing what to study Questions you need to ask yourself about the degree : Type of degree- eg Single/Joint Honours Length of course Practical/theory balance Teaching/assessment styles Contact time Career destinations Entry requirements Professional accreditations Work placements and connections with industry.

Choosing where to go: 

Choosing where to go Questions you need to ask yourself about the place : Accessibility to international transport connections Transport links within the locality Number of sites and the location of your department Rural or urban campus, colleges or not? Modern versus ancient Cost of living Style of facilities – eg . City attractions Safety/Nightlife Cultural and faith support including support for international students and what proportion do they represent on campus? Learning support for students if needed? Different University guides use different criteria eg . Compare T he Sunday Times with the Guardian Good University Guides

Choosing where to go - accommodation: 

Choosing where to go - accommodation Questions you need to ask yourself about accommodation: Location of accommodation What is available during your course? e.e.g is it guaranteed for your first year? Is it available later ? Cost - value for money ? Catered/self-catered halls? Private rented, landlord accredited ? Facilities – cheap canteens, internet access , entertainment, shops, laundry ? Distance from campus and method to get to campus- eg dedicated bus service and cost?

Which university? – the “Russell Group”: 

Which university? – the “Russell Group” University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Cambridge Cardiff University University of Edinburgh University of Glasgow Imperial College London King’s College London University of Leeds University of Liverpool London School of Economics University of Manchester Newcastle University University of Nottingham University of Oxford Queen’s University of Belfast University of Sheffield University of Southampton University College London University of Warwick Durham University University of Exeter University of York Queen’s University of London

Applying to UCAS: 

Applying to UCAS UCAS = Universities and Colleges Admissions Service Centralised application processing service On-line system and application form Secure site, can be worked online anywhere £22 to apply through UCAS Not just used for applying to university: Stamford test Entry profiles UCAS Fair dates.

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Application to UCAS 2012 2013

Applying to UCAS: 

Applying to UCAS UCAS processes over 2 million undergraduate applications a year Lots of competition – it is important to have a strong application form Be realistic about 5 choices, for example: x2 ambitious entry requirements to aim for x1 match to predicted grades x2 lower entry requirements to fall back on. If can’t decide between courses try and select similar subjects eg Business and Accounting. This will make personal statement more focused.

Applying to UCAS: 

Applying to UCAS Seven key sections to complete www.ucas.com Can be completed in any order Can return to a section to make changes if necessary “Help” symbol can be found on key sections of the UCAS form and provides answers to FAQ’s Do NOT press the “submit” button until absolutely sure it is correct

The Personal Statement: 

The Personal Statement Carries a lot of weight with universities Demonstrates reasons for applying Is the first and often only chance to ‘sell yourself’ to universities chosen Gives a flavour of the applicant Opportunity to create a good impression to Admissions Tutors who see thousands each year

Top Tips for the Personal statement: 

Top Tips for the Personal statement Draft your statement as a word document until you are happy with it- not on the UCAS page. Copy and paste later. Pay attention to the word count (including spaces) which is strictly enforced. Construct it using key paragraphs Keep sentences short and to the point Brainstorm ideas Try not to make it specific to one university Do not seek to amuse the reader- they may not share your sense of humour Do not start” I love maths because...”

The Personal Statement: 

The Personal Statement Paragraph 1 -Explain your choice of subject Outline why you are interested in the subject(s). Why does the content/ structure of the course appeal to you? Does your current study have relevance to your subject choices? Demonstrate that you are well motivated and enthusiastic about your chosen subject area Paragraph 2 - Describe your suitability What transferable skills have you gained from your current study? How are these relevant to your chosen degree subject? Unsure? Check out course entry profiles (EP’s) at www.ucas.com Has this study sparked your interest or affected your course choices at HE level? What have you particularly enjoyed?

The Personal Statement: 

The Personal Statement Paragraph 3 Longer - term career objectives Even if these are broad, include an outline of the field in which you hope to work Detail any work experience, placement or voluntary work, particularly if relevant to your subject choices Identify additional skills that you have gained through part time/ voluntary work Paragraph 4 The person behind the form Describe yourself to Admissions Tutors – your skills, strengths and personality academic/ sporting/ leisure achievements and interests Are you planning a gap year? If so, what are you planning to do?

More Top Tips: 

More Top Tips Accuracy – spelling and grammar are very important Attention to detail It should be your own work. Use entry profiles (EPs) if you are unsure what to include Don’t repeat yourself Use positive and enthusiastic language Give examples Ask for help with editing/redrafting If you propose to take a year out explain what you are doing and why.

PowerPoint Presentation: 

There are loads of websites which give you example personal statements – have a look However, DO NOT COPY – universities have software to detect plagiarism

What happens to the application: 

What happens to the application UCAS acknowledges receipt of your form You can track the application process online (using UCAS track facility). You need your access codes to do this so keep a record of these . University Admissions Tutors assess each application Possible invitation to an interview (not required for all courses) Decisions/offers made via UCAS track Universities send offer letters too

Extra Tests: 

Extra Tests Some courses and universities will ask for extra tests to be taken before applying. e.g. LNAT and BMAT There will be dates and deadlines for these – so check You need to check on university websites to check whether you need to register for a test

PowerPoint Presentation: 

http://www.ucas.tv/ucas/video/XKPKL

Tuition Fees – Graduate Contribution: 

Tuition Fees – Graduate Contribution Although the intention was for tuition fees of £6000 per year max for EU and UK residents in fact most universities are charging around £9000 from Sept 2012. Fees vary between courses and universities The UK government will lend UK eligible students money to pay tuition costs. For international students fees are variable – check individual university websites

Scholarships: 

Scholarships These are all available but vary with universities and your place of origin therefore you need to look online at university websites and on UCAS

Useful websites/contacts: 

Useful websites/contacts http ://international.studentcalculator.org.uk/international / j ames_henry_manning@yahoo.com