Applying to University through UCAS

James DurantInternational Professional Development Executive

Full-time undergraduate coursesAlmost 400 universities/colleges

• Six in Northern Ireland• 20 in Wales• 23 in Scotland• 336 in England

37,000+ courses

What’s right for you!There are a number of things for you to consider before applying for higher education, such as:

• choosing a subject you enjoy as you are investing time, money and effort

• is right for your career path?

• the location including transport links and accommodation available

• a study style that suits you

• finances including course fees, travel and living costs

• extra-curricular activities to take part in

Research – it’s free• Search tool – to look for providers, courses and minimum entry requirements.

• Open days and virtual tours – a great way to explore campuses and facilities.

• Learning from others – student videos, web chats and blogs.

• Career options – our career finder tool is ideal for considering the options after education.

• Have you been using Unifrog?

Choosing the right courseWhat does the course cover?• Courses with the same title may be very different.

• Look carefully at the core course content and the range of optional studies/modules available.

• Which modules are the most interesting and relevant to your career aspirations?

• If you’re looking to go into a particular profession, check whether the course gives you the accreditation you may need.

• See if the course or university/college offers any internship, placement, or study abroad opportunities.

Choosing the right course

Types of courses available• Single: study one subject.

• Joint honours degree: divide your time 50:50 between two subjects.

• Major/Minor: study two subjects, normally at a 75%:25% rate.

• Combined honours programme: study between two to four subjects, specialising in just two subjects in years two and three.

• Modular courses: build a personalised course by choosing the modules you’re interested in.

• Sandwich courses: vocational courses, one year in industry or a year abroad.

• Foundation year: if you don’t have the right qualifications some universities and colleges offer this to help students prepare and enter higher education.

Search tool

Apply key facts • Application is entirely online.

• Maximum of five choices – use them wisely.

• Some choice restrictions:

• for medicine, veterinary science/medicine and dentistry there is a maximum of four choices

• can only apply for either Oxford or Cambridge

• Simple application cost:

• one choice – £13 • two to five choices – £24

• Equal consideration if deadlines are met.

• Invisibility – universities cannot see where else you have applied.

When to apply at Bloxham30 SeptemberDeadline for Oxford or Cambridge, and courses in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine/science.

14 OctoberDeadline for the majority of undergraduate courses.

Key factors for successful applications

Professional academic reference

Some preparation of ‘plan B’

Timely and effective management via Track.

Associated factors considered (e.g. student loans, accommodation)

Thorough and effective research

Considered choices -weighing aspiration and risk

Submitted by relevant deadline

A strong, focussed, error-free personal statement

Completing the UCAS applicationSix sections to complete:1. personal details

2. additional information

3. choices

4. education

5. employment

6. personal statement

tutor adds reference

UCAS

universities/colleges

Failing to tick boxes (e.g. Section complete).

Common applicant errors

Tick some boxes (e.g. relevant, unspent criminal convictions) in error.

Choices and education• Failing to check entry requirements or admissions test. • Lack of research.• Qualifications missing or incorrectly entered.

• Access your records online.• Shows choices, offers, personal details (update details).• Get information about offers.• Also used for Extra, Clearing and Adjustment.

Track

Universities’ decisions

Universities and colleges will review:

• personal statement

• reference

• qualifications

• admissions test results

• interviews

• portfolios

• auditions

Usually, you’ll get one of three decisions:

• unconditional offer• conditional offer• unsuccessful

Your repliesWait for all decisions from all choices then choose:

• one firm

• one insurance

Firm – if all conditions are met, this is where you will be placed.

Insurance – usually lower conditions, in case firm conditions aren’t met.

Any other offers must be declined.

You don’t have to have an insurance.

Extra, Clearing and Adjustment…Extra• 25th Feb- 4th July • Used all five choices and had no offers (or declined all offers/withdrawn).

• Add one at a time.

Clearing • Early July to Oct • Apply after 30 June, had no offers, decline all offers or not met conditions.

Adjustment • Placed with firm choice but met and exceeded conditions set.

Personal statement• The only section you have total control over.

• Your chance to sell yourself as an individual.

• One personal statement for all of your choices.

• Maximum of 4,000 characters or 47 lines.

• Minimum of 1,000 characters.

• No spelling or grammar check.

• No formatting, e.g. bold, italics or underline.

UCAS similarity detection service Remember, every personal statement is run through

software to check for plagiarism.

Most common opening lines 1. From a young age I have (always) been [interested /fascinated]… [1,779]

2. For as long as I can remember I have… [1,451]

3. I am applying for this course because… [1,370]

4. I have always been interested in… [927]

5. Throughout my life I have always enjoyed… [310]

6. Reflecting on my educational experiences… [257]

7. Nursing is a very challenging and demanding [career/course]… [211]

8. Academically, I have always been… [168]

9. I have always wanted to pursue a career in… [160]

10. I have always been passionate about… [160]

Personal statement – top tips Universities and colleges will ask:

• Have you chosen the right subject for the right reasons?

• Can you survive in an intense and pressured atmosphere?

• Do you have a range of interests and aptitudes?

• Do you have a depth of interest in the subject?

• Have you studied independently?

• Do you appear motivated and committed?

• Do you possess good numeracy and literacy skills?

ABC rule ….. so what?

Activity: what have you done?

Benefit: what skills have you gained?

Course: how will this prepare you for the course?

UCAS.com/parents

Additional help:

UCAS Customer Experience Centre0371 468 0 468Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 18:00