Application Matters

First-hand advice on going through the process

TIPS ON PERSONAL STATEMENTS

DEADLINE REMINDERS

JARGON EXPLAINED

NOT ALONE -WHERE STUDENTS FIND SUPPORT

Parent Guide

Lighting up the road to university

Parent Guide | 3

A big decision 2

This is personal 4

Why choose UWTSD? 4

Help at Hand 6

Jargon explained 7

Marc and Rachel offer some advice 8

Making ends meet - fees scholarships and bursaries 10

Fun and games plus peer support 11

The path to employment 12

Opening doors and going places 13

Application deadlines 14

A supporting role 15

Check list 15

› Choosing the right course of study is very important. Help them find their passion as they will be studying their subject for quite a while. › Researching the content of courses can help with making that choice. Just because a programme has the same title does not mean the areas covered and emphasis will be the same. Information on programme content can be found in a university’s prospectus, on its website and by contacting the relevant faculty.

› Teaching methods and assessment can vary from one place, and course, to another. It’s worth finding out about lecturers and tutorials. Can you get help when you need it? Does everything hinge on your final exams?

Tips to help with an important choice...

IntroductionThis may be called a Parent Guide but it is for everyone who finds themselves playing a supporting role in a person’s move into higher education. So, whoever you are - mum, dad, grandparent, guardian, foster parent, teacher or mentor - there should be something in these pages to help. If you are a carer thereis extra support available - contact student services, details on page 6.

We are publishing this magazine to help you support your potential graduate as they apply for university, to answer some questions and possibly calm your nerves. If you have no concerns, as they are busy getting on with things, this magazine is still for you as you may learn something you didn’t know you didn’t know. Anyway, we hope you find this helpful.

discover more.about University of Wales Trinity Saint David.uwtsd.ac.uk

Content

› Location, location, location . . . You may want your child (yes, we know they may be a young adult, but they’ll always be your child to you) to study close to home but they may have to move away to do what they want to do. Finding out about accommodation and the area where they would be studying could help to make that first step into university life less daunting – for them and for you.

› The best place may not be the one you think it will be. Keep an open mind. Go to open days to get a feel for the different universities. Are the staff friendly and helpful? Do the lecturers have a passion for their subject? Is it a place where people have respect for each other and the students? It’s all well and good being set on going to a particular institution but if you are not going to be happy it may be hard to complete your studies.

› It’s great to do what you love but even better to be able to use your knowledge afterwards. What does the university do to help students prepare for employment when they have completed their studies? What help and encouragement is there if you want to progress further in your academic field? Or start a business?

› Financial matters need consideration too. How much is the course going to cost? Is there any financial assistance available, such as a bursary? Is the university in an expensive or cheaper area to live?

Taking your first steps into higher education can be an exciting time but also quite daunting. It’s a good idea to take a step back and consider what is most important.

You may have experience of university life or it may be completely new to you. Perhaps you are thinking of applying yourself. Whether you did a degree or not you may find things are quite different now.

There is a lot to think about. But where should you start?There are some suggested directions on these pages.

Here are a few ideas to help you support your loved one on their academic journey

Why choose UWTSD?

Parent Guide | 5Parent Guide | 4

DO... DON’T...The Do’s and Don’ts

The personal statement is part of the application form to apply to University. It is the student’s chance to inform universities why they want to study their course and what makes them a suitable candidate. This may be the student’s only chance to persuade their university to accept them onto their chosen programme..

The courses that interview may use the personal statement as a basis for the interview questions but others don’t interview at all so the personal statement is crucial to the decision-making process.

The personal statement can be 47 lines long (or 4,000 characters – whichever comes first) and they cannot change the size and type of font. The main focus of the personal statement should be the course. Its aim is to emphasise their interest in studying the course and to show their dedication to the subject. Relevant work experience should be included as well as skills, and transferable skills, gained from curricular and extra-curricular activities that will be of benefit to them while studying their degree. Students only write one personal statement that goes to all of their choices, therefore it must encompass every subject area they’re applying to study at university. If you’re applying to Welsh course providers you can choose to complete your application entirely in Welsh.

This may be the student’sonly chance to persuade a university to accept themonto their chosen course.

Making aStatement

1. More Than a DegreeStudents at University of Wales Trinity Saint David not only learn about their academic subject they also have the opportunity to gain the other skills employers need. Also, the careers service is there to offer advice and support that continues after graduation.

Friendly and Safe Campus CommunitiesClose-knit campus communities mean students can settle in and feel at home really quickly. Students have swipe cards for accommodation and there is CCTV coverage on campuses. Low level of incidents recorded on all campuses.

2.

There for YouThe University has an open door policy, which means students can drop in to see a member of staff at any time during term time, and, if they’re free they’ll try to help. So there is support on the academic side and also through Student Services who are there to care, providing everything from help with financial issues to counselling. UWTSD listens to its students and this year saw the joint highest increase in student satisfaction in Wales (National Student Survey).

3.

An Inclusive EducationHigher education should be available to all those who will benefit from it so UWTSD welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances, anda range of bursaries and scholarships are offered too.

4.

21st Century CoursesLearning and Teaching are our main focus as a University and we do everything we can to make sure our courses are relevant to students’ future careers.

5.

A Historic ReputationAs the earliest established Higher Education institution in Wales (1822) we are proud of our long-standing reputation for providing higher education excellence in Wales.

6.

Fantastic Locations Studying with us enables students to experience the very best of Welsh culture and our outstanding natural environment. There are great places to visit close to our city, coastal and countryside campuses.

7.

› Write about irrelevant things, for example: “My hobby is socialising with friends.”

› Write about negative qualities – stick to the positives

› Use long words that aren’t familiar to try to impress

› Forget to spell-check before sending the application

› Leave it to the last minute

› And above all. . . Don’t Panic!

› Focus on their course or subject area

› Create a list of ideas before beginning to write

› Include achievements both academic and extra-curricular (especially if they’re relevant to the course)

› Include detail about work experience and what they did and what they enjoyed and learned › Family and friends should read the personal statement and point out any achievements they’ve forgotten to include

› Link any skills gained from part-time work, sports clubs or othe extra-curricular activities to the proposed course

› Create several drafts, think of writing the personal statement as a process.

Go to www.ucas.com and searchPersonal Statements for more adviceon how to write a personal statement.

Help at hand Jargon

Parent Guide | 7

Welfare Going to university can be a way of easing into adulthood. While expanding their academic abilities and preparing themselves for employment students can also benefit from a range of services. There are accommodation officers,counsellors and advisers on a range of issues. Student Services offerscareers information, advice on financial, mental health and learning issues,counselling and support for students from care. If Student Services can’t provide what they need, with their substantial knowledge, experience and contacts they can refer them to other individuals within the University or to external organisations, who will be able to help.

Learning SupportIf your son or daughter has a disability or has already been assessed as having dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference (SpLD), you can contact Student Services as soon as she/he has made a definite decision to attend UWTSD. This means that we can ensure that everything necessary to support your child can be put in place with the minimum of delay.

Careers adviceStudents can get help with their long-term plans as well as information about opportunities to work while studying. As well as outside employers there is also some work available within the university, for example Student Ambassadors are employed throughout the year, and work for them can be available at weekends and during holidays. At UWTSD Careers Advisers are available for appointments throughout the year to discuss: application procedures and CVs; interview techniques; job-seeking strategies; and, work experience. There is careers advice available and general careers counselling, in relation to course changes and study options. Events are advertised daily on Facebook and Twitter

For more information see page12

CounsellingSometimes life can become a bit too much to handle alone. Students can seek help from UWTSD’s counselling service if they need someone to talk to about all kinds of matters. The University has a well-established, professional Counselling Service. All its Counsellors work in accordance with the Ethical Framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

@uwtsdcareersUWTSDCareers

Study skillsStudy skills support is available to all University of Wales Trinity Saint David students who need assistance with their studies. This can include support with essay-writing, note-taking, IT support, library and research skills along with a range of study skills strategies.

Drop-in study skills sessions are available on the Carmarthen, Lampeter and Swansea campuses.

Website: uwtsd.ac.uk/student-services

AccommodationWhere are they going to live? Accommodation officers are there to help make sure your son or daughter has a place to go when they arrive. If your son or daughter wants a place it is important to apply as early as possible. Accommodation officers can help them apply to live in a hall of residence and provide information about renting in the private sector. Some students prefer to find their own place to live but advice is still available.

For more information visit: uwtsd.ac.uk/accommodation/

Parent Guide | 6

Admissions Tutors Each department, school or faculty will have an academic member of staff responsible for assessing applications and handling other enquiries about the admissions process.

BursaryA non-repayable grant of money awarded to a student on application who fulfils specific criteria. Visit uwtsd.ac.uk/bursaries/

ClearingThis is the system operated by UCAS to enable students to find places on courses that still have vacancies after the publication of the A-Level results. Although it is often for those who have not made the grades required by their chosen universities, it can also allow last-minute applications to new institutions for those who obtain better results than they had expected. Around 30,000 students go through the clearing system each year. For further information on the process visit www.ucas.co.uk/clearing/

DissertationAn extended essay or report usually between 7,000 and 15,000 words on a specific subject completed during a course of study. This involves in-depth research and independent study.

FacultyA faculty is a number of academic departments that are grouped together for teaching, research and administrative purposes. For example, Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, Faculty of Art and Design, Faculty of Business and Management, Faculty of Education and Communities, Faculty of Humanities and Performing Arts.

Finals Finals is the name given to the final exams taken by students at the end of their study. In the past nearly all of the assessment for a degree was based on the outcome of these exams. Many degrees today rely less on the results from finals and tend to use assessment throughout the duration of the course.

Freshers Students beginning their time at a university are often referred to as Freshers and a Freshers Week (or fortnight!) is normally organised to introduce them to university life. This can include social events as well as introduction to libraries and other resources.

ProgrammeUniversities usually use programme to mean the full course of study. A programme is usually made up of modules, individual parts of the programme which teach a particular area of the subject or require the student to create their own piece of work, such as a dissertation.

ProspectusA prospectus is a booklet which gives the details of courses, activities and student life at a university or college. A university’s website will usually have even more in-depth information about programmes (courses),

ScholarshipScholarships are grants (not repayable) of money made to a student. They are a little like a bursary, but scholarships are usually based on academic merit and excellence as opposed to financial need.

SchoolUniversities use the term School to mean a particular subject area within a faculty. For example, the School of Classics at UWTSD is within the Faculty of Humanities and Performing Arts.

Semester A semester is half a study year.

Student ServicesA department within the university which provides a range of support services to students normally including financial advice, accommodation, disability support, careers service, education guidance, counselling and so on.

Students’ UnionEach university will have a Students’ Union (which will probably be part of the National Union of Students). The Union will represent the interests of students and works in their interest about a whole range of issues. The union can also provide the focal point of student activities.

UCAS Pronounced ‘You-Cass’. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service for the UK. Most students apply for full-time courses through UCAS although there are some exceptions.

UCAS ExtraIf you used all your five choices on your UCAS application and you don’t manage to secure an offer, you have a second chance to apply for a place, using UCAS Extra. The service starts mid-March and runs until the end of June. UCAS writes to let you know if you are eligible to use Extra.

Vice-ChancellorThe Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer of the university and is the most senior member of the university staff.

Parent Guide | 9

Be there when they need to talk

Rachel White is looking forward to studying photography at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Here she and her dad, Marc, talk about how she got to this point, his concerns and their advice for parents who want to help

How much did you know about the university application process before starting to apply?

Marc: I didn’t know that much as Rachel is quite with it when it comes to these things. I wasn’t fully aware of the whole application process.

Rachel: I didn’t know a lot. The college helped and I went through the UCAS process. UCAS basically takes you through it step by step, what to do and how to apply. I found it quite simple but I didn’t think it would be.

How did you go about researching degree courses?

Marc: Rachel did all that herself. I didn’t have to worry. I knew she was conscientious and I didn’t have to push her. I asked if she was OK or needed help but she said: ‘No, dad, it’s sorted. I know what I am doing.’

Rachel: On the website there are descriptions of what students do in each year and I decided from that.

What did you take into consideration when selecting universities?

Marc: I knew Rachel wanted to stay at home. I knew the area and the accommodation was good, so that wasn’t a problem.

Rachel: The area was very important to me. I knew I wanted to stay at home. To help with my choice I went to induction days and talks.

What tips would you give to parents about helping with the application process?

Marc: I would say that if your son or daughter is not quite clued up it’s best to find as much information as possible yourself. I would say try to get on a course close to home but if they are going to travel then it doesn’t matter how far it is if it is the right place and course for them. If you need to help them, then do the research yourself and talk it through with them.

Rachel: Keep asking and making sure they know what they are doing. Take them to opendays and interviews. Give them practical support and be there when they need to talk.

How involved should parents be in the process?

Rachel: It should be your choice but they should give you help if you are struggling.

Marc: It’s important for them to know help is there when they need it.

What can parents do to be supportive as a student prepares to go to university?

Marc: Help to make sure all the things that need to be in place are there, such as finance and accommodation, so there are no nasty surprises. I was a bit nervous about her meeting new friends as she has been a bit quiet in the past but she has been through it all with college. This is one of the reasons we have taken a back seat - we know she is more aware now. She is conscientious and we know she will sort it out.

Rachel: If you are living away from home you may need help to buy things such as food and stuff for your student house, for example. You may need help with getting equipment – of course, you are paying for it out of your student loan but you may want some support.

What are you looking forward to?

Rachel: I am looking forward to learning and the whole university experience.

Parent Guide | 8

Parent Guide | 10

Students’ UnionThe University itself does much to support students but it is not their only source of help when studying at UWTSD. The Students’ Union isn’t just a place to hang out, it organises numerous events but is also there for students if they need to tackle a problem. The SU provides: events; societies; sports; academic support; welfare advice; campaigns; course and faculty representatives; a voice on the Student Council; employment opportunities; Welfairies/Fresh Reps; and, a safe space.

FreshersThe two weeks at the start of term is known as ‘Freshers’. It’s a time when new students get settled into university life. The SU provides day and night events to help Freshers get to know each other and the area in which they will be studying and living.

The SU has ‘Fresh Reps’ and ‘Welfairies’ at these events. These students are trained by the SU and move new Freshers into halls, take them out on the town and ensure they are safe. What’s more, new students can always talk to them about any concerns they may have.

There are weekly events where students can socialise and meet new people. There are numerous sports teams who compete professionally at BUCS (British University Championships). Whether your son or daughter has never played before or is an expert there is something for everyone.

If they aren’t into sport then the SU has numerous societies for like-minded people to get involved in. If there isn’t one that they fancy then it’s really easy to start your own. These are just a taster of what is on offer: cycling, dance, badminton, psychology, Christian Union and LGBT.

Carmarthen, Lampeter and Swansea Students’ Unionwww.tsdsu.co.uk

Fun and gamesplus peer support

Making ends meetFull-time Undergraduate Students› Trinity Saint David Bursary – Awarded to students from a low income background outside of Wales

› Departmental Scholarships – Awarded on students’ ‘all-round’ performance

› Residential Bursaries (All full-time UK & EU residential students) – This bursary is means tested

› Welsh Medium / Bilingual Scholarships – For students who wish to study partially or fully through the medium of Welsh/bilingually

› Childcare Bursaries – This bursary is means tested

› Internships – For students seeking relevant work experience with a company/group

› Educational Bursary – For students who need assistance with course-related costs

› Study Abroad Bursary – for students undertaking one full semester of study abroad at a partner University

Part-time Undergraduate Students› Part-time Bursary – To assist students with course-related costs

› Welsh Medium / Bilingual Scholarships – For students who wish to study partially or fully through the medium of Welsh/bilingually

› Childcare Bursaries – This bursary is means-tested There is also support available for postgraduate students and international students

For more information regarding cost of study please see Student Services:uwtsd.ac.uk/student-services/financial-support/

Disclaimer: This information was correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change. * The bursaries and scholarships listed were available for 2014. They are subject to yearly review. Please check our website for the most up-to-date information: uwtsd.ac.uk

Money DoctorsKeeping up with bills and sticking to a budget can be difficult. As a parent you may be concerned that your son or daughter will struggle and worry about money when they should be concentrating on their studies. The University understands students may need some advice and support in this area and so operates a Money Doctors service for students.

This service aims to provide students with impartial advice on handling debt and offers all students money management guidance. The Money Doctors are especially interested in speaking to new students making personal financial decisions for the first time.

The Money Doctors will be available each week during term time, and are able to provide information regarding grants, student loans and other financial help for which a student may be eligible to apply. Arrangements can also be made to meet students who require personal assistance in monthly budgeting. They can also negotiate with banks and credit card companies on a student’s behalf, and decipher jargon with which they may be unfamiliar.E-mail: moneydoctors@trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk

Parent Guide | 10

Most people have money worries at some time in their lives and, as a parent, you may be concerned that your son or daughter is going to struggle if they go to university. The key facts are that most students pay nothing up front and won’t have to pay back their student loan until they earn more than £21,000 a year as a graduate.

If eligible for UK student support, students repay the same amount no matter what the tuition fee is. The payment will automatically come out of their salary if they are working in the UK after finishing their course, just like tax and national insurance.It’s an investment in their future as, in general, graduates in professional jobs earn more over the time of their career than those without a degree.

How much will the course cost?

The cost of a course depends on a number of things – mainly which course the student chooses and where they are living when they apply for the course.Although the fees at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David for full time UK/EU students have been set at £9,000 for courses starting in 2015, we have a wide range of bursaries and scholarships which provide additional financial support to students.

If you live in Wales or the EU (excluding the rest of the UK), in 2014/15, you will pay £3,685 per year for a full-time course (which is covered by a fee loan) because the Welsh Government provides a fee grant to help pay the cost of the full fee each year. There are also lots of scholarships and bursaries available from the University to support talented students from all backgrounds.

Bursaries and Scholarships*

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has a strong record of widening access to higher education and we believe fees must not be a disincentive for students. With this in mind, we offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to support talented students from every background. If your son or daughter has the talent and ability, we want to make sure they have the opportunity to study here regardless of financial circumstances.

Full detailed information on all available bursaries and scholarships, including application deadlines, can be found on our website: uwtsd.ac.uk/bursaries/

Parent Guide | 11

Parent Guide | 13

When it comes to deciding on a career to follow and getting a job, everyone can benefit from a little help sometimes. This is why the Careers Service is available to all students, past and present, of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Its main purpose is to assist students in identifying their career goals throughout university and to provide appropriate assistance and support to help them to achieve them. Experienced and professionally qualified Careers Advisers are based on all campuses, offering confidential and impartial advice and guidance.

Above Opening doors going places

As part of his studies Damian undertook a number of exciting placements which, according to his academic tutors, have helped him realise his management potential.

As a nervous and inexperienced first year Damian elected to work locally and gain confidence working at TYF Adventure in St Davids where he gained a great deal of experience as sales and activities host and working in the hotel.

In year two Damian applied to work with the World’s leading entertainment organisation, Walt Disney World, in Florida. Dressed in traditional costume, he worked as a merchandising host in the Magic of Wales Shop and Rose and Crown Pub in the UK Pavilion at Epcot.

Visit the University website and search ‘Courses’ to discover more about degree programmes at University of Wales Trinity Saint David: uwtsd.ac.uk

He took on an additional UK placement at the Alton Towers Hotel where he became a food and beverage team leader and gained vital event management experience.

Jacqui Jones, programme Director for Leisure, Events, Tourism and Sport, said:

“It has been amazing watching Damian’s career develop, from visiting him at Walt Disney World to supporting and assessing him on an operational placement, through to meeting him as a graduate trainee in Aspen, a new manager and supervising our placement students in Vail, managing a top restaurant in both the middle east and Denver, and recently as an Assistant Food and Beverage Director opening one of the newest and most exciting luxury hotels in the world. I am really proud of his achievements which demonstrate the importance of our placement programme.”

HND and BA(Hons) Leisure Management

Damian Jenkins

andbeyond

– a careers service that more than stays the course

The Careers Service offers support with choosing a career, finding careers information, creating CVs, completing successful application forms and mock interviews. One-to-one appointments, group and drop-in sessions are available. Students can also access pre-entry guidance, help finding work experience/paid placements and part-time employment while at university.

Making yourself employable involves many aspects of university life, not just your degree. Students can draw on examples from their employment, work experience, volunteering, membership of clubs and societies. The University encourages all students to use the service from their first year as many professions, such as teaching, require work experience in order to get on the postgraduate teacher training course.

Many students use the summers to do some voluntary work, internships and work abroad. Again, the Careers Service advertises all these opportunities and can check applications. Annual careers fairs are held across the campuses, with a huge variety of employers attending from the public and private sector.

There are also social media pages where all opportunities are displayed, along with job search websites and further sources of help. There are careers information guides on the Career Service website on many topics including how to write a CV and cover letter.

A student’s careers experience does not end with graduation. They can keep in touch via email, telephone or even Skype for as long as they require assistance. Visit the website to discover more: uwtsd.ac.uk/careers On graduating, Damian applied for a University-

organised graduate placement with luxury hotel brand Ritz Carlton working in food and beverage at the Ritz Carlton Club Aspen Highlands in Colorado. Damian worked his way up in 18 months from server to assistant manager. As a result he was recruited to work as assistant manager at Remington’s Restaurant at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch near Vail in Colorado, and was promoted to manager before his contract was completed.

Damian then went to the Ritz Carlton Doha. As manager of the fine dining restaurant he looked after high-end guests greeting them as Your Honour, Your Excellency and Your Highness more than Sir or Madam.

Next Damian spent three years as the general manager of John Elway’s steak house at the Ritz Carlton in Denver. John Elway was quarterback for the Denver Bronco’s American football team and this was his highly successful, high volume restaurant serving quality food. Ritz Carlton recognised Damian’s talents and sponsored him and his wife (also a UWTSD graduate) for a green card.

Damian then took up an opportunity with a new brand, The Marriott Renaissance Esmeralda Palm Springs. He has now returned to Ritz Carlton as assistant director of food and beverage at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage in California. He oversaw the hotel opening, being responsible for all food and hospitality outlets as well as events, bars and in-room dining.

Damian is grateful for the placement opportunities provided by UWTSD Swansea which he believes were absolutely crucial for his management career and set him up for success.

Parent Guide | 12

Damian said:

“The experience made me grow so much, gaining more confidence, and the exposure of working for such a large company, being surrounded by so much talent and a great training programme no doubt set me up for success.”

It’s a given that you will want your son or daughter to receive excellent tuition based on high academic standards. Have you thought about other aspects of their time in university? Placements can build confidence and provide superb career opportunities. Here’s one UWTSD graduate’s story.

“Making yourselfemployable involves many aspects ofuniversity life, not just your degree”

Parent Guide | 14

When your son or daughter is busy with coursework and preparing for exams it’s easy to miss other important deadlines. Here’s a timeline to help keep you in the loop.

Beatthose

FEBRUARY - MARCHIt’s time to start looking at student finance and making an application.

MID - AUGUSTA-Level results day. Clearing opens at 8am. Students can call their universities to check if they have been placed if they haven’t received the required results. If they haven’t received a place they can call other universities who have vacancies.

JUNEDeadline for students to reply to offers if they received them by May.Applications submitted automatically entered into clearing.Student finance applications close (Scotland).International Baccalaureate (IB) and BTEC results published.

JUNE Start gathering information. This is the time to research what’s on offer. Your son or daughter can ask for a prospectus, visit websites and book places on open days. Find out about open days at: uwtsd.ac.uk/visitus

UCAS opens its application process in late June so they can start filling out the form over the summer. They can send their form in September. You can apply at www.ucas.com and the form is called APPLY. It goes on until January.

JANUARY 15thMid-January is the general UCAS application deadline. This is the ‘on time’ deadline. Students can still apply up until June 30 but you will be considered as a ‘late’ applicant.

OCTOBER 15thOxbridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary applications deadline.

APRILStudent finance applications close (Wales and Northern Ireland).

SEPTEMBERClearing closes.

MAYDecisions usually back from universities for March applications.Student finance applications close (England)

AUGUSTHighers results published; Clearing vacancies published (Scotland).

MARCHDecisions usually come back from universities for January applications.

June - Year 12When AS-level exams are over, draw up a long list of course ideas, researchingdifferent options and attending university open days.

July Time to start drafting a personal statement. Perhaps you could offer to help with making notes and filling in gaps.

September - November - Year 13It’s UCAS application season. Your son or daughter can seek advice from teachers and a careers adviser about their course ideas. They may need some help. How is their personal statement progressing?

DecemberWith the deadline fast approaching, check your child has finalised their choices and got their personal statement in order. Can you help with final checks and proofreading before it’s submitted?

January – MarchUniversity offers should now start to come in, but if your child hasn’t heard back yet, there’s no need to panic - universities have until May to respond and some will be quicker than others. Interviews and entry test invites may also arrive.If your son or daughter is applying to a creative course, how well is theirportfolio of work progressing?

April - MayDecision time: has your son or daughter received and replied to offers? Have their preferences changed? Have they settled on their firm and insurance offers? Aim to have a back-up plan in case things don’t turn out exactly as they had hoped.They need to be on top of their student accommodation application too as halls of residence are usually allocated on a first come, first served basis.

May – JuneExam season: time to make sure your son or daughter is best preparedto get those grades.

Mid-AugustResults: if your son or daughter is going through Clearing, they only get one chance to make an impression. Some universities may just ask for grades but others may ask questions to help decide whether to offer a place. It’s best to be prepared.

Peak timesfor support Before applying

Request prospectus

Visit website

Attend open days

During application processCheck for scholarships and when to apply

Write personal statement

Register on UCAS

Choose universities

Select your first choice and insurance places

Submit your application form

Track your application on UCAS

After you receive repliesFill in and return accommodation forms

On results day, check UCAS site

Use Clearing if necessary

Ready to go? Start packing!

Checklist

The contents of this publication was correct at time of going to print.

Registered Charity No: 1149535Copyright University of Wales Trinity Saint David, 2014.All Rights Reserved.

Study at UWTSD for the

experience of a lifetime

Contact DetailsIf you want to know more about University of Wales Trinity Saint David visit our website: uwtsd.ac.ukAnd here are the contact details for our campuses.

Carmarthen CampusUniversity of Wales Trinity Saint DavidCarmarthen CampusCarmarthen SA31 3EPTel: +44 (0)1267 676767

Wales International Academy of VoiceWIAV42 The Parade, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3ADTel: +44 (0)29 2049 3139

Lampeter CampusUniversity of Wales Trinity Saint DavidLampeter CampusCeredigion SA48 7EDTel: +44 (0)1570 422351

London Campus Winchester House 11 Cranmer Road London SW9 6EJ Tel: +44 (0)207 566 7600

Swansea CampusesUniversity of Wales Trinity Saint DavidMount PleasantSwansea SA1 6EDTel: +44 (0)1792 481000

uwtsd.ac.uk