UCAS 2014-2015

Why start now?

How do I Start?

What subject? What grades? What university?

What Subject? Start thinking about it NOW! Maybe a subject you enjoy the most. Maybe the subject you are best at. Maybe a new subject entirely. You get 5 choices. Remember many courses will require work

experience. Make sure you do this work experience before you submit your form if you can so you can comment upon them in your personal statement.

What Grades? It is extremely important that you

match your choices with your predicted grades.

Predicted grades are based on your AS grades. They are not negotiable.

You can keep track of this via your tracking data.

Select courses that match your predicted grades and a couple of ‘insurance’ that are below.

Which University?

Use www.ucas.com Use the UCAS ‘Big Guide’. Use University prospectuses. University open days (April-Dec)

Automatic ‘Cashing in’ All AS grades will be automatically cashed in

in August. This means that the universities will see the

grades you achieved in year 12. Universities will see if you have done re-sits. Some universities will not accept re-sits. You have to get it right in year 12 because

you will have to apply to universities that will accept your grades, regardless of whether they are reflective of your ability or not.

Remember

Universities tell us that the best indicator they have as to how well a student is likely to attain at degree level, is their performance at AS level.

Good grades in year 12 are a vital part of the application process.

Timescale Now-June: Research courses, go to open days grades,

do some work!! June: UCAS apply ‘opens’. You will all have a session

with me on how to fill your form in correctly and a session on ‘how to write a personal statement’.

Mid September: UCAS opens for applications. End of September: Oxbridge/medical deadline. End of November: Final deadline for all forms. This is

not a target date. You should aim to get your forms in to me as soon as possible.

Oct- Jan: Interviews, offers, rejections etc

Why are the deadlines so early?

To give you the best chance of getting a place at university.

To allow time for a reference to be written and your form to be sent off on time.

These deadlines are not negotiable.

What does UCAS offer?

Extra: End of Feb-June. Clearing: August results day. Adjustment: August results day.

Effective Preparation Critical thinking and independent learning skills – like

the EPQ Evidence of further reading and genuine academic

interest in subject – any areas of particular interest and links to A-level studies or the course applied for

Clear reasons for course choice and genuine understanding of what is involved in the course, and profession where relevant

Extra curricular activities: analyse, reflect on it, and relate it to the course – show why it is relevant and the skills/qualities developed

Work experience: reflect on the value of the experience and its relevance to the chosen course – what specifically was learnt or gained?

Be prepared to discuss at interview if necessary

Good luck! If you are to pay up to £9000 a year

for the privilege of Higher Education, then make sure you are making well informed, thought through decisions

Your form has got to be accurate and the personal statement well written so you catch the admissions tutor’s eye.

Please come and see me if you have any questions.