Why Choose YouWhy Choose You

Anne Haggart, Hannah Smith

& John Duncan

Aims of the SessionAims of the Session

• Raise awareness of the UCAS process.

• Highlight the questions the Admissions Officers ask.

• Highlight the importance of “Selling” yourself in the right way.

• The value of having a quality Personal Statement

• The importance of not underestimating the value of your own achievements.

UCAS Apply?UCAS Apply?

What’s involved?• An online application system for university and (some) college courses

• Universities only accept applications via Apply – you can’t apply direct

• Accessible 24hrs a day 365 days a year

• Online help and support

UCAS Apply?UCAS Apply?Why are deadlines important?• The online system has set deadlines

– 15th January 2016 for most applications– Earlier deadline for Oxford and Cambridge applications– Medicine, Dentistry, Vet Medicine/Science -15/10/2015– Art & Design courses – 24/03/2016

• Your school will give you different deadlines to ensure your application is submitted on time

Follow the timeline given by your teachers, not the UCAS deadlines

UCASUCAS

Research what courses you are interested in www.ucas.com – to use ‘APPLY’ Must register to use ‘APPLY’ then log in Retrieve the school’s ‘Buzzword’ Start updating your personal information as soon as

possible Complete your course choices Submit your personal statement Deadlines for Applications:

15th of October 2015 & 15th of January 2016

The Questions Admissions The Questions Admissions Officers ask.Officers ask.

Do we want this person on the course?

Do we want this person at this university?

Is this person suited to this course? Are they focussed on the subject and have

researched it? Is there genuine interest in, and enthusiasm

for the subject? Do they have the qualifications and qualities?

Are they hardworking or could they drop out?

Will they do their best and cope with the course?

Can they cope with the pressure?

Will the change in the environment impact on them?

Can they communicate?

Why This Subject?Why This Subject?

• Must show passion & enthusiasm for the subject.

• Must show that you’re already researching the subject.

• Show your knowledge of this subject and this specific programme.

• What is it about this course that interests you?• Where could this study lead?• Your future!!!

Why You?Why You?

• Your academic studies• Relevant project work in your studies• Your voluntary work• Your hobbies and interests (long-term interests)• Relevant things you have learned from books,

TV & other media• Work experience (even small part-time jobs)

What have you Learned from All of this? Link everything to the subject!

Are You Unique & Interesting?Are You Unique & Interesting?

• What do you enjoy doing outside of school?

• What are your main hobbies and interests?

• What sports do you do?

• What roles of responsibility do you hold?

• Special achievements

• What did you learn from your work experience?

ASPIRENorth ASPIRENorth & Personal Statement& Personal Statement

• Mention your involvement in the ‘ASPIRENorth Schools for Higher Education Programme’

• How have we helped? – Raised awareness of the value of higher education and the options available, motivated, encouraged aspiration and developed self-confidence, developed key skills inc. communication, teamwork, problem solving & action planning

• Ask your Guidance Teacher to mention ASPIRENorth in your reference

Bid Up Education!Bid Up Education!

Two applications have arrived at Edinburgh Napier University

Admissions Department seeking entrance to study:-

BA (Hons) Degree in Psychology

1 from AndrewAndrew & 1 from GregorGregor

Meet Andrew & GregorMeet Andrew & Gregor

AndrewAndrew17 years Old

Highers in

English A

Maths B

Biology B

Geography C

StudyingHigher Psychology

AH Biology

GregorGregor17 years Old

Highers in

English A

Maths B

Biology B

Geography C

StudyingHigher Psychology

AH Biology

What’s on Offer?What’s on Offer?• Play football with local junior football team.• Had a paper round for three years.• Developed a Science newsletter for Primary Schools.• Work part-time in Boots at weekend.• Completed my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.• I am mentoring a 3rd year pupil through their Biology course.• I’m a member of the Aberdeenshire Youth Forum.• Attended workshops at Moray Science Festival• Like to listen to music at home.• I’m a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.• Play guitar in a local band.• Attended the ASPIRENorth residential about student life• Grade 7 in Piano. • Completed my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.• I’m a member of the Pupil Council.

Open Bids!!Open Bids!!• Play football with local junior football team.• Had a paper round for three years.• Developed a Science newsletter for Primary Schools.• Work part-time in Boots at weekend.• Completed my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.• I am mentoring a 3rd year pupil through their Biology course.• I’m a member of the Aberdeenshire Youth Forum.• Attended workshops at Moray Science Festival• Like to listen to music at home.• I’m a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.• Play guitar in a local band.• Attended the ASPIRENorth residential about student life• Grade 7 in Piano. • Completed my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.• I’m a member of the Pupil Council.

Main PointsMain Points• Be truthful• Focus on the subject• Make it interesting and relevant to the subject• Emphasise skills• Always highlight what you have learned • Why this Course (future career plans)• Emphasise achievements (DoE, Gap, Participation)• Highlight voluntary work• Mentoring and/or Buddying• Interests and hobbies• Dedication and commitment• Don’t forget to mention ASPIRENorth!

Any Questions?Any Questions?

Plan For ActionPlan For Action

• Reminder – What is an Action Plan?

• A way of helping you to focus your ideas

• A statement of what you want to achieve

• A way of turning your goals into a plan

• A way to help turn ideas into reality

Setting goals for the SummerSetting goals for the Summer

• What goals can you set yourself over the summer period?

• Are you attending the ASPIRENorth Residential?

• Start research on higher education options

• Build up your experience– work experience– Volunteering

Get ready for S6