the applicant journey richard allon-smith – inspiring futures at the heart of connecting people to...

The applicant journeyRichard Allon-Smith – Inspiring Futures

At the heart of connecting people to higher education


Contents

Why go to higher education?

The applicant journey

o Research

o Filling out the form

o Personal statements

o Offers and replies

o Results


Why go to higher education?

Increase potential earnings Better career prospects Benefit the wider community Social and cultural reasons More independence, self-confidence and responsibility Personal challenge Broaden interests and knowledge Better health It can be immense fun!

UK higher education – key facts

370 + UCAS providers 37,000 courses


Icebreaker

At the heart of connecting people to higher education At the heart of connecting people to higher education

University of the

Arts London

Fashion

Sportswear

Cardiff University

Conservation of Objects in

Museums & Archaeology

University of

Abertay, Dundee

Ethical Hacking &

Countermeasures

The University of

Sheffield

Financial

Mathematics

University of Sunderland

Law & PhotographyAston University

Biomedical

Engineering

University of East

LondonSongwriting

University College

LondonAncient World University of West

London

Airline & Airport

Management

Can you identify the bogus degree courses?

Ballistic

Engineering

Perfumery

Bovine

Management



Start at www.ucas.com

Research – career options, universities, courses and minimum entry requirements.

Attend a free regional UCAS event – an opportunity to speak to dozens of universities in one hall.

Learn from others – student videos

are available to watch at UCAS.tv.

Research – it’s free and important to do

Find us on:

http://www.facebook.com/ucasonline

https://twitter.com/UCAS_online

http://www.youtube.com/user/UCASonline

http://ucasonline.blogspot.co.uk/


Other things to consider

• Employment– does the HE course offer relevant work experience?

• Finance – course fees, grants, travel and living costs

• Travel – to and from home

• Accommodation – uni halls or private residences?

Home or away?

My research is completed, I’m ready to apply...

One application per admissions cycle

Application fee £23 / £12

Maximum 5 choices (some restrictions – e.g. medicine, dentistry & veterinary)

Nominated access option

Simultaneous consideration

‘Invisibility’

Key features of the UCAS scheme


Key dates and deadlines

Early September – Apply centres and independent applicants can start to submit completed applications

15 October (6pm)o medicine, dentistry, veterinaryo Oxford or Cambridge

15 January (6pm) – main deadline date

30 June (6pm) – last date for submission of applications with initial choices


Filling in the form

Every applicant has seven sections to complete:

Personal details Additional information (UK students only) Student finance Choices Education Employment Personal statement

Forward to tutor: Reference

UCAS Providers


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


Personal statements are so important, make sure your son or daughter includes:

• academic achievements, past and present

• interests in the chosen subject area

• knowledge of the subject and enthusiasm to go beyond the syllabus

• what they enjoy about studying

• details of their independent study skills.

The questions universities and colleges will ask:

• have they chosen the right subject for the right reasons?

• do they have a range of interests?

• does the personal statement confirm their interest in the subject?

• have they studied independently?

• are they motivated and committed?

• do they possess good numeracy and literacy skills?

Personal statement – start early

Personal statements should stand out – tutors receive

200 per week!

Common applicant errors – avoid!

▪ Failure to check entry requirements

▪ Qualifications (eg. GCSEs) missing, or incorrectly named, on form

▪ Wrong student support fee code

▪ Email address not verified

▪ Forgotten to register for admissions test


My application has been received by UCAS, what happens next?


Decision-making by providers

After viewing your form, an admissions tutor may make one of three decisions:

Unconditional offer Conditional offer Unsuccessful

Or suggest: A place on an alternative course

Conditional offers

Can be expressed in:

UCAS Tariff points• 320 points

Grades • ABB in A levels, or MDD in BTEC

Extended Diploma (QCF)

a combination of both• 320 points, including a B in a Science

subject


Replying to offers

When all decisions have been received you can hold a maximum of 2 offers:

Firm Choice Insurance Choice All other offers are declined

Track will show your Reply Date


FIRM = where you really want to go

INSURANCE = somewhere you would be happy to go if you don’t get into your FIRM choice

It’s vital that you note your reply date on Track


Confirmation

1. Exam results are issued

2. Admissions staff check if the applicant has matched the conditions of the offer

3. If yes, the applicant will be sent an official confirmation of their place

4. Time to celebrate!!


Celebration time!!



Confirmation – other possibilities

1. If you have not met the conditions of the firm choice they may still take you as a ‘near miss’.

2. If you have not been accepted by your firm choice, but meet the conditions of your insurance choice (which should be lower), you will be placed at your insurance choice.

3. If you have not met the conditions of your firm or insurance choice (or have no insurance), you will be entered into a process known as Clearing.

4. If your results meet and exceed the conditions of your firm offer, you are eligible for Adjustment. This provides an opportunity for you to reconsider where and what to study whilst still holding a guaranteed place at your firm choice.

A level results day – timeline

00:01 06:00 07:30 08:00 17:00 20:00

Clearing vacancies displayed on UCAS search tool

Social Media support starts

Adviser Track goes liveContact Centre opens

‘Restricted’ Track goes live

Start time for entering a Clearingchoice

Contact Centre and Social Media hub close



Applicant enters choice

details on Track

University or college will

make a decision

If unsuccessful applicant can

start again

Applicant contacts university or college to discuss vacancies

The Clearing process

Clearing

If successfully placed – celebrate!

Further information

Visit www.ucas.com for higher education information and to apply

Visit www.ucas.tv to watch ‘how to’ guides

Visit www.ucasconnect.com to join UCAS on social media

Call a trained UCAS advisor for help - 0371 468 0468


Good Luck from all at UCAS and Inspiring Futures!


the applicant journey richard allon-smith – inspiring futures at the heart of connecting people to...

Documents

higher education slide

higher education home

uk higher education

form o personal statements

applicant journey o

pm o medicine

o results

veterinary o oxford