Applying to UCAS Denis Callaghan & Eta Danagher Guidance Counsellor’s Differences

Applying to UCAS Denis Callaghan & Eta Danagher Guidance Counsellor’s Differences: UCAS -v- CAO UCAS • Closing Dates 15 October- Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary and Oxbridge 15 January- All other courses • Web based application system • Important Sections  Choices - up to choices - max of for Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary  Results - those already taken - those to be completed  Reference Step 1: Research • Research subject of interest • Potential careers with your degree of choice • Entry requirements – be realistic! • University facilities, sports and social clubs Step 1: Research • Every course is different so check for:  Length of course  Study abroad opportunities  Work placements  Unique facilities  Performance in RAE (research) and university rankings like the Times Good University Guide (research and teaching) Step 2: Fill in your UCAS Application Form • Use your choices wisely  Don’t apply to widely differing courses  Don’t apply to the same institution times • Have a trial run • Follow UCAS “How to Apply” instructions • Make use of universities’ web sites for guidance Step 2: Fill in your UCAS Application Form • List all qualifications in Section • Make sure name, school and date of birth are correct • Only fill in date of first entry to the UK where necessary • Be careful of spelling, punctuation and grammar Beware of using personal email addresses • serialkiller@ Applied for Nursing • Murder_man2003@Applied for Social Work • Stalker_at_work@ Applied for Law • Liam_turns_me_on@ Liam • thongsonawashingline@ Applicant was called Why UCAS make you fill out a Personal Statement? To help you to stand out from the crowd! The Personal Statement • Should be concise  “Why should I be given a place to study x?” • Should sell the applicant • Explain any unusual references or circumstances • Be original Which aspects of the course interest you? • Make sure any subjects mentioned are covered in degree modules! “…particularly how the critical decisions that affect our country are made I am also keen to explore the moral, political and economic implications of such decisions on both individuals and marginalised groups in society.” Show Commitment: Link to Current Studies “…I have very much enjoyed my History A -Level Studying the battles of the First World War gave me a historical context for some of the texts I subsequently studied in English, as well as developing my analytical and research skills I hope to build on this as…” Show Commitment: Relevant Experience • Describe work and/or voluntary experience:  Where?  How long?  Why?  What did you learn? • If you couldn’t get relevant experience, explain how you attempted to gain experience and outline any other efforts you have made Show Commitment: Look ahead • How has your experience to date helped you? • How will the skills you have developed help you throughout your university studies? • How will they help you in your chosen career? • Where you see yourself in years to come?  Specialising in a particular area  Working for a particular organisation What can you offer the University? • Extra – curricular activities • Examples of teamwork and enthusiasm • Outstanding Awards or Achievements • Positions of Responsibility • Skills you will take with you to University Remember! Non-academic - maximum of 25%! Summing Up • Round up statement and end on a positive note “I hope that demonstrates that this I personal am an statement enthusiastic, disciplined and hard working student with a keen interest in current affairs, who would enjoy contributing to all aspects of university life” What are universities looking for? • Relevant academic ability • Motivation • Skills • Relevant experience • Passion and dedication to the subject • Originality • Evidence of literacy • Someone who will be interesting to teach Personal Statement Do’s Do • Research your subjects and universities • Tell the truth • Give examples – show, not just tell • Make sure it has structure – paragraphs, etc • Check your statement Personal Statement Don’ts Don’t • Cover too much – keep it relevant • Write it at the last minute • Rely on spell check • Repeat yourself • Overuse quotations • Use abbreviations, English text talk or non-standard Personal Statement Don’ts Don’t • Forget to demonstrate obvious subject interests • Fail to make full use of the space provided • Mention a particular university if applying to more than one • Lie or plagiarise • Use bullet points or lists • Be too wacky UCAS Choices ABRDN EDINB GLASG QBELF ULS A20 E56 G20 Q75 U20 N400 MA/Acc M320 LLB MN34 BFLS/FLS M100 LLB/LAW N J BSc/BusS Accountancy Law Financial and Legal Studies Law Business Studies What happens to the form? What happens after you submit your UCAS application form? • Receive responses by May – offer or decline • After receiving your last response, you have a few weeks to make your choice of : – Firm Choice – Insurance Choice (usually lower grade requirements) What happens once you get your results? • In August: – If you received an offer and got your target grades, Congratulations! You’re in! – If you don’t achieve the grades mentioned in your offer, call the University – they will try to get you in – If you didn’t get an offer but achieved the grades, call the University – if they have room, they will give you a space – If you have an offer and achieved better grades than expected, you can apply for new courses if you wish through Adjustment Differences: UCAS -v- CAO