Higher Education Forum 22nd March 2016

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Programme Introduction

Steve Tippen – Director of Student Development

How Reigate College Supports Students through the Application Process

Steve Tippen – Director of Student Development

What Universities are looking for University of Birmingham – Katherine Pagett

Student Finance University of Portsmouth – Paul Meades General Questions

College staff will be available to answer general questions at the end of the evening

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College Responsibilities The College will:

– Offer advice and guidance to each student about the choice and process of applying to university

– Organise the administration of each students UCAS application and send it to UCAS

– Advise the student on how they can best complete their application

– Conduct a thorough check of key elements of the UCAS application form

– Provide predicted grades and a reference for each student’s application.

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Student Responsibilities

Students will: – Take responsibility for the full, accurate and

truthful completion of the form. – Be responsive to advice and guidance on the

choice of universities and courses. – Take notice of college advice and meet

college deadlines for completing their form. – Respond promptly to communications,

verbal or email, to make corrections or amendments to their UCAS form

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What have students done so far?

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What have students done so far…

L6th Tutorial – Students have investigated their knowledge, skills and interests and related this to possible progression routes.

Get Ahead Day 3rd March - Students attended 5 sessions dedicated to exploring possible progression routes: – Individual interview with tutor – HE talk on what universities are looking for – Interactive UCAS search session – A session on Alternatives to HE – apprenticeships,

sponsored degrees, college leaver schemes. – Careers Fair in Sports Hall – over 100 exhibitors

representing a range of universities, employers etc.

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Get Ahead Day 3rd March 2016

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What will students be doing next?

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Summer Term Support Progression Day 28th June – An off-timetable

day dedicated to the application process for progression routes – Students sign up for UCAS Apply – Talks from universities on what to include within

their application – Help and advice sessions on structuring personal

statements – Subject specific sessions – looking at what they

need to do to apply to particular subjects.

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End of Summer Term Targets 1. Subject Choice - Students to have decided their

chosen subject(s). 2. UCAS Sign Up - Students signed up for online UCAS

system (UCAS Apply) and to have completed basic sections of UCAS form.

3. University Long-list - Students to have made ‘long-list’ of possible University choices and to have attended some Open Days.

4. Medics / Oxbridge Preparation - Potential Oxbridge/MVDs to have completed 1st draft of Personal Statements and received feedback from Mentor.

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Autumn Term Support Tutorial – Advice on processing UCAS application

– Tutor will read PS drafts, check UCAS form and write reference

Careers Support – Individual careers Interviews – Personal Statement Workshops – Drop-in help and advice

Oxbridge Programme – General support programme and subject mentor – Mock interviews – Sessions with Cambridge and Oxford Colleges

Subject Specific Support Sessions – MVD (Medics, Vets, Dentists) Programme – Teaching and Nursing

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Autumn Term Targets 1. Students complete Application - Students

complete and check online UCAS Form and College’s internal Course Choice Form and hand it to tutor – Finalise University Choices matching them to

their predicted grades (AS/1st year grades) – Finalise UCAS ‘personal statement’ receiving

feedback on drafts from tutor. 2. Tutor check – Tutor checks UCAS form and student

instructed to Pay/Submit which sends it to careers 3. College Section – Reference/predicted grades

added 4. Careers Check – Careers Department completes

final check and form is sent to UCAS.Student can track progress via UCAS website

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COLLEGE DEADLINES

Oxbridge and MVD (Medicine, Dentistry, Vet. Science) DEADLINE - Friday 16th September

FINAL COLLEGE DEADLINE is Friday 18th November for all other applications

College deadlines are different to UCAS deadlines to ensure that students maximise their chances of making a successful application and to ensure that the college has the time to check and process each student’s application

Students are strongly encouraged to process their application as early as possible to maximise their chances of a successful outcome.

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U6th Spring Term Students will be given help, guidance and advice through

the tutorial programme and by contacting the Careers department directly.

February - Students with no offers or who have changed subjects can apply through UCAS EXTRA See UCAS parents handbook.

April / May – Students make final university choices - Students select one firm and one insurance choice.

August - On results day universities will already have been informed about each students’ results. – Clearing - Any students who do not meet the

conditions of their Firm or Insurance Choice will be able to apply to any universities that are offering places through Clearing.

– Adjustment - If students exceed the conditions of their offer, they may be able to find an alternative course.

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What can you do? Keep Informed – Inform yourself of the UCAS

process and take an interest – UCAS Website Parents Section www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting-started/parents-and-guardians

– Which University Parents Guide – university.which.co.uk/advice/advice-for-parents

Open Days – Attend and advise. – www.opendays.com – Information about all Open Days

Personal Statements – Read, check spelling, grammar etc.

Deadlines – Check they understand and meet college deadlines

Student Finance!! www.gov.uk/browse/education/student-finance

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Any Questions?

Members of staff will be available in the at

the end of the presentations to answer any questions

Please contact Reigate College Careers Department by phone or email: careers@reigate.ac.uk

Katherine Pagett, Student Recruitment Manager

What universities are looking for

What do Admissions Tutors look for? Apply in time Reference Will they be able to cope with the academic demands of the course? Do they meet the entry requirements?

Barber Institute

of Fine Arts

What’s wrong?

I’ve had 5 rejections

But you are so clever

It’s the personal

statement

Personal statements - comments from Admissions Tutors

‘Highly important’

‘It’s the only way to tell those that are interested in the subject from those that are just good at it’

‘Forms the basis for the interview’

‘Especially important in borderline cases’

‘Important at confirmation/clearing’

‘I look for students who will be interesting to teach’

Personal statement Reasons for subject choice What they enjoy in any related subjects now Reading around the subject/ current affairs/ interests Career goals/ what hope to gain Extra curricular activities/ hobbies Work experience/employment Skills relevant to the course Gap year information, if applicable Motivation – Commitment - Enthusiasm

Reasons for course/subject choice

Skills relevant to the course

Motivation – Commitment - Enthusiasm

Medicine Sound academic background Physical stamina Manual dexterity Desire to help people Able to work under pressure Time management Methodical Interest in science Communication skills IT skills Study skills Team working Self-motivation Students may need a skeleton

COSTS AN ARM AND A LEG

Key skills to do well

Guess the society

Guess the society

Guess the society

Guess the society

Personal statements When I started school, I believed that when it

came to examination and coursework, there was always a right and a wrong answer. As I continued my education, I realised that this was not always the case: there is often more than one answer, the validity of which depends not so much on it being 'right' or 'wrong' but rather whether it is supported by reasoned argument. In English I have studied Henry V and was struck how, by selective quotation, it was possible to portray Henry as both a selfless hero and a manipulative opportunist. Similarly, in my study of Mussolini for History, it was apparent that he too could be viewed as either a ruthless tyrant or national hero depending on the source material that was selected. (Law)

Personal Statements ‘If I should be accepted to your university I would wish to pursue my chosen field of study, psychology, for one very basic reason: I want to Rule the World. I’m not talking your run of the mill big company, or being Prime Minster, no I’m talking about Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, King Tutankhamen type of Ruling the World except, succeeding where they failed, because quite simply they lacked the basic understanding of human psychology.’

Personal statement example

The occupation of engineers, particularly mechanical, because of their vital role in daily life, is something that I have grown to appreciate and now aspire to. My ultimate vision is to be part of a Formula 1 team; the pioneering excellence and precision involved with such an occupation appeals to me and despite its esoteric appearance provides genuine advancements enjoyed by many in their everyday lives.

In Year 12 I did a project on the application and development of technology

within Formula 1, and as part of the research, organised a tutorial with the lead engineer of Red Bull Racing. This proved fascinating, his deep knowledge and understanding of the mechanical components of the cars further fuelled my intention to study engineering, and confirmed to me my aspirations of working in Formula 1. David Treymayne's 'The Science of Formula 1 Design' gave a fascinating insight into the individual components which allow the cars to perform as well as they do. My project allowed me to conclude that safety is the primary cause of technological development, the research Formula 1 provides, as well as the budget, allows devices such as Traction Control and ABS to be commercially implemented in the public sector.

‘I have always wanted to study history or physics’ ‘I have always wanted to pursue a Journalism degree’ – Birmingham does not do Journalism!

Personal statement examples

Making a good impression with the personal statement At least 75% should concentrate on course/subject related issues Well structured Grammar/spelling/vocabulary Be specific Be honest Be positive Be selective Take time – edits required, don’t have to start with first paragraph Don’t plagiarise – Similarity Detection Service Don’t start every sentence with ‘I’ No lists – analyse your experiences

AND REMEMBER FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW ….

Can they cook? Is it tasty?

Are they getting their vitamins? Can they shop?

Can they use a washing machine? Can they iron?

Can they budget their finances? Will they take part?

Student Finance

2016/17 A 'top 10' modern university The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016

●Tuition fees and tuition fee loans ●Maintenance Loans for living costs ●University bursaries and scholarships ●Costs of living ●Loan repayments

For students currently living in England. Different support arrangements are in place for students from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Tuition Fees ●Fees at the majority of Universities will be £9,000 for full-time courses.

●Fees for designated courses at private institutions are £6,000.

●Placement year fees are charged at a reduced rate. The University of Portsmouth charge ten per cent (£900).

●Fees may rise each year in line with inflation.

Tuition Fee Loans ●Tuition fees do not have to be paid upfront. Eligible Home (UK) and EU students can apply for a loan to cover these costs, whether they study part or full time.

●Eligibility for the loan depends on residency status in the UK, and any previous study students may have done (either in the UK or elsewhere).

●Loans are repaid after graduation, depending on income.

Maintenance Loans ●Maintenance loans (for living costs) are available to eligible full-time students from England.

●These loans are partially income-assessed.

●The repayment terms are exactly the same as the tuition fee loan.

●The amount of loan available depends on:

o Where the student lives o Household income

Loans are paid directly to the student’s bank account, in three termly instalments

Maintenance Loans

Minimum loan Maximum loan

Living in parental home £3,039 £6,904

Living away from home in the rest of the UK £3,821 £8,200

Living away from home in London £5,330 £10,702

*Lower amounts are available to final year students

University Bursaries & Scholarships ●Each institution will have its own bursary

and / or scholarship scheme.

●Usually ‘bursaries’ depend on household income and ‘scholarships’ depend on achievement.

●May be discounts on tuition fees, money towards living costs or other benefits.

●Check university websites for what’s on offer, eligibility criteria and application processes.

University of Portsmouth Bursary ● Subject to agreement by OFFA

● Available to eligible full-time students from England

Household Income Award in first year Award in later years £25,000 or less £1,500 £1,000

From £25,001 - £32,000

£500 £500

Over £32,000 - -

● Bursaries are paid in three instalments

● Bursaries are not paid to NHS students, or those on placement or repeat years

Summary of support First year students living away from home

Household Income Tuition Fee Loan Maintenance

Loan UoP Bursary Total towards living costs

£25,000 or less £9,000 £8,200 £1,500 £9,700

£30,000 £9,000 £7,612 £500 £8,112

£35,000 £9,000 £7,023 - £7,023

£40,000 £9,000 £6,434 - £6,434

£45,000 £9,000 £5,845 - £5,845

£50,000 £9,000 £5,256 - £5,256

£55,000 £9,000 £4,667 - £4,667

£60,000 £9,000 £4,078 - £4,078

Over £62,180 £9,000 £3,821 - £3,821

What counts as household income?

Students under 25 years old are classed as dependent

o The total taxable income of both parents will be used for the assessment (2014/15 tax year)

o If parents have separated, the income of the parent that the student normally lives with will be used

o If that parent lives with a partner then their income will also be included.

What counts as household income?

Students over 25 years old are classed as independent

o The total taxable income of any spouse or co-habiting partner will be used for the assessment (2014/15 tax year)

Students under 25 may be treated as independent if they:

o Are or have been married or in a civil partnership o Have a dependant child or children o Have spent time in local authority care o Are estranged from their parents or o Have supported themselves financially for at least three years

Extra help – students with disabilities Disabled Students Allowance

o Up to £20,725 for a non-medical helper o Up to £5,212 for equipment

- Students are required to meet the first £200 of any computer based claims

o Up to £1,741 for general costs o DSA is non income-assessed and based on the specific needs of the student.

Extra help – students with dependants Parents Learning Allowance

o For students with children o Income assessed, up to £1,573

Childcare Grant o Income assessed, up to 85% of the costs of registered childcare (subject to a maximum cap)

Adult Dependants Grant o For students with a partner who has no income o Income assessed, up to £2,757

Extra help University Support funds o For students experiencing financial difficulty o Distributed by institutions Care Leavers and Foyer Residents bursaries o £1,650 per year at the University of Portsmouth o Check for other support available, e.g. guaranteed accommodation Unite Scholarship oThe provision of a free Halls place for the duration of the students course oA cash bursary of £3,000 for living costs per year

Studying outside England

Wales o Tuition fees up to £9,000 depending on institution (loan available) o Maintenance loan available from SFE (if eligible) o Institutional support / bursaries unlikely

Scotland o Tuition fees up to £9,000 depending on institution (loan available) o Maintenance loan available from SFE (if eligible) o Institutional support / bursaries unlikely

Northern Ireland o Tuition fees up to £9,000 depending on institution (loan available) o Maintenance loan available from SFE (if eligible) o Institutional support / bursaries unlikely

Studying outside England Other EU countries

o Tuition fees that match students from that country – i.e. if no fee charged to them, no fee charged to UK student

o No living costs support from either country

Rest of the world (US, Australia)

o No support for either fees or living costs

NHS funded courses Courses leading to registration as an NHS healthcare professional (not medicine / dentistry):

BSc Radiography BSc Dental Hygiene & Therapy DipHE Operating Department Practice

(Based on 2015/16 rates) • Some or all tuition fees will be paid by the NHS • Students can apply for:

o A non income-assessed maintenance loan of up to £2,324 o A non income-assessed NHS grant of £1,000 o An income-assessed NHS Bursary of up to £4,491 – depending on household income and number of weeks studied.

BSc Social Work

• Students can apply for the same package as other undergraduates:

o Tuition fee loan to cover fees o Maintenance loan towards living costs o University bursaries and / or scholarships

• A non income-assessed Social Work bursary of £4,862 may be available in the second and third years of the course

When and how to apply ● One online application to Student Finance England covers loans, grants and usually bursaries

●www.gov.uk/studentfinance

●Apply from 22 February 2016

●Deadline will be end of May 2016

Loan repayments • Loan repayments start the April after the student

has left the course, only if they are earning over £21,000 (gross).

• Graduates repay 9% of their income over £21,000.

• Any outstanding balance is written off 30 years after entering repayment.

• Repayments still have to be made if the graduate lives abroad, but there may be different thresholds.

• You can repay in full at any time without incurring a charge.

• Repayments are only based on graduate’s income (and are taken directly from salary through PAYE)

• Interest accrued will vary based on income level – maximum = RPI + 3%

Gross annual salary Monthly pay after tax and NI

Monthly student loan repayment

£20,000 £1,379 £0

£25,000 £1,662 £30

£30,000 £1,946 £67.50

£35,000 £2,229 £105

Do student loans affect your credit rating? • Student loan repayments depend on your income. They

are not subject to credit checks and don’t appear on your credit reference.

• The Council of Mortgage Lenders has advised that a student loan is very unlikely to impact on an individual’s ability to get a mortgage. However, your monthly repayments may be considered for affordability purposes.

• Your existing credit history does not affect your ability to take out student loans.

Further information

www.gov.uk/studentfinance www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator www.studentloanrepayment.co.uk www.moneysavingexpert.com

Contact us

Drop in: Second Floor, Nuffield Centre, St Michael’s Road Phone: (023) 9284 3014

Email: student.finance@port.ac.uk

Portsmouth in top 2% of world’s universities Times Higher Education World University Rankings published in 2014.

www.port.ac.uk/ugfeesandfunding

A top university for student satisfaction The National Student Survey 2015