how to apply – the ucas application form mandy firth uk/eu recruitment manager
TRANSCRIPT
How to apply – the UCAS application form
Mandy Firth
UK/EU Recruitment Manager
Overview
Background The application process
How UCAS works The application form The Personal Statement
The university process Questions
What you need to know
Application timetable Competition for places Skills and experience needed Time for research Be thorough: avoid mistakes Increased use of unconditional offers
The context… There are over 370 HEPs in the UCAS
scheme 35,000 degree courses to choose from 699,000 applicants for 2014 entry (+ 3.4%)
and 512, 000 were placed ~ 18,000 home/EU applications to Keele
for 2015
What is UCAS?
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
Route to apply for undergraduate courses UCAS does not accept or reject applicants Range of services to students,
schools/colleges, parents, universities Hosts video clips to help with application www.ucas.com
The UCAS apply system
Apply online Apply for up to 5 institutions/courses Medicine, Dentistry, Vet Science – only
four choices plus alternative course Oxford/Cambridge – different application
deadlines No preference – list in alpha order
The UCAS apply system
The application fee for the UCAS service is £23 for two or more choices or £12 for a single choice
You are given a personal ID number which you should keep safe and memorise
Use of similarity detection software Track / Extra / Clearing / Adjustment
Key dates
Entry requirements
What is the ‘price’ to secure a place?
Do you have the correct qualifications: GCSE / AS or A-level / BTEC/or equivalent Some A levels are not accepted Admissions tests (e.g. UKCAT) What is required at the point of application?
Are you suitable for the course?
What skills and experience do you have?
Entry requirementsAccounting and Finance
Anglia Ruskin 300 tariff pointsKeele University ABC/BBB exc Critical Thinking or DDM
Forensic ScienceDe Montfort 260 points inc. Science > C Keele University ABC/BBB inc. Chem at B or DDD with units in Chemistry
LawKeele University ABB or DDMMiddlesex 300 points
The PSOpportunity to sell yourself – show
enthusiasm and commitmentOnly one PS for all 5 choicesMake sure the PS is fit for purposeWell structured, current and relevantAnalytical, not just descriptiveA statement that is ‘personal’ to the
studentKeep a copy. Basis for interview?
Entry profile Demonstrate both intellectual and creative abilities,
work well within a team as well as individually, good presentation skills, good written and oral communication skills.
Students must demonstrate a love of English and creative writing as well as an understanding of the Media.
A clear, well written personal statement outlining why they wish to study this subject is a must.
Students must have basic computer literacy, including knowledge of word, excel and power point.
Entry profileJournalism To that end evidence of writing experience
(e.g. on the school magazine, sports club or parish newsletter) will be an advantage as will any work experience with professional media.
Students must be interested in current affairs generally and the media specifically to study this course because journalism is about what is happening now.
Other skills…
Do’s and Don’ts
Think about the starting sentence Don’t start with ‘I have always been
fascinated by…’ or ‘I have always wanted to be…’
Quotes, cliches and sayings: health warning Don’t start every sentence with ‘I’ Don’t repeat information that is elsewhere Make sure you sound interesting/interested
Do’s and Don’ts
Make words work for you – a positive impression e.g. ‘achieved’, ‘committed’
Style – don’t try to impress, keep it simple Avoid lists and avoid waffle Demonstrate skills, evidence your claims –
link to the course/subject applied to Make sure PS is fit for purpose i.e. don’t
tell your life story Don’t refer to university by name
Do’s and Don’ts Be analytical: ‘I enjoy reading’… Try to inject some individuality.. But beware of humour/being too casual Be prepared to talk about your statement Finish with a punchy, positive sentence
Less of what has been done and…More of what you gained from it
Reference Written by tutors/Head of Sixth Form/College Background information about school/college Academic achievements Predicted grades Suitability for HE Evidence of commitment to chosen area of
study Personal qualities Extenuating circumstances
Once the form is submitted
UCAS sends info to the universities
Universities check: Correct details provided? Write out for any missing information Highlight issues - extenuating
circumstances or any discrepancies Qualifications obtained / to be obtained Call for interview or other evidence
Decision made
Made by admissions tutors Conditional – achieve the required
grade/points to gain your place Unconditional – conditions already met OR
once selected as ‘firm’ choice Select CF (Firm) and CI (Insurance) Take exams Place confirmed in August?
UCAS Track
Track is an online system that allows you to follow the progress of your application. You can see what's happening with your application, whether you've received any offers and the replies you've made.
UCAS will send you a welcome letter after they have processed your application– you can then use Track.
Online resources
www.ucas.com www.opendays.com www.unistats.direct.gov.uk www.brightknowledge.org www.thestudentroom.co.uk
Any questions?
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Colleagues from the Admissions office in the Exhibition Suite today
Thank you!