new dslv student ucas booklet

7/30/2019 New Dslv Student Ucas Booklet

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2012 2013 Student

Guide to UCAS

Applications

Name:

Tutor Group:


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Contents

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 3

CHOOSING UNIVERSITIES AND COURSES ......................................................................... 3

MAKING CHOICES ............................................................................................................ 6

THE APPLICATION FEE ...................................................................................................... 7

THE UCAS PROCESS ........................................................................................................ 11

HOW TO USE THE APPLY SYSTEM ................................................................................... 12

RECORD YOUR DETAILS HERE ......................................................................................... 13

COMMON MISTAKES...................................................................................................... 14

AFTER APPLYING ............................................................................................................ 14

WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT ........................................................................ 15

SIMILARITY DETECTION TESTS ........................................................................................ 15

PLAN YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT .............................................................................. 16

EXAMPLES OF PERSONAL STATEMENTS ......................................................................... 17

TIMETABLE FOR 2013 APPLICATIONS ............................................................................. 19

STUDENT AND TUTOR RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................... 21

RESOURCES .................................................................................................................... 21

USEFUL WEBSITES .......................................................................................................... 22


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INTRODUCTION

This guide is designed to help you through the process of applying to Universities through UCAS. The

APPLY system is simple to follow, but help is always on hand if you have any difficulties.

Your tutor should always be the first port of call as they not only know how the system works, but

know you and will be able to help with writing personal statements. They should be involved at everystage of the process and are more than willing to offer advice on courses and institutions where they

can, or to point you in the right direction if they themselves do not have the necessary knowledge. It is

also important for you to remember that they will be the ones writing your reference!

Further assistance and advice can be obtained from your teachers, tutors and Mr Ellis. The onus is on

you to make the most of the help that is on offer. If you do, the chances are you will end up with the

strongest application possible. Good Luck!

CHOOSING UNIVERSITIES AND COURSES

You can use a number of resources to help you decide on career/course/university. You can use the

Stamford Test on the UCAS website or a website such aswww.fasttomato.comand subject teachers

may have been doing a good deal of work to help you fully appreciate the array of choices in their

subject area.

Careers Naturally course choice may well be governed by career choice and it is essential to leaveoptions open if you are unsure. Remember, 60% of all graduate jobs are open to applicants regardless

of subject studied.

You will find some useful resources in the library to help you when looking for the right University and

course. Theres the Heap Guide to University Courses, the Times Good University Guide and others.

There are also many University prospectuses in the black magazine files in the Study Centre, but they

can also be obtained by ordering them directly from the institution or from the website.

Look at the entry requirements for any courses that youre interested in and then ask yourself whether

youre likely to achieve those grades. Set your sights high, but do not set yourself unrealistic goals. If in

doubt, talk to subject teachers about predicted A level grades.

The best way of finding out whether youre going to like a University or not is to visit it. Arrange to

attend an open day and make sure you talk to as many people, especially students, as you can.

Three or four open days are enough for anybody and in fact any more can be counter-productive. The

following website lists the open days for Universities:www.opendays.com.
http://www.fasttomato.com/http://www.fasttomato.com/http://www.fasttomato.com/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.fasttomato.com/


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MY A LEVEL SUBJECTS

Complete the following table with details of your A Levels:

Subject Target Grade Expected Grade UCAS Points AS Grade

Use the following table to work out UCAS points:

AS A2 TARIFF POINTS

A* 140A 120

110

B 100

90

C 80

70

A D 60

B 50C E 40

D 30

E 20


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RESEARCH

Use the following table to complete research about university courses you may wish

to study (see the two examples for ideas):

University Course Course

Code

UCAS Tariff Required A

Levels

Preferred

A LevelsImperial College,London BSc Geophysics3 yearsF662 360 Points(AAA) 2 from Maths,Physics,Chemistry,Biology, Geologyand Geography

NorthamptonUniversity BA Psychology andLaw3 years

C8M1 260-280(BCC-BBC)

No specificrequirememnts


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MAKING CHOICES

A maximum of five choices is available. Some students make just one choice at a local university;

others go for two different courses; the majority of students pick the same subject at five different

places. Students applying for Medicine / Veterinary - related courses can only apply to four, with the

fifth choice being unrelated to this.

Tip: Making the right choices matters - students should only apply to places they want to go to. If

they have not used all their choices, they might be able to add another later, depending on their

status.

With over 50,000 courses in the UCAS system, and each with a unique code, it is very important that

you double-check that you are applying for the correct course.

Tip: Once you have found a course that you really like, similar courses at other universities will have

the same course code (e.g. CM89 = Psychology and Criminology)

Each university can view the application at the same time; choices are not listed in preference order.

Universities cannot see where else you have applied. They will only see any other choices after you

have replied to your offers.

The distance between the chosen university and your family home will affect you as well as your

parents.

THE FINAL 5

Use the table below to record your final 5 choices that will form your UCASapplication:

University Course Course

Code

UCAS

Tariff

Expected A2

Grades

AS Grades

Achieved


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THE APPLICATION FEE

2013 entry: the application fee is 23 for a maximum of five choices and 12 for a single choice

You will be responsible for paying the UCAS fee yourself. You do this towards the end of the APPLY

process. You can do this by debit/credit card.

The school will not make UCAS payments for you.

THE APPLICATION JOURNEY

Who Responsible? Details

1 Student Applicant researches and finds courses

2 Student Register online with UCAS Apply (June)

3 Student Completes form and processes payment (September)

4 School Academic reference added by school

5 School School sends form electronically to UCAS

6 UCAS UCAS processes form (including personal statement

similarity detection) and forwards to chosen HEIs

7 Universities HEIs submit decisions (offer or unsuccessful). This can take

from a few weeks to several months

8 Student Applicant views decisions on UCAS Track

9 Student Applicant replies to offers on Track (Firm / Insurance)

10 Universities HEIs confirm places when results are released

HEI = Higher Education Institution

You have a maximum of 5 choices

Medicine/Veterinary/Dentistry = 4 choices (can put a fifth, different choice, e.g. Biochemistry)

Invisibility Universities do not know where else you have applied until you make your

firm/insurance choice


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UCAS Extra

Operates from January until the end of June

This is for unsuccessful applicants who have no offers from HEIs

You can only make one choice at a time through UCAS Extra but can keep re-applying

The process post application Applicant replies

When you have decisions from ALL of your choices, if you have offers you will be asked to make

replies (and youll be given a date to reply by on Track) you do not have to reply to

universities until youve heard from all five of your choices

UCAS will send you reminders but if you fail to reply by your reply date your offers will be

declined by default

You will be able to hold a maximum of 2 offers (others declined):

o Firm (This is the main choice/place where you want to go. If you meet the gradeconditions you will be places there)

o Insurance (This is your second choice and only comes into play if you are not placedwith your firm choice.) Your insurance choice must have lower entrance requirements

than the Firm choice over 40% of applicants get this the wrong way round! However,

if you are applying to a Russell Group University with AAB requirements, you could

apply to a non-Russell Group university with AAB requirements too

Clearing

Clearing operates from mid July to mid September

Clearing course vacancies are listed on the UCAS website

On A Level results day, if you do not get in to your firm or insurance choice university, you will

spend the day on the phone to universities looking for places

When you are offered a place you go into UCAS Track and add your clearing place

If you have any offers pending you must get rid of this offer first by contacting that university

and asking to be declined which can take universities a while to do

Adjustment

Adjustment is for applicants who have had their FIRM choice place accepted and who have

MET all conditions of the offer or have EXCEEDED at least one condition

You can hold on to a confirmed place whilst seeking a more aspirational one for UP TO 5 DAYS

There is no vacancies list, you must contact and liaise with universities directly who will then

make you an offer

When ringing a university in this situation you would explain to them that you are an

adjustment student and have they got a place for you on this course

You can even enquire / apply for a different course and ask the university if theyll accept a new

Personal Statement in support


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TIPS FOR OCTOBER 15 DEADLINE COURSES

What are Cambridge and Oxford looking for?

Serious subject interestVery strong record in examinations (Cambridge will focus on Year 12 performance rather than

GCSE)

Excellent motivation and organisation (theyll look for this in the PS and reference)

High capacity to learn independently

Potential to succeed at the highest academic level:

o Enthusiasm for complex and challenging ideaso Great clarity of thought and analytical abilityo Real intellectual flexibility

Vocational commitment (especially for Medicine)

Oxbridge Selection Criteria

A Level grades and subject combinations

At Oxford: Maths courses = A*A*A; Humanities/Arts = AAA; Medical Sciences = A*AA

AS unit marks (at Cambridge particularly)

Most people that are accepted will average above 90% in three AS subjects

If you achieve an average of 85% UMS you have a 1/20 chance of being accepted

GCSE results

Test results (at Oxford)

UCAS School reference

UCAS Personal Statement (not as important at Oxford because of interviews)

Submitted work (where requested)

BMAT results (at Cambridge, Oxford and UCL)

Interview performance

Extra Curricular activities are not that important at Oxbridge, but for Medicine it is important to

be part of a club or society (they are looking for communication and working as a team)

Keys to Oxbridge Success: The Four Rs

Right subject

Excellent examination results

Read and think critically and analytically. You must read around the subject over the summer

holiday. You will be asked at interview Tell us about something youve read recently (they

have had interviewees say ooh, youve caught me out there!)

Revise to embed learning especially in advance of an interview know the syllabus inside

out, this will make a difference to outcomes


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Applying for Medicine

There are over 20 Med Schools in the UK

There are different types of Medical courses:

o 5 Year course (MB BS) many Med Schools will offer best performing students the BSc(see next bullet point) in the middle of this 5 Year course

o 6 Year course (includes a BSc or BA)o 4 Year fast-track graduate entry (you can do a degree first (e.g. in Biomedical Science,

Biochemistry or Chemistry) then apply for the 4 Year Med course

o MB BS/PhD programme (8-9 years)You can only have 4 Medicine choices on your UCAS application (5

thchoice could be a degree in

a Biomedical Science, for example

The Admissions Process at Imperial

Medicine is VERY competitive

3A (to include Chemistry and Biology) + B at AS minimum entry (Imperial are only looking for 4

subjects studied to A2 for Maths based courses)

BMAT (the other aptitude test is the UKCAT) and an admissions test (only 3 Med Schools dont

use an admissions test)

The UCAS form (Imperial are more interested in the PS than the reference)

Selection for Interview

Types of Work Experience

The main purpose is to make sure the applicant has had a work experience that allows them to

reflect on a dangerous and emotionally demanding career

Shadowing a GP or experience in a surgery

Time in a nursing home, hospice, school for disabled children etc.

The Interview

The purpose of the UCAS form (and admissions test score, if applicable) is to get you an

interviewLast year Imperial had 2500 applicants for Medicine; 600 were interviewed and 400 offers were

made for 285 places

The majority of interviewees will be offered a conditional place at that Medical School

THE INTERVIEW IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE!


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THE UCAS PROCESS

TIME STUDENT TEACHER / TUTOR

June / July Students receive UCAS APPLY

training during UCAS

presentation and UCAS Evening

for Parents, as well as during

the Curriculum Enrichment Day

at the University of

Northampton on the 11th

July

Training on the UCAS APPLY process

given to all staff involved

June / July Register with UCAS APPLY and

start to complete the form by

filling in the Personal Details

section

July Complete sections of the UCAS

form by the 13th

July.

First draft of personal

statement to your tutor.

Students will collect (from their

tutor) a subject reference sheet

for each of their subjects. They

will fill in Part A then hand it to

their subject teachers to

complete Part B

Subject teachers begin to write

references on Word documents

September Complete the rest of the UCAS

application form with the help

of your tutor.

Once the personal statement is

completed, the student proof

reads and prints off a copy for

the tutor to check and use to

write the reference

Tutors start to write the references.

Deadline for reference completion for

Oxbridge and Medicine/Veterinary

Science/Dentistry students is 14th

September and for all other applications

is 1st

October.

Tutors will check student progress

regularly on APPLY using Advisor Track

September / October Student receives the go-ahead

to put personal statement onto

APPLY

Once personal statement has been seen

and all subject references are received,

Tutor completes reference and adds to

the application and emails notification

of this to Mr Ellis.

Tutor checks completed application

form and gives OK to student

October / November Student makes payment online

and clicks Send to Referee

Tutor notifies Mr Ellis when references

are complete for checking

October / November Student is informed that the

application form has been sent

to the tutor

Application and reference checked. Any

issues are taken up with Tutor/Student.

Mr Ellis approves UCAS form and refers

application to Mrs Trevellick

October / November Student receives confirmation

from UCAS of received

application

Mrs Trevellick checks UCAS application

and reference and once satisfied SENDS

TO UCAS

December onwards

(Application deadline 15th

December)

Wait for decisions from

universities


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HOW TO USE THE APPLY SYSTEM

The APPLY system is available for use wherever there is internet access. The following guide should

take you through all the necessary steps to make a successful application.

Go to http://www.ucas.com/

Click on Apply 2011

Click on Register/Log-in to use Apply

Click on Register and follow the on-screen instructions (your username is allocated

by UCAS and is case sensitive

After entering your Personal Details, you will be asked to choose a

password, which must 6-14 characters long, must have at least one lowercase

letter (a-z) and one uppercase letter (A-Z). It must also contain at least one number (0-9)

Answer the 4 Security Questions

(Remember you may be asked to disclose your answers verbally to UCAS)

Record your Password (and your answers to the Security Questions) now as you will need

them every time you log in to Apply. Remember that Passwords are case sensitive

You are then allocated a Username. Record your Username now as

this will not be displayed again and you will need this to log in to APPLY

Check your email for your email verification code

Start filling in your application form now by clicking log-in or return

later when you will need your Username and Password to log in

When you click log-in for the first time, you will be asked how you are

applying. You must click on through my School/College

Enter the school buzzword: howell(all lower case)

WARNING

If you havent been asked for a buzzword, you have not followed the

correct procedure. You must register with DSLV, otherwise we will be unable to

access your application form to add your reference and you will have to redo it!

Select your Tutor Group from the drop down menu. If you dont put yourself in the

correct group your tutor will be unable to access your application form

You are now ready to start completing your application form

If you havent already verified your email, you will get a notice (in green)

asking you to do so. Follow the directions

Remember to record your Personal ID Number. You will need this number if you have to contact UCAS


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RECORD YOUR DETAILS HERE

Username:

Password:

School Buzzword:

Security Questions:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Personal ID No:

Email Verification Code:

UCAS Customer Service Unit Tel. No. 0871 468 0468

REMEMBER

Dont worry it is impossible to accidentally send the form to UCAS!

You can word process your personal statement offline and then paste it in to your application

Make sure you print off a copy to give to your tutor/parents for checking before sending to

the Sixth Form AdministratorPayment is to be made by credit/debit card on-line

Only when you are completely satisfied that the form is complete and accurate should you click

on the declaration/send to Administrator circle. At this point, your form goes to your Tutor

who can send it back if there are any problems


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COMMON MISTAKES

Personal Details

E-mail address no stupid e-mail addresses; [email protected]

Name and Age often entered incorrectlyOccupational Background this is the occupation of one of your parents

Choices

Check you have applied for appropriate courses talk to tutors/teachers about grades required

and whether you are likely to get some achievable offers

Check you have/have not deferred entry.

Employment

Check you have listed all employment. If you have only done babysitting, this is valid

employment and should be listed. Obviously if the list is long you may need to be more

selective

Personal Statement

The personal statement is supposed to be just that personal. Spelling and Grammar are

important, as is layout and structure

Leave a space between paragraphs easier for the reader

Make sure you have sold yourself and focused on the skills and attributes you have gained

rather than just listing experience

Dont start with My name is ..

You have 4000 characters or 47 lines of text whichever comes first

You cannot use bold, italics or underline

AFTER APPLYINGAfter youve sent the application form to the referee, your tutor will write their reference

about you based on the references from your subject teachers. Tutors will add this to your

application form. Mr Ellis will check the reference before passing it on to Mrs Trevellick

Mr Ellis cannot process the application until payment has been made

Mrs Trevellick will carry out a final check on the form before the form is finally sent to UCAS

UCAS will notify you by post and through Track to confirm receipt of yo ur application. This

letter will also include your personal UCAS number

You can check on the progress of your application at any time by visiting the UCAS website

(www.ucas.com) and using your Personal ID numberOnce you have received a reply from all of the institutions you have to decide on a first (firm)

choice and an insurance choice
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT

What is it?

The personal statement is an opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for University and the course

for which you are applying. You need to highlight what makes you a thoughtful, conscientious studentwho has a real flair/passion for your chosen course. It is an opportunity to sell yourself and make you

stand out from other applicants.

Use the information at the end of this booklet and in the separate Writing Personal

Statements booklets we provide you

Make sure you word-process your personal statement. This makes it easier to edit and means

that you can just copy and paste it into the application form when its finished

The Personal Statement is a formal applicationdont joke in it!

Write in paragraphsyoull lose a line of text between each one but it reads better

Remember to ask your tutor for help. Keep showing them drafts so that they can make

suggestions for improvement

Look up what skills and characteristics your course/university is looking for by using the Entry

Profiles on the UCAS website

Make your self stand out from the pilebut dont lie!

Remember that the Personal Statement is for you to show/prove that you have the character,

skills and academic ability to be successful on your chosen course. Essentially it should include

why I want to do this subject and what I have done to learn about it

Application scoring sheets are available on some university websites students can view how their

application will be scored and assessed. Essentially these are mark schemes that will be scored and

assessed. Essentially these are mark schemes that will be valuable to the student.

SIMILARITY DETECTION TESTS

UCAS will know if you have copied someone elses personal statement:

We will subject applications to similarity detection tests designed to identify work copied from

another source. Do not be tempted to copy another persons application materials, or download your

personal statement off the web. There could be serious consequences to using other people s work. If

we have cause to question your application, we will inform all the Universities and Colleges to which

you have applied. They will then take the action they consider to be appropriate. We will also contact

you by e-mail. Click on the detection similarity link to find out more.


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PLAN YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT

Start by explaining why you want to study this particular course at university

Universities are looking for commitment, interest and enthusiasm

It should be analytical and reflective, not merely descriptive

You should write about any relevant (and transferable) skills and abilities you have

Do NOT start with My name is ..

Describe/name the degree courses you are applying for and try to add a sentence at this point

to connect your choices with your keen interest in that area and/or possible plans for the

future

You should show a good understanding of the course you have applied for

Be careful if you are applying for different subjects, the same statement has to cover all courses

applied for

You may want to include any career intention you may have

Avoid phrases like I enjoy reading, I regularly visit the theatre or I regularly listen to music

pop and classical

Describe why you are passionate about the subjectbut dont go over the top!

Write a couple of sentences for each of your AS/A2s, your interest in them and any interesting

details, special subjects, study themes, titles of books, field research, experiences abroad, your

strengths such as ability to research independently, coursework, hitting deadlines etc.

Do this for each subject and write a bit more if one or two of them are particularly relevant to

your choice of degree course.Do not over write this section at the expense of subsequent sections

Remember you are trying to show evidence that you can cope and benefit from the course for

which you are applying

Write about other achievements and interests in school D of E, Sports, Leadership roles and

other enrichment activities, Music, Charity committee etc., Make sure to emphasise relevant

skills commitment, organisation, ability to work independently, leadership skills, project

management, ability to communicate, maturity etc.

Write about experiences/interests/hobbies out of school. Mention any work experience you

have that is relevant. Remember that even mundane work can show you have a range of skills

commitment, communication, dealing with the public etc., If you are planning to take a gap

year give your reasons why/what you are going to do

Try to finish off by re-emphasising the mature choice you have made in making this application

and be confident enough to describe yourself as a good applicant

Remember you have 47 lines of text or 4000 characters to complete it

AS a rough rule of thumb:

o 75% of the PS should be academic (3000 characters / 35 lines)o 25% of the PS should be personal (1000 characters / 12 lines)


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EXAMPLES OF PERSONAL STATEMENTS

Sports Science

I have always wanted a career in sport. Since taking A Level Sports Science my eyes have been opened to

the opportunities that are available at undergraduate level. Detailed research has confirmed that a degree

in Sports Science will provide me with a solid understanding of the biology, physiology and psychology

required to succeed in my chosen discipline.

I am fascinated by the various methods used to assess and measure physical activity and the changes in

physiology that result from exercise and training. Last summer I attended a residential sports science

summer school at my local university. We have various taster sessions with academics and I thoroughly

enjoyed all of them. I was particularly fascinated by the Human Performance Unit because it was jam

packed with the latest gear. We were shown how all the different apparatus worked and were allowed to

carry out tests using some of the more basic pieces. I also heard talks from current students and they really

made me realise that I would fit into student life easily.

Sport is obviously very important to me and I do get involved both in and out of school. I play hockey at

county-level and will want to continue when I reach University. I am also eager to become involved in new

sports and enjoy helping to run clubs as I feel I have a lot of knowledge and experience to share. Football is

also a strong passion of mine and I have recently been selected to assist with coaching the youth team at

my town club. I am looking forward to working with children as I know that I will gain lots of new skills.

I have a part time job as a retail assistant in a leisure wear shop. I really enjoy helping customers and

advising them on the most appropriate clothing and equipment. I am also responsible for the tills at the

end of the day and am often trusted to close the shop. I would consider myself to be an excellentcommunicator and I also possess good time keeping skills; I hate being late for anything! I know that both

these attributes will stand me in good stead for academic life.

I am so determined to become a student, studying the subject that I love. I know that I will put every effort

into making the most of my time, both academically and socially.

Strengths

It is good to mention any previous experience of visiting Universities, e.g Summer School or A

Level Conferences, as this demonstrates keen interest to the Admissions Tutor

This student backs up their interest in sport through a lot of extra-curricular involvement, which

will be impressive to the Admissions Tutor.

Weaknesses

Although this student is clearly focused on the subject and has a sporting interest which is very

important for his chosen subject area, they fail to present themselves as a well rounded person

and is also slightly vague about what their career in sport will be

The final statement is slightly weak and would have been more effective if the student had

summed up by re-iterating the reasons why they are looking forward to going to University tostudy Sports Science.


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Economics

Since starting my AS Level studies in Economics, I have been eager to continue to a higher level. I am

particularly interested in the behaviour of firms and organisation from an economic point of view and I

have focused my coursework in this field. I regularly read newspapers and economic publications such

as The Economist to keep up to date with developments in the field and I find it easy to use mymathematical and analytical skills to apply different economic theories to a range of real lif economic

situations. I also take Maths and Politics at AS Level and know that the skills I am acquiring from these

will prepare me well for University level study. I recently enjoyed the chance to put some of my

business economic theory into practice when I took part in an economics and business project called

Young Enterprise. With a group of peers I set up a small company and sold stationery packs to students

at our school. It was an excellent experience and I was able to enhance my management,

communication and teamwork skills. I also achieved a distinction in the associated exam.

I would consider myself to be a very hard worker both in and out of school. Since the age of 16 I have

worked part time at Tescos and have enjoyed positions of increasing responsibility. I now co-ordinate

small group of staff on the shop floor and have learnt a lot about the way businesses operate in the

real world. I would be keen to continue working part time within this company while at University, as I

know I would be able to manage my time successfull and would enjoy being self sufficient. I have a real

passion for all kinds of sport and regularly represent my school in various activities ranging from tennis

to football. I have played tennis at county-level for two years now and am looking forward to trying

new sports at University. Music is also very important to me and I am a member of the sixth form rock

band Chaos. I am thrilled at the prospect of facing new challenges, including working and living

independently. I also believe that I will gain a highly marketable set of skills from the study ofeconomics at University, which will prepare me well for the exciting future ahead.

Strengths

The strong involvement in sport and music demonstrates dedication

This student has succeeded in conveying enthusiasm without going overboard

Weaknesses

Attention needs to be paid to style the paragraphs are far too long and could be broken down

into at least four separate ones

There are a few typing errors and missing letters in this personal statement

This student does not mention any current economic issues such as the recession or UK housing

market, which somewhat undermines this claim that he keeps up to date with developments in

the field


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TIMETABLE FOR 2013 APPLICATIONS

Mid-September 2012 2013 entry applications can be sent to us.

15 October 2012 Deadline for receipt at UCAS of applications to the Universities of Oxford or

Cambridge, and all with choices for courses in medicine, dentistry, andveterinary medicine/science to reach UCAS.

15 January 2013 Deadline for receipt of applications at UCAS for all courses except those

listed with a 15 October 2012 deadline and art and design courses with 24

March 2013 deadline. Go to Course Search to check application deadlines for

courses.

25 February 2013 If you are eligible to use Extra, you can refer yourself to another choice.

24 March 2013 Deadline for the receipt of applications at UCAS for art and design coursesexcept those listed with a 15 January 2013 deadline. Go to Course Search to

check application deadlines for courses.

31 March 2013 If we receive your application by 15 January, the universities and colleges

should aim to have sent us their decisions by this date (but they can take

longer).

8 May 2013 If we receive all decisions from your universities/colleges by 31 March, you

need to reply to any offers by this date (unless you are applying through

Extra). If we don't receive your replies, we will decline your offers on your

behalf.

9 May 2013 If you applied by 15 January and are waiting for decisions, universities and

colleges need to send us their decisions by this date. If they don't, we will

make any outstanding choices unsuccessful on their behalf.

6 June 2013 If we receive all decisions from your universities/colleges by 9 May, you need

to reply to any offers by this date (unless you are applying through Extra). If

we don't receive your replies, we will decline your offers on your behalf.

27 June 2013 If we receive all decisions from your universities or colleges by 7 June, you

need to reply to any offers by this date (unless you are applying through

Extra). If we don't receive your replies, we will decline the offers on your

behalf.

30 June 2013 If you send your application to us by this date, we will send it to your chosen

universities and colleges. If we receive your application after this date, you'll

be entered into Clearing.

3 July 2013 Last date to apply through Extra.
http://c/students/coursesearchhttp://c/students/coursesearchhttp://c/students/coursesearchhttp://c/students/coursesearch


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18 July 2013 If you applied by 30 June and are waiting for decisions, universities and

colleges need to send us their decisions by this date. If they don't, we will

make any outstanding choices unsuccessful on their behalf.

25 July 2013 If we receive all decisions from your universities/colleges by 18 July, you need

to reply to any offers by this date (this includes if you are applying through

Extra). If we don't receive your replies, we will decline your offers on your

behalf.

August 2013

to be confirmed

SQA results are published and the Scottish Clearing vacancy information

service starts.

15 August 2013 GCE and Advanced Diploma results are published and the full Clearing

vacancy information service starts.

Adjustment opens for registration.

31 August 2013 Adjustment closes.

20 September 2013 Last date we will accept applications for courses starting in 2013.

30 September 2013 The Clearing vacancy search is closed after this date. You should contact

universities direct to discuss vacancies. Clearing choices can still be added in

Track.

22 October 2013 Last date to add a Clearing choice.

This is the last date a university or college can accept an applicant in Clearing.


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STUDENT AND TUTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Students are responsible for:

Seeking advice about institutions and courses they are interested in

Attending open days at institutions as part of their research, but not attending more than four

Completing their UCAS application form onlineCollecting subject reference forms (from their tutor) and requesting the reference from each of

their subject teachers

Writing their personal statements with assistant from their Tutor/Parents/Subject Teachers

Thoroughlychecking their completed form with the final checklist before giving a printed copy

to their Tutor for checking

Only sending their UCAS form to the referee AFTER being given the go ahead by their tutor

Making payment on-line using a debit/credit card

Making decisions, with help, of firm acceptance and insurance by the date given by UCAS

Subject teachers are responsible for:

Writing a subject reference for any students in their A Level class that are applying to University

Tutors are responsible for:

Giving impartial advice on institutions and courses where they can or pointing their tutees in

the right direction for advice e.g. subject teachers, Sixth Form Centre resources, Mr Ellis etc.

Assisting tutees with their personal statements and their UCAS formsChecking that the details are correct on their tutees application forms

Checking progress of the students on the APPLY / TRACK system

Encouraging students to start/complete their UCAS forms

Writing the school reference for their tutees and adding it to the application form

Monitoring the offers received by their tutees

RESOURCES

There is a huge selection of information to help you decide on your next step. The Study Centre has an

expanding bank of resources / books about applying to university and writing personal statements etc.

and there is information on the Sixth Form Website. Staff are here to help you and your parents also

may be able to give you invaluable advice.


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USEFUL WEBSITES

Higher Education

www.ucas.com info on HE courses

www.tqi.ac.uk information on the quality ofhigher education institutions in the UK

www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfo- Maps all Universities

www.gaa.ac.uk Quality Assurance Agency for HE

www.qca.org.uk all about qualifications

www.niss.ac.uk/sites - info about UK HE

institutions

www.educationguardian.co.uk League Tables

www.thetimes.co.uk League Tables

www.dfes.gov.uk/recognisedukdegrees-

information about degree courses in the UK

www.studentuk.com UCAS student site

www.opendays.com Open Days

www.push.co.uk finding the right university

www.universityoptions.co.uk making the move

www.panicsover.com Clearing site

www.uniserve.co.uk Alternative views

Finance

www.nusonline.co.uk National Union ofStudents

www.studentzone.org.uk student life

www.studentunion.co.uk financial support

www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport- financialsupport

www.slc.co.uk student loan company

www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk where you

apply for student finance

Employment / Careers

www.careers.portal.com- courses/jobs/CVs

www.monster.co.uk vacancies

www.gti.co.uk graduate jobs/work experience

www.doctorjob.com

www.prospects.csu.ac.uk graduate careers

www.realworkrealpay.info modern

apprenticeships

www.careersoft.co.uk helps you make career

choices
http://www.ucas.com/http://www.ucas.com/http://www.tqi.ac.uk/http://www.tqi.ac.uk/http://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfohttp://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfohttp://www.gaa.ac.uk/http://www.gaa.ac.uk/http://www.qca.org.uk/http://www.qca.org.uk/http://www.niss.ac.uk/siteshttp://www.niss.ac.uk/siteshttp://www.educationguardian.co.uk/http://www.educationguardian.co.uk/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/http://www.dfes.gov.uk/recognisedukdegreeshttp://www.dfes.gov.uk/recognisedukdegreeshttp://www.studentuk.com/http://www.studentuk.com/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.push.co.uk/http://www.push.co.uk/http://www.universityoptions.co.uk/http://www.universityoptions.co.uk/http://www.panicsover.com/http://www.panicsover.com/http://www.uniserve.co.uk/http://www.uniserve.co.uk/http://www.nusonline.co.uk/http://www.nusonline.co.uk/http://www.studentzone.org.uk/http://www.studentzone.org.uk/http://www.studentunion.co.uk/http://www.studentunion.co.uk/http://www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupporthttp://www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupporthttp://www.slc.co.uk/http://www.slc.co.uk/http://www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk/http://www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk/http://www.careers.portal.com/http://www.careers.portal.com/http://www.monster.co.uk/http://www.monster.co.uk/http://www.gti.co.uk/http://www.gti.co.uk/http://www.doctorjob.com/http://www.doctorjob.com/http://www.prospects.csu.ac.uk/http://www.prospects.csu.ac.uk/http://www.realworkrealpay.info/http://www.realworkrealpay.info/http://www.careersoft.co.uk/http://www.careersoft.co.uk/http://www.careersoft.co.uk/http://www.realworkrealpay.info/http://www.prospects.csu.ac.uk/http://www.doctorjob.com/http://www.gti.co.uk/http://www.monster.co.uk/http://www.careers.portal.com/http://www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk/http://www.slc.co.uk/http://www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupporthttp://www.studentunion.co.uk/http://www.studentzone.org.uk/http://www.nusonline.co.uk/http://www.uniserve.co.uk/http://www.panicsover.com/http://www.universityoptions.co.uk/http://www.push.co.uk/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.studentuk.com/http://www.dfes.gov.uk/recognisedukdegreeshttp://www.thetimes.co.uk/http://www.educationguardian.co.uk/http://www.niss.ac.uk/siteshttp://www.qca.org.uk/http://www.gaa.ac.uk/http://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfohttp://www.tqi.ac.uk/http://www.ucas.com/


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Gap Years

www.bunac.org.uk gap year with BUNAC (USA)

www.yini.org.uk Year in Industry

www.csv.org.uk volunteering opportunities

www.gapyear.com year out ideas

www.gap.org.uk planning a gap year

www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk

volunteering opportunities

Student Accommodation

www.bunk.com

www.thestudentvillage.co.uk

www.unilodge.com

www.anythingstudent.com

Study Centre Library

The Times: Good University Guide 2012

Heap 2012: University Degree Course Offers

How To Books: Going to University

The Daily Telegraph: Guide to Student Money

MPW: How to Complete Your UCAS Application 2012

How to Write a Winning UCAS Personal Statement

COA: Degree Course Descriptions

So you Want to go to Oxbridge: Written by Oxbridge Students

Oxbridge Entrance: The Real Rules

The Gap Year Guidebook

What do Graduates do? Career planning for HE and Beyond
http://www.bunac.org.uk/http://www.bunac.org.uk/http://www.yini.org.uk/http://www.yini.org.uk/http://www.csv.org.uk/http://www.csv.org.uk/http://www.gapyear.com/http://www.gapyear.com/http://www.gap.org.uk/http://www.gap.org.uk/http://www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk/http://www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk/http://www.bunk.com/http://www.bunk.com/http://www.thestudentvillage.co.uk/http://www.thestudentvillage.co.uk/http://www.unilodge.com/http://www.unilodge.com/http://www.anythingstudent.com/http://www.anythingstudent.com/http://www.anythingstudent.com/http://www.unilodge.com/http://www.thestudentvillage.co.uk/http://www.bunk.com/http://www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk/http://www.gap.org.uk/http://www.gapyear.com/http://www.csv.org.uk/http://www.yini.org.uk/http://www.bunac.org.uk/

new dslv student ucas booklet

Documents