UCAS & Personal Statements

Georgie Smith

Schools and Colleges Liaison

Applications Process

UCAS

Web-based application system, called Apply

Track system

5 choices of University

What is an admissions tutor looking for?

• Appropriate academic qualifications

• A good reference

• A good personal statement

A good starting point..

• Research course details

• Make sure you understand jargon

• Think about why the course interests you

• Can apply for more than one course, universities can not see for what and where else you have applied.

About the course/subject

• What you enjoy about the subject • Why you want to study it in more depth• Show evidence of research• Courses attended/field trips• Relevant work experience • Career plans

• Don’t all start with “I’ve always wanted to study…”

What we look for in an applicant

Work Experience

• Work experience and part-time employment

• Tutors want to see reflection • Be analytical • Highlight transferable skills

What we look for in an applicant

Extra curricular activities

• Anything outside of school or college

• Positions of responsibility

• Volunteer work

• Evidence of self-motivation

• Any hurdles you have overcome

• Sports, hobbies and interests

• Gap year plans

What we look for in an applicant

General points

• Plan it first

• Type in Word 12pt, then cut and paste

• Check spelling!

• Sell yourself – but avoid sounding boastful

• Don’t unnecessarily repeat material

• Don’t try to be funny or controversial

• Be honest

• Try to sound natural

• Proof read and get someone else to proof read

What we look for in an applicant

Timeline

Start researching courses

Write personal statement

Fill in UCAS form

Oxford/Cambridge/ medicine deadline

Receive offers and choose

2 universities

Fill in Finance Forms

Now

Summer Holidays

September onwards

October 15th

January – Easter

Spring

2013

2014

Decision Process

UCAS sends the application form to all the chosen Universities

You may get asked for an interview

Decisions are made as follows:

Conditional Offer = offer made with conditions attached

Unconditional Offer = offer made with no conditions attached

Reject = unsuccessful application

Replying to Offers

Once decisions on all choices have been made a Final Decision Letter is sent.

You need to:Accept one University as Firm ChoiceAccept one University as Insurance ChoiceDecline the other offers

Be aware of deadlines and ensure replies reach UCAS on time.

What happens if:

• I receive NO offers? – UCAS EXTRA

What happens next?

• Get the grades - University of your choice

• Miss the grades - Clearing/ re-apply next year

Questions?