Career & Pathway Evening Feb. 2018 UCAS Process Career & Pathway Evening Feb. 2018

What is ucas? University and (College) Admission Service If you wish to apply to university you have to go through UCAS It costs! Some exceptions such as Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (Apply through CUCAS) For College you apply online direct to the college with some exceptions such as Scottish Rural College (SRU)

Planning ahead Research Consider how you can develop skills & experience Consider this as part of broader plans Focus on achieving the best grades you can!

Who should apply? S5/6 pupils wishing to study at university Usually have a minimum of 3 Highers in S5 grades A-C Pupils who meet the entry requirements of their chosen course (min. may not be enough) Some colleges look for 3 Highers for particular courses Academically and emotionally ready for the rigours of university life These are rough guidelines and vary considerable depending on the course. Students also need to consider what they can achieve by the end of S6.

Competition Current job market Financial situation Increase in older applicants Fewer applicant applying to English universities Remember min. requirements might not be enough!

The Story So Far: S5 students who are applying will receive personalised input 30th January Career Pathway Evening S5 Assemblies highlighted pathways along with SDS input 5th June S6 Induction Day “Choosing a University Course” & Career Management Skills 5th June: Open Day Request forms issued UCAS process began in June with early applicants August: Meeting for Early applicants on Medical Application Process August-September: Writing a Personal Statement & UCAS log-in. Application packs issued 12th September: Higher Education Conference 9th October all early applications sent 23rd October: Deadline for 1st Draft of Personal Statement & request to complete bulk of application form November: Working with referee and refining application Nov-Dec: Send applications Nov-March: Receiving offers Early Applicants are: Medicine, Vet Med, Dentistry, Oxford, Cambridge, CUCAS (Conservatoire) On-going: Info on Twitter & Pathways board

Log-in sessions Students log-in and create a password This is school process to minimise errors Students are issued with a UCAS Pack

Allocation of referees Students indicate course applied for/area of interest Staff volunteer to write references based on this information The year team pick up a large number of references

Students are asked to Issue green forms to class teachers. These will provide predicted grades and feedback Go and see their referee, thank them and provide them with personal statement and peach background form Work with their referee over the month of November to complete the personal statement and reference

Sections Personal Details Choices Education Employment Personal Statement Slide from assembly on 4th Sept

Required for apprenticeship applications Personal Statements Skills for All Required for college Required for apprenticeship applications Required for job application forms Slide from assembly on 4th Sept

The Personal Statement This is a vital section This differentiates you from all other applicants Sell yourself Reasons for applying Rationale behind different course choices Work Experience-what did you learn/skills Slide from assembly on 4th Sept

Personal Statement Things to mention: Positions of responsibility Career aspirations Knowledge of course Reading beyond the curriculum Speak to people about the courses Interests and activities Slide from assembly on 4th Sept

Advice for Personal Statement Do not repeat your grades Do not lie! Do not copy from others Sentences and paragraphs are effective Spelling and grammar are very important You need a good quality Personal Statement for your application IT WILL BE READ

Exemplar internal Deadlines Friday 9th October (Early Applicants) 23rd October 1st draft of personal statement 13th November pupil section of form completed (if not already completed) All sent by 22nd December Exception: Some art courses have a deadline of March

Checking process Applicant confirms all sections are complete Referee confirms application is complete and correct Co-ordinator confirms entire application is complete, correct and forwards to UCAS Applications will not be sent unless they meet the required standard

What happens next? Applicant can view decisions on Track Applicant replies to offers on Track Unconditional offer Conditional offer Rejection If unconditional, applicant can accept Applicants then keep a max. of 2 offers: Firm & Insurance If applicant has an unconditional offer for preferred course, they can withdraw other applications to accept early UCAS extra allows an additional single choice (operational late Feb.) Clearing: unplaced applicants can apply for vacancies

Plan B & C Consider what the back up plan is: Employment College Training Volunteering Gap Year Apprenticeship Is Uni the plan B?

please Keep referees, guidance and careers staff informed

Parental information Do you have nominated access to discuss UCAS application? This can be found in the personal details section of the UCAS form. Information can be accessed on: Websites: UCAS, MWOW, University Websites, SAAS (Student Award Agency Scotland) Twitter @HermitageAcadDYW Have you signed up for the UCAS newsletter?

Scroll to the bottom of the homepage

Use this link

Thank you Any questions please ask Mrs Mackay Relevant Guidance Teacher Ann O’May (Career Advsiors)