FOR SIXTH FORMERS GEOGRAPHY AMBASSADORS RGS IBG How to Choose and Apply for Geography at University

Starting point Which comes first the course or the university?

Course criteria

Grades required Physical or human BSc or BA Teaching or research university? Joint honours combinations 2 nd and 3 rd year choices, specialisms and combinations Assessment method Fieldwork options and costs Level of support, size of classes etc Employability record

Entry profiles

University criteria

Status, reputation and history Location – inner city, city campus or rural campus Live home or away? Accessibility Distance from home and comfort zones Cost of living Term time job opportunities

Where do I get my info from?

UCAS website Study Geography pages of the RGS website Web based prospectus Hard copy prospectus League table style guide books Visits- open days and talking to students

Plan of action Key dates: Research period = April of Year 12 till mid October Application period = September 15 th – 15 th January Offers = November through to March 31 st UCAS extra = from February Acceptances = Usually by March 31 st Clearing = 20 th August – 21 st September

UCAS offers Firm Insurance Decline UF only - You have firmly accepted an unconditional offer. You cannot have an insurance choice. CF only - You have firmly accepted a conditional offer. CF + CI - You have firmly accepted one conditional offer and accepted another conditional offer as an insurance. CF + UI - You have firmly accepted a conditional offer and accepted an unconditional offer as an insurance

Getting started ManchesterBrightonUWEBirminghamSussexDurham High coursework component Erasmus opportunity Climate change specialism in years 2 & 3 Cost of living Job opportunities at uni Accessible to home Result of first sift

Personal statement – style You can enter up to 4,000 characters (this includes spaces) or 47 lines of text (this includes blank lines). No jokes No exclamation marks No references to I have always wanted to study this since I was given a globe at the age of three No lists Go easy on the hobbies unless they evidence something eg commitment, time management etc

Personal statement – subject specific Why you have chosen the course and the reasons why that subject area interests you. Evidence that you understand what is required to study the course. How your current or previous studies relate to the course that you have chosen. Any activities that demonstrate your interest in the course. Why you want to go to university or college.

Personal statement- general Details of jobs, placements, work experience or voluntary work, particularly if it's relevant to your chosen course Positions of responsibility that you hold/have held both in and out of school, eg form prefect or representative for a local charity. Attributes that make you interesting, special or unique. Whether you have any future plans of how you want to use the knowledge and experience that you gain.

Personal statement- the bottom line If you were an admissions tutor what would you want to read? Who would you want on your course? How would you be sure they were the right candidate?