Your UCAS application

Contents Introduction to UCAS Key dates Application process Making informed choices What happens next? Tariff information Support available Top tips

What is UCAS? Universities and Colleges Admissions Service Centralised application processing service On-line system and application form Secure site, can be worked on anywhere Not just used for applying to university: - Stamford test - Entry profiles - UCAS Fair dates.

UCAS key dates 2009/ September - form processing begins 15 October - closing date for Oxbridge, medicine, veterinary science 15 January - MAIN UCAS CLOSING DATE 26 February - UCAS Extra begins (for late applicants, those that have changed their mind or those who have no offers) 31 March - majority of decisions made by institutions 30 June - last day for late applications 19 August - results day

Making an application Over 50,000 courses to choose from Only have five choices available on your form UCAS processes over 2 million undergraduate applications a year Lots of competition – it is important to have a strong application form

Making informed choices Research the 4 Cs (course, career, campus and city) Be realistic about your choices, for example: - x2 ambitious entry requirements to aim for - x1 match to your predicted grades - x2 lower entry requirements to fall back on. If you cant decide between courses try and select similar subjects eg Business and Accounting. This will make your personal statement more focused.

Applying online Seven key sections to complete Can be completed in any order Can return to a section to make changes if necessary Write down your username and password and keep them safe can be found on key sections of the UCAS form and provides answers to FAQs UCAS will notify you of progress via and text messages

What happens next? UCAS acknowledges receipt of your form You can track your application process online (using UCAS track facility) University Admissions Tutors assess each application Possible invitation to an interview (not required for all courses) Decisions/offers made via UCAS track Universities send offer letters too

Types of offer Conditional offer Unconditional offer Alternative course offer Unsuccessful Offers may be expressed in either grades or UCAS points, for example, BBB or 300 UCAS points

UCAS points system BTEC

After the offer Select two choices – firm and insurance You have now entered into an agreement with these universities, if you change your mind you will need to by released by the institutions UCAS Extra – for late applicants and those who change their mind Results day Clearing

UCAS support available Big map Parents Guide UCAS fairs Jargon buster Guide books UCAS card All available through the UCAS website

Top tips Make informed choices – do your research Read all instructions carefully Accuracy – check your spelling and grammar Be aware of key dates Print a finished copy for future reference Dont be afraid to contact universities/UCAS with questions