Getting into University Ian Douglas

Know your self Aim in life Possible career Skills development Learning style Learning environment Location

WHY GO TO UNIVERSITY? The Experience Enjoy the study of a Subject Take up something New Broaden and Deepen Improve Career chances Gain Independence To have a good time Get a good Degree

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail Subject University Money Living away from home Psychology

Graduate employer selection criteria Academic Ability Determination Self Confidence Communication Common Sense Willingness to learn/flexibility Analytical mind Accepts responsibility Teamwork Personal organisation Self Motivation Ambition

INFORMATION SOURCES www.UCAS.com UCAS points A levels AS level A*= 140 EPQ only A* = 70 A = 120 A = 60 B = 100 B = 50 C = 80 C = 40 D = 60 C = 30 E = 40 E = 20

UCAS.COM

Subject choice Leads to chosen Career Develops skills Subjects you enjoy Assessment methods 3 years is a long time It must be student’s choice Entry requirements

COURSE TYPE Full-time - 3 years to degree Sandwich - 4 years, including 1 year in employment Extended - 1 extra ‘front-end’ year Enhanced - 1 extra ‘integrated’ year Foundation Degree(FD) - 2 years, frequently in FE College Top-Up - FD to degree Gap Year - Deferred Application, - Deferred Entry. BA B Eng BSc MA M Eng MSc Ph D

LOCATION - visit www.opendays.com PLAN your VISIT Campus - Essex, Exeter, Hertfordshire, Nottingham, Warwick City - Sheffield, London, Leeds, Oxford & Cambridge Rural - Lampeter, Harper Adams Distance ? – Daily commute, Home at weekends, Away for term , cost & time implications www.opendays.com PLAN your VISIT

Saturday 11 Oct 2014 Sunday 12 Oct 2014 9.30am – 3pm

UCAS application Early application Perfect form Effective personal statement Choices following research Realistic entry requirements Plan a Contingency

Personal statement Show Admissions Tutor you can: Survive and thrive Enthusiasm Skills and experience Subject understanding Career ambition

UCAS dates 1 September 2014 applications open for 2015 15 October 2014 for the universities of Oxford, Cambridge or any professional course in medicine, veterinary medicine/science and dentistry. CHECK School deadline for applications Student loan application opens approx March 2015 7 May 2015 Confirmed 1st choice and Insurance Be at home on results day Thursday 21 August 2015 Clearing ??? Late September, Early October enrol on chosen course

Money: Key Points Tuition Fees Loan Maintenance Loan Maintenance Grant -Repayable -Available to everyone Maintenance Loan - Available to all but dependent on household income Maintenance Grant Non-repayable Dependent on household income Scholarships -Non-repayable -Vary across institutions -National Scholarship Programme Fees Living costs Academic costs Mention the NSP when talking about scholarships Investigate Subject/Company/University SCHOLARSHIPS

Maintenance Support-Loan Living Costs Full-time students can apply for a Maintenance Loan to help with living costs, which is repayable The exact amount you can borrow will depend on several factors such as: -your household income -where you decide to live -when your start your course

Student Finance 2014/15 Household Maintenance Fee Total Scholarships Income Grant Loan Total Max Loan Bursary etc

Student Finance 2014/15 Household Maintenance Fee Total Scholarships Income Grant Loan Total Max Loan Bursary etc

Repayment Loans Only when earning > £21,000 Only pay 9% of income above £21,000 Pay drops below this payments stop Deducted via tax system Loan written off after 30 years No penalty for early repayment

Starts April After Graduation Gross Salary Amount of salary from which 9% will be deducted Monthly repayment £21,000 £ 0 £ 0 £25,000 £4,000 £30.00 £30,000 £9,000 £67.50 £35,000 £14,000 £105.00 £40,000 £19,000 £142.50 £45,000 £24,000 £180.00 £50,000 £29,000 £217.50 £55,000 £34,000 £255.00 £60,000 £39,000 £292.50

Start planning your finances now

What do you spend now ?

Where does the money come from ?

Income Maintenance Loan Maintenance Grant Parental contributions Gap Year earnings Part-time work Scholarships / Sponsorships Savings from holiday work Placement earnings

Expenditure Rent Household bills TV Licence Phone Food Household items Clothes Socialising Sports and clubs Insurance Car expenses Travel Books/Stationery Toiletries Get a student bank account

What to do next? RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS www.ucas.com Keep checking the websites of institutions you are interested in www.herts.ac.uk BUILD UP YOUR SKILLS AND RECORD ACTIVITIES etc. Work hard and get good grades at end of lower 6th