University Information Evening 2014

Why Higher Education?  Increase potential earnings*  Better career prospects  Benefit the wider community  Social and cultural reasons  More independence, self-confidence and responsibility responsibility  Personal challenge  Broadens interests and knowledge  Better health *Source: Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, 2006, in Universities UK, Research Report, The Economic Benefits of a Degree

The UCAS Journey  Exploring their options  Deciding on a subject and on universities  Checking the entry requirements for each  Completing and sending the online application  Waiting to hear back from the universities  Replying to any offers,  Checking that they meet the entry conditions*  Making sure of finance, accommodation and materials to start the course.

How You Can Help –Assist with their research –Open Days –Proofreading their personal statement –Help them consider their offers –Motivating them to achieve their offers –Preparing them for living away from home –Results Day Support*

The Process at Campion  Registration and personal statements – June – July 2014  Final UCAS deadline for Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry and Oxbridge applications – 15 th October 2014  Completion – by Autumn half term 2014  Final UCAS deadline – 15 th January 2015.

Choosing the Course & University  What do you like and/or do well in?  What do you need for your career?  Where do you want to study?  How do you want to be assessed?  What grades are you likely to get?

Other things to consider Work experience / Placements / Sandwich CourseWork experience / Placements / Sandwich Course Study abroadStudy abroad Career prospectsCareer prospects Finance – course fees, grants, travel and living costsFinance – course fees, grants, travel and living costs Travel – to and from homeTravel – to and from home Accommodation – university halls or private residences?Accommodation – university halls or private residences?

Making the application Apply is the UCAS online application system. Every applicant has six sections to complete: –Personal details –Student finance (UK and EU only) –Choices –Education –Employment –Personal statement. The school has a very thorough checking processThe school has a very thorough checking process Once a student submits their final application and payment has been made, the school’s reference is completed and it is sent to UCAS which passes it on to the university.Once a student submits their final application and payment has been made, the school’s reference is completed and it is sent to UCAS which passes it on to the university.

Decision-Making by Institutions  Universities and colleges will review: –Personal statement –Reference –Qualifications –Admissions test results –Interviews –Portfolios –Auditions  An admissions tutor may make one of three decisions: –Unconditional offer –Conditional offer (e.g. ABB or 300 points from 3 A Levels –Unsuccessful.

AS and A2 Levels AS EXAMS  Grade A = 60 UCAS points  Grade B = 50 UCAS points  Grade C = 40 UCAS points  Grade D = 30 UCAS points  Grade E = 20 UCAS points  Grade A*= 140 UCAS points  Grade A = 120 UCAS points  Grade B = 100 UCAS points  Grade C = 80 UCAS points  Grade D = 60 UCAS points  Grade E = 40 UCAS points A2 EXAMS BTEC Distinction = 120 points (Grade A) Merit = 80 points (Grade C) Pass = 40 points (Grade E)

How to improve their chances?  Read  EPQ  Get involved  University Taster days  Work experience  Teachers  Open days  UKCAT, BMAT, LNAT, STEP Tests  Timing

Personal Statement – Start Early Personal statements should stand out – admissions tutors receive 200 per week! Personal statements are so important, make sure your son or daughter includes: academic achievements, past and presentacademic achievements, past and present interests in the chosen subject areainterests in the chosen subject area knowledge of the subject and enthusiasm to go beyond the syllabusknowledge of the subject and enthusiasm to go beyond the syllabus what they enjoy about studyingwhat they enjoy about studying details of their independent study skills.details of their independent study skills. The questions universities and colleges will ask: have they chosen the right subject for the right reasons?have they chosen the right subject for the right reasons? do they have a range of interests?do they have a range of interests? does the personal statement confirm their interest in the subject?does the personal statement confirm their interest in the subject? have they studied independently?have they studied independently? are they motivated and committed?are they motivated and committed? do they possess good numeracy and literacy skills?do they possess good numeracy and literacy skills?

Personal Statement Basic Structure* Paragraph 1: Introductory Paragraph – What you would like to study and a little bit about why. Paragraph 2: Main academic paragraph – What you are studying now, demonstrating genuine ability, interest and the skills and qualities to meet the requirements of the course. Self awareness may be relevant as well. Paragraph 3: Extra-curricular e.g. sports, music part-time employment. Try to link it. Paragraph 4: Short concluding paragraph leaving the tutor in no doubt about your conviction, commitment and ability to enjoy and do well. * This structure is advised, but variation is possible, you just need to impress.

UCAS SYSTEM  Your son or daughter can make up to five choices in one application  UCAS pass on the applications to each university  The 2015 applicant fee is: –£23  ‘Invisibility’ – universities cannot see where else students have applied.

UCAS Choices  Medicine = choices  Law = 1 choice should not require LNAT  All others = 5 choices Following Offers  Decision of your two preferred choices*  Called “Firm” and “Insurance” offers

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