Denis Callaghan & Eta Danagher Guidance Counsellor’s Applying to UCAS

Differences: UCAS -v- CAO FeaturesUCAS CAO

UCAS Closing Dates 15 October-Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary and Oxbridge 15 January-All other courses Web based application system Important Sections  Choices- up to 5 choices - max. of 4 for Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary  Results- those already taken - those to be completed  Reference

Step 1: Research Research subject of interest Potential careers with your degree of choice Entry requirements – be realistic! University facilities, sports and social clubs

Step 1: Research Every course is different so check for:  Length of course  Study abroad opportunities  Work placements  Unique facilities  Performance in RAE (research) and university rankings like the Times Good University Guide (research and teaching)

Step 2: Fill in your UCAS Application Form Use your 5 choices wisely  Don’t apply to widely differing courses  Don’t apply to the same institution 5 times Have a trial run Follow UCAS “How to Apply” instructions Make use of universities’ web sites for guidance

Step 2: Fill in your UCAS Application Form List all qualifications in Section 7 Make sure name, school and date of birth are correct Only fill in date of first entry to the UK where necessary Be careful of spelling, punctuation and grammar

Beware of using personal addresses for Nursing for Social Work for Law was called Liam

Why do UCAS make you fill out a Personal Statement? To help you to stand out from the crowd!

The Personal Statement Should be concise  “Why should I be given a place to study x?” Should sell the applicant Explain any unusual references or circumstances Be original

The Personal Statement: Why Me? Why have you chosen this subject? Which aspects of the course interest you? Show commitment to the subject  Reading  Work and/or voluntary experience  Additional study What can you offer to the university?

Why have you chosen this subject? Show passion for the subject “Throughout my education, my interest in studying Law has increased greatly. Not only does it appeal as a subject that will challenge me intellectually but also as one which I believe is central to the future direction of our society…”

Which aspects of the course interest you? Make sure any subjects mentioned are covered in degree modules! “…particularly how the critical decisions that affect our country are made. I am also keen to explore the moral, political and economic implications of such decisions on both individuals and marginalised groups in society.”

Show Commitment: Link to Current Studies “…I have very much enjoyed my History A - Level. Studying the battles of the First World War gave me a historical context for some of the texts I subsequently studied in English, as well as developing my analytical and research skills. I hope to build on this as…”

Show Commitment: Relevant Experience Describe work and/or voluntary experience:  Where?  How long?  Why?  What did you learn? If you couldn’t get relevant experience, explain how you attempted to gain experience and outline any other efforts you have made

Show Commitment: Look ahead How has your experience to date helped you? How will the skills you have developed help you throughout your university studies? How will they help you in your chosen career? Where do you see yourself in years to come?  Specialising in a particular area  Working for a particular organisation

What can you offer the University? Extra – curricular activities Examples of teamwork and enthusiasm Outstanding Awards or Achievements Positions of Responsibility Skills you will take with you to University Remember! Non-academic - maximum of 25%!

Summing Up Round up statement and end on a positive note “I hope that this personal statement demonstrates that I am an enthusiastic, disciplined and hard working student with a keen interest in current affairs, who would enjoy contributing to all aspects of university life”

What are universities looking for? Relevant academic ability Motivation Skills Relevant experience Passion and dedication to the subject Originality Evidence of literacy Someone who will be interesting to teach

Personal Statement Do’s Do Research your subjects and universities Tell the truth Give examples – show, not just tell Make sure it has structure – paragraphs, etc Check your statement

Personal Statement Don’ts Don’t Cover too much – keep it relevant Write it at the last minute Rely on spell check Repeat yourself Overuse quotations Use abbreviations, text talk or non-standard English

Personal Statement Don’ts Don’t Forget to demonstrate obvious subject interests Fail to make full use of the space provided Mention a particular university if applying to more than one Lie or plagiarise Use bullet points or lists Be too wacky

ABRDN A 2 0 N MA/Acc Accountancy EDINB E 5 6 M LLB Law GLASG G 2 0 M N 3 4 BFLS/FLS Financial and Legal Studies ULS U 2 0 N J BSc/BusS Business Studies QBELF Q 7 5 M LLB/LAW Law UCAS Choices

What happens to the form? Arrives at UCAS Copied 5 times Paper copy to each university Goes to Admissions Officer Offer/ Interview/ Shortlist/ Unsuccessful University informs UCAS UCAS inform applicant Decision viewed online

What happens after you submit your UCAS application form? Receive 5 responses by May – offer or decline After receiving your last response, you have a few weeks to make your choice of : –Firm Choice –Insurance Choice (usually lower grade requirements)

What happens once you get your results? In August: –If you received an offer and got your target grades, Congratulations! You’re in! –If you don’t achieve the grades mentioned in your offer, call the University – they will try to get you in –If you didn’t get an offer but achieved the grades, call the University – if they have room, they will give you a space –If you have an offer and achieved better grades than expected, you can apply for new courses if you wish through Adjustment

Differences: UCAS -v- CAO FeaturesUCAS CAO