APPLICATIONS 2013 – 2014 Parents Information

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

Key features of the UCAS scheme Your son or daughter can make up to five choices in one application. The 2014 applicant fee is: £12 for one choice £23 for up to five choices. Applications received by the key deadlines are given equal consideration. ‘Invisibility’ – universities cannot see where else students have applied.  UCAS received 653,637 applications  464,910 were accepted In

The Journey

The UCAS Journey

The applicant journey - overview

▪ Researches where and what to study – up to 5 choices ▪ Registers online with UCAS Apply ▪ Completes all sections of form inc personal statement ▪ Reference added by school ▪ School sends form electronically to UCAS ▪ UCAS processes form and forwards to chosen HEIs ▪ HEIs submit decisions ▪ Applicant views decisions on Track ▪ Applicant replies to offers on Track ▪ HEIs confirm places when results are released

TIMELINE w/b 19th August – classroom sessions on: a) making online applications b) writing Personal Statements

TIMELINE 13th September – deadline for pupils to complete applications for: CUKAS Music

TIMELINE 16th September – Guidance staff interview and write references for: CUKAS Music applicants

TIMELINE 2oth September – deadline for pupils to complete applications for: Oxford and Cambridge Medicine Veterinary Medicine Dentistry

TIMELINE 23rd September – Guidance staff interview and write references for: medical/Oxford/Cambridge /CUKAS applicants - deadline for KHS to send applications to CUKAS for music applicants

TIMELINE 30 th September – Pupils distribute reference sheets to their teachers for return to guidance staff by 11 th October

TIMELINE 4th October – deadline for pupils to complete all other applications - deadline for KHS to send applications to UCAS for medical/Oxford/Cambridge applicants

TIMELINE 28th October – Guidance staff begin interviewing and writing references

TIMELINE 29th November – KHS deadline for all applications to be sent to UCAS

TIMELINE 15th January – UCAS deadline for receipt of applications

The Application (1) Each pupil attends a classroom session on how to complete the online application. He/she then completes the application in his/her own time. Each pupil attends a classroom session on how to write a Personal Statement. He/she then completes the Personal Statement in his/her own time.

The Application (2) When the application is complete, the applicant pays the fee (electronically by card) and then sends the application to their Guidance Teacher. The Guidance Teacher then checks the application and returns it to the applicant if there are any errors. The applicant will be informed with details of action to be taken. This process can be repeated as required.

The Application (3) When the reference has been added to the application, it will be checked once more to ensure that everything is ‘OK’, then the application will be sent to UCAS. Once an application has been sent it is not possible to make any changes, other than applicants may add further course choices, up to the maximum of 5.

The Application (4) Applications are sent as soon as they have been completed. Pupils are informed when their applications have been sent. UCAS will acknowledge receipt of applications, usually within a few days. Universities will contact applicants directly according to their own timescales.

Why do we submit applications well before the deadline? Some university schools/faculties will make early offers to outstanding candidates. Universities MUST wait until 15 th January to finalise offers, so applicants are not advantaged or disadvantaged so long as they meet this deadline. Early application may mean an early offer.

Personal Statement Each pupil submits a draft to their Guidance Teacher. The Guidance Teacher gives feedback/advice and continues to support the pupil until the Personal Statement has been completed. Guidance staff will encourage and advise applicants, however it is important that it is written in applicants own language.

The Interview Each pupil has an interview with his/her Guidance Teacher. This would normally last around 30 minutes. This is the pupil’s chance to influence what the Guidance Teacher will say in the reference. Pupils are issued with a list of questions/ topics before the interview and are expected to do some preparation.

Interview Questions Why do you want to go to university? What do you hope to gain from university(apart from a degree)? What personal qualities do you think university will help you to develop? What experience have you gained, both within and outside school, to help you prepare for university? What/how will you contribute to university life? What activities/clubs might you get involved in? What steps have you taken to investigate your choice of course/university? What are your career ideas? What/how will you contribute to university life? What activities/clubs might you get involved in? What steps have you taken to investigate your choice of course/university? What are your career ideas?

The Reference (1) Pupils give ‘request for information’ sheets to their current teachers and to teachers of their choice from last year. These are completed and returned to Guidance staff. Guidance staff interview pupils, write references and submit these to Mr Keatings for his approval. Once approved, the reference is added to the pupil’s application.

The Reference (2) Guidance staff use a variety of sources of information: Pupil comments/info from the interview Teacher comments and expected grades Personal knowledge of the pupil School records/reports/achievements etc. All references ‘focus on the positive.’

Further support Guidance staff continue to support pupils throughout the application process One example of this is the provision of Mock Interviews for those who apply for Teaching, Medicine, ‘Oxbridge’ etc.

Communication Once the application has been sent, universities communicate directly or through UCAS with applicants. Mainly by , but also by letter. Students can follow the progress of their applications by using TRACK. Applicants must read all communication carefully as it will give instructions and important DEADLINES. When offers are made, applicants will be given a deadline to accept a FIRM and an INSURANCE choice. Applicants will be declined if they miss this deadline.

Extra If your son or daughter does not get an offer from any of their choices they can use Extra. Students eligible for Extra: Used all five choices All choices unsuccessful, cancelled or offers declined No option for firm or insurance Universities have 21 days to respond Existing apply information used. Extra is open between February - July

Confirmation Exam results are published – many are passed electronically to universities by UCAS. Admissions staff check if the applicant has met the conditions of the offer. There are four possibilities: 1. If a student meets the conditions of their firm choice. It’s time to celebrate! 2. If a student doesn’t meet the conditions of their firm choice, but meets the conditions of their insurance choice (which should be lower), they will be placed at their insurance choice. It’s also time to celebrate! 3. If a student has not met the conditions of their firm or insurance choice (or no insurance), they will be entered into a process known as Clearing. 4. If a student meets and exceeds the conditions of their offer, they are eligible for Adjustment. This provides an opportunity for them to reconsider where and what to study whilst still holding their firm offer.

WHAT TO DO NOW RESEARCH COURSES RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES OPEN DAYS

SOURCES OF INFORMATION UCAS WEBSITE UNIVERSITY WEBSITES STUDENT GUIDES etc. CAREERS LIBRARY CAREERS ADVISER - AVRIL CAREERS NOTICEBOARDS & WEBSITE GUIDANCE TEACHERS SUBJECT TEACHERS

Make sure you click for courses starting 2014 Search by … Provider Course Or by map!

For entry requirements scroll down to Scottish Qualifications Remember to check Standard Grade requirements too!

CUKAS

Other things to consider Work experience – professional bodies, charities or at events Finance – course fees, grants, travel and living costs Travel – to and from home Accommodation – uni halls or private residences? 44 Living away from home...

How can you support the application process? Don’t book holidays at key times e.g. results day Engage with the school – find out key contacts, use opportunities provided Support your son or daughter’s management of their application. Make sure they read everything they are sent carefully! Prepare them for living away from home: –Cost of living – paying bills –Independent living skills – cooking and washing. Comforting, proofreading, encouraging, testing, practicing etc Be there...

Find out more Don’t forget to pick up your parents guide on the way out!!