UCAS Application Session

Applying to University Choices How to apply and personal statement What happens next 2

UCAS: 3

Choices Use… SWAP Progression routes UCAS Course Search University info –Web pages –Prospectus –Admissions contacts, helpdesks etc. 4

Progression routes 5

Example progression routes 6

UCAS course search 7

University info 8

The deadline is: 15 th January 2014 –Your college will be sooner so they can complete references (Nov-Dec 2013) UCAS Guide in Prep for HE materials –Download from SWAP website Help and videos on UCAS web site. Deadlines 9

Register 10

Register 11

How are you applying 12

SWAPWest Buzzword 13 Buzzword is: swapwest2014

Select tutor group – your college 14

Welcome page 15

Sections 16

Personal details Personal Details… Some filled in automatically Provide other details, e.g. fee code usually 02 – UK Declare any relevant criminal convictions (not spent). Additional Information… E.g. Nationality If you have been in care Your family’s education background. 17

Personal Details 18

Student Finance 19

Choices Enter the courses you would like to study and where Use all 5 choices Select from lists provided Start date: Sep 2014 (can also apply for deferred place) For year 1 as point of entry, UCAS advises to leave box this box blank. 20

Choices 21

Education Centre name : Scottish Wider Access Programme (not listed) Centre number:

Education Click on add qualifications then National Units – Scotland Enter your unit titles with codes, qualification date, awarding body (SQA), level (Higher etc.) and result. 23

Employment Can add up to five employers 24

Personal Statement 25

Personal Statement Use UCAS guides and SWAPWest guides Prepare as a word document and copy and paste into form. –Express motivation, commitment, suitability and why you want to study your subject –Mention SWAP and academic skills as well as experience and transferable skills –Use good language, correct spelling and punctuation –Be clear and concise, have logical structure, use short paragraphs –Proofread, proofread, proofread; it may take you many drafts! 26

Personal Statement mind map 27

Declaration, payment and sending your application Declaration When finished, agree to the declaration. Payment and referee Pay using a credit or debit card Application is then sent to referee Form is then sent to chosen universities. 28

After sending your application Universities have until early May to respond Use Track at: Four possible responses are: ResponseWhat it means Unconditional OfferUniversity offer a place with no conditions Conditional OfferUniversity offer a place on condition, e.g. on successful completion of SWAP programme WithdrawnIf you don’t respond to offers or attend interview UnsuccessfulUniversity will not offer you a place 29

Replying to offers You reply to your offers in three ways: accept firm, accept insurance, and decline There are four combinations of replying: 1.Accept unconditional firm only 2.Accept conditional firm only 3.Accept conditional firm + conditional insurance 4.Accept conditional firm + unconditional insurance Decline all other choices 30

I have been unsuccessful - what can I do? Contact the SWAP office; we can help! Extra and Clearing are available If you don’t feel ready for university, HNC/D (apply!!!) 31

Further assistance Good luck! 32