1. Parental Presentation November 2017
UCAS
Parental Presentation November 2017

2. What is ucas? University and (College) Admission Service
If you wish to apply to university you have to go through UCAS
Some exceptions such as Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly RSAMD)
For College you apply online direct to the college

3. Who should apply? S5/6 pupils wishing to study at university
Usually have a minimum of 3 Highers in S5 grades A-C
Pupils who meet the entry requirements of their chosen course (min. may not be enough)
Some colleges look for 3 Highers for particular courses
Academically and emotionally ready for the rigours of university life
These are rough guidelines and vary considerable depending on the course. Students also need to consider what they can achieve by the end of S6.

4. Competition Current job market Financial situation
Increase in older applicants

5. The Story So Far:
S5 students who are applying will receive personalised input
30th January Career Pathway Evening
S5 Assemblies highlighted pathways along with SDS input
5th June S6 Induction Day “Choosing a University Course” & Career Management Skills
5th June: Open Day Request forms issued
UCAS process began in June with early applicants
August: Meeting for Early applicants on Medical Application Process
August-September: Writing a Personal Statement & UCAS log-in. Application packs issued
12th September: Higher Education Conference
9th October all early applications sent
23rd October: Deadline for 1st Draft of Personal Statement & request to complete bulk of application form
Early Applicants are: Medicine, Vet Med, Dentistry, Oxford, Cambridge, CUCAS (Conservatoire)
On-going: Info on Twitter & Pathways board

6. Students have been asked to
Issue green forms to class teachers. These will provide predicted grades and feedback
Go and see their referee, thank them and provide them with personal statement and peach background form
Work with their referee over the month of November to complete the personal statement and reference

7. Sections Personal Details Choices Education Employment
Personal Statement
Slide from assembly on 4th Sept

8. Required for apprenticeship applications
Personal Statements
Skills for All
Required for college
Required for apprenticeship applications
Required for job application forms
Slide from assembly on 4th Sept

9. The Personal Statement
This is a vital section
This differentiates you from all other applicants
Sell yourself
Reasons for applying
Rationale behind different course choices
Work Experience-what did you learn/skills
Slide from assembly on 4th Sept

10. Personal Statement Things to mention: Positions of responsibility
Career aspirations
Read about courses
Speak to people about the courses
Interests and activities
Slide from assembly on 4th Sept

11. Advice for Personal Statement
Do not repeat your grades
Do not lie!
Do not copy from others
Sentences and paragraphs are effective
Spelling and grammar are very important
You need a good quality Personal Statement for your application
IT WILL BE READ

12. Deadlines Friday 9th October (Early Applicants)
23rd October 1st draft of personal statement
13th November pupil section of form completed (if not already completed)
All sent by 22nd December
Exception: Some art courses have a deadline of March

13. Checking process Applicant confirms all sections are complete
Referee confirms application is complete and correct
Co-ordinator confirms entire application is complete, correct and forwards to UCAS
Applications will not be sent unless they meet the required standard

14. What happens next? Applicant can view decisions on Track
Applicant replies to offers on Track
Unconditional offer
Conditional offer
Rejection
If unconditional, applicant can accept
Applicants then keep a max. of 2 offers: Firm & Insurance
If applicant has an unconditional offer for preferred course, they can withdraw other applications to accept early
UCAS extra allows an additional single choice (operational late Feb.)
Clearing: unplaced applicants can apply for vacancies

15. Plan B & C Consider what the back up plan is: Employment College
Training
Volunteering
Gap Year
Apprenticeship
Is Uni the plan B?

16. please
Keep referees, guidance and careers staff informed

17. Parental information
Do you have nominated access to discuss UCAS application? This can be found in the personal details section of the UCAS form.
Information can be accessed on:
Websites: UCAS, MWOW, University Websites, SAAS (Student Award Agency Scotland)

18. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage

19. Use this link

21. Thank you Any questions please ask Mrs Mackay
Mr Stewart/ Mrs Henderson (Guidance Teachers)
Ann O’May/Sheona Fulton (Career Advsiors)