1. Career & Pathway Evening Feb. 2018
UCAS Process
Career & Pathway Evening Feb. 2018

2. What is ucas? University and (College) Admission Service
If you wish to apply to university you have to go through UCAS
It costs!
Some exceptions such as Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (Apply through CUCAS)
For College you apply online direct to the college with some exceptions such as Scottish Rural College (SRU)

3. Planning ahead Research
Consider how you can develop skills & experience
Consider this as part of broader plans
Focus on achieving the best grades you can!

4. 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.

5. Competition Current job market Financial situation
Increase in older applicants
Fewer applicant applying to English universities
Remember min. requirements might not be enough!

6. 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
November: Working with referee and refining application
Nov-Dec: Send applications
Nov-March: Receiving offers
Early Applicants are: Medicine, Vet Med, Dentistry, Oxford, Cambridge, CUCAS (Conservatoire)
On-going: Info on Twitter & Pathways board

7. Log-in sessions Students log-in and create a password
This is school process to minimise errors
Students are issued with a UCAS Pack

8. Allocation of referees
Students indicate course applied for/area of interest
Staff volunteer to write references based on this information
The year team pick up a large number of references

9. Students are 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Personal Statement Things to mention: Positions of responsibility
Career aspirations
Knowledge of course
Reading beyond the curriculum
Speak to people about the courses
Interests and activities
Slide from assembly on 4th Sept

14. 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

15. Exemplar internal 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

16. 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

17. 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

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

19. please
Keep referees, guidance and careers staff informed

20. 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)
Have you signed up for the UCAS newsletter?

21. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage

22. Use this link

24. Thank you Any questions please ask Mrs Mackay
Relevant Guidance Teacher
Ann O’May (Career Advsiors)