1. UCAS Research
Questions to ask yourself as you think about which universities you should apply for...

2. Using this session… Turn to p.4 of today’s ECM booklet.
What are your academic interests?
What are your skills and strengths?
What are your career aspirations – do you need a particular subject?
Fill in the table at the bottom of p.4 (honestly!)

3. Subject considerations
o What are your career aspirations – do you need a particular subject?
o What subjects do you currently enjoy?
o What are your interests? (it could be something completely new)
o What you are good at? i.e. what skills do you have?

4. Academic considerations
o What are the entry requirements?
o What is the course content?- some courses vary HUGELY between institutions.
o How is the course taught? i.e. mostly lectures? Mostly seminars? A mixture? 1:1?
o How is the course assessed? Exams? Essays? Projects?
o What facilities does the university offer? Libraries? Labs?
o What other opportunities are there? (e.g. study abroad, work placements)
o What is the reputation/strength of university in that subject

6. Practical considerations
o How far is it from home?
o Do you want city/town/rural?
o Do you want a campus or town/city centre?
o How big is the institution
o Is there guaranteed accommodation?
o What is the nightlife like?
o What are the social facilities such as the Union?
o What clubs and societies would I like to join?
o What sporting facilities are available?

7. League Tables Be critical and inquisitive
Do you trust someone else’s opinion?

8. Resources for today… www.ucas.com www.gov.uk/student-finance/overview
Individual university websites
Visit days after receiving offers