1. Welcome to the Higher Education Evening 2011 Careers Events – Term 6 Friday 1 st July – Enrichment Day Tuesday 5 th July – HE convention day 1 Wednesday 6 th July – HE convention day 2 Wednesday 6 th July – Year 12 Higher Education Evening

2. Higher Education Why consider University? What sort of course? What sort of place?

3. For University or college lets you experience a rich cultural and social scene, meeting a variety of people while studying something you love. Alternatively an opportunity to learn new things and getting to where you want to be A degree could help you take charge of your future by building skills and confidence.

4. A degree can lead to increased earning potential, a wider range of opportunities and a more rewarding career. And on average, graduates tend to earn substantially more than people with A levels. Projected over a working lifetime, the difference is something like £100,000 before tax at today’s valuation. (Directgov, 2010) New experiences New opportunities A transition between school and work For

5. Against Delays earning money Financial concerns Pressure on parents’ finances You may have had enough of academic study You may want time off before you decide - consider a Gap Year.

6. What does the research show? Researchers at the LSE and London Institute of Education studied two groups of students through school and university and beyond. The graduates had higher employment rates They were healthier, happier, less likely to experience depression

7. They were more likely to be politically active and less likely to be sexist or racist Graduates live in more expensive homes Graduates own more expensive cars Graduates children do better in school Graduates are more likely to have a sense of well being and positive feelings about themselves

8. Entry Requirements Check the grades/UCAS points you will need to get accepted. Be realistic about what you can achieve Check that there are no GCSE subjects or other qualifications required Check on matriculation, ie that you have the basic qualifications needed to apply to the university

9. Things To Remember Choose something you will enjoy studying for at least three years Check the content of the course carefully in the prospectus or on the university web- site Look at what will be covered after the first year eg option courses Type of assessment How will the course affect your career plans? Be careful: courses with same title may cover different things

10. Sources Of Information Prospectuses Web-sites for the HEI and the department you want to apply to UCAS ‘Big Guide’ UCAS web-site: www.ucas.com Teaching and pastoral staff Careers adviser Careers library University Guides The Times & The Guardian Guides

11. Type of Institution How competitive will it be? How traditional or innovative will it be in its teaching and assessment methods? Is it college based eg Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, York? Campus university in the country eg Lancaster or town/city based eg Manchester Study, library, computer facilities? Sport and recreation facilities?

12. Different Types of University Collegiate Redbrick New Universities Agricultural College Specialist College Campus Urban

13. Accommodation How much does it cost? Can all first years be accommodated? How far is accommodation from place of study? Self-catering or meals provided? Ease of travel from accommodation to place of study eg public transport What accommodation is available for second and third years?

14. Location Choosing the right course is by far the most important consideration when applying to HE BUT you will be living in your chosen town or city for at least three years Is it a pleasant environment to live in? Does it give me the opportunity to develop my interest/ hobbies outside the course? How far is it from home?

15. The UCAS Application Process

16. Key Points Most universities, apart from Oxbridge, Teaching and Medicine courses, will not interview you so the UCAS form is all they will see of you Choose five institutions, BUT four for Medicine, Vet Science/Medicine and Dentistry Take particular care with the Personal Statement demonstrate an interest in the degree. Check for additional exams such as LNAT and BMAT. Complete your application as soon as possible.

17. What happens next? Those applying pre- A Level should receive offers from Higher Education Institutions These may be in the form of A Level grades or points Some may be called for interview By the start of May (in most cases) you must inform UCAS which offer you wish to accept as a FIRM and which as an INSURANCE offer. The Insurance Offer should be the lower of the two If you fail to reach your offers you can go through ‘extra’ and then ‘clearing’.

18. Key Dates 15 October 2011: Deadline for Oxbridge, Vet Med/Sci, Med, Dent applications 15 January 2012: Final UCAS deadline Borden Applications should be completed by Autumn Half Term

19. Personal Statement The most important section of the form Main emphasis should be academic Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm, aptitude and suitability for chosen course Relevant work experience should be included This is an opportunity for applicants to ‘sell themselves’ Staff will give guidance

20. Role of Parents Please: Encourage Be patient Act as a sounding board Discuss prospective visits, finances, etc Contact us if you have any concerns Reinforce deadlines

21. New for 2011 & 2012 Some Universities will require an A* as part of their entry requirements. The way in which the A* grade is to be awarded will mean that it is achieved by learners who have consistently performed very well throughout their A level units and outstandingly on the A2 units, which incorporate the most challenging questions.