1. Sixth Form Parents Advice Evening Supporting Application to Competitive Courses Sue Skyrme (Personal Tutor - Progression)

2. How competitive are such courses? Very! CourseApplicationsAccepted Oxfordall14,3333,259 Cambridgeall14,3003,381 All……Medicine73,3747,837 Imperialall14,6542,374 Royal Vet. Veterinary Medicine 1,438324 All…….Dentistry11,2831,199 2007 figures from UCAS Statistical Services

3. How We Prepare Students for Competitive Courses at University From the start of year 12 students are encouraged to begin researching universities and courses from sources such as: The internet! www.ucas.com wellsway6thform.wikispaces.com AimHigher University websites www.careerscapeonline.co.uk www.unistats.com Times education, Guardian education……. ….see school website (careers)

4. How We Prepare Students for Competitive Courses at University  Build up a progress file throughout year 12 (exam results / reports / work experience / paid work / extra curricular / contribution to school life etc.  Term 5&6 year 12 – how to write a CV and Personal Statement. Begin process of electronic application to UCAS  Identify students who will need to take BMAT (BioMedical Admission Test), UKCAT (Clinical Aptitude), MSAT (Medical School Admissions Test), LNAT (Law National Admissions Test). This has to be taken prior to applying through UCAS. Details on www.ucas.co.uk or individual university prospectuses. www.ucas.co.uk  Oxford/Cambridge/Medical/Vet/Dental students must meet deadline of 15th September to hand in progress file so that references can be written – final UCAS application date is 15th October  Interview workshop and subject specialist interviews

5. How Parents Can Help  Understand the UCAS/ CUKAS process  Encourage students to undertake relevant and varied work experience throughout years 12 and 13. This is absolutely essential for vet/medicine.  Encourage students to attend university open days www.opendays.com and courses such as www.medlink-uk.com. See www.workshop-uk.com for courses for future professionals including law, vet etc. www.opendays.comwww.medlink-uk.comwww.workshop-uk.comwww.opendays.comwww.medlink-uk.comwww.workshop-uk.com  Encourage detailed research into the courses and help them to write an excellent personal statement  Ensure application is complete and handed to us at the beginning of Term 1 year 13.  Ensure thorough preparation for interview.

6. Other notes/thoughts……..  Individual module results are important….. top universities will ask for them.  Talk to students who have been through the process or are studying at chosen university  Top universities are looking for well rounded, independent learners who show a real passion for the subject