Applying to UniversityBobbi Hartshornewww.herts.ac.uk/

Applying to UniversityWhat will I cover?

• What to do, when

• Introducing UCAS

• The application process

• The application form

• Getting an offer, missing your grades and doing better than you expected

• What next?

Applying to UniversityWhat to do when

Date Tasks AchievedYear 12 Summer Term • Researching Universities

• Researching Courseswww.ucas.com• Go on Open Dayswww.opendays.com

Summer Holidays Yr 12 – Yr 13 • Start drafting your Personal statements

September Yr 13 • Selection of 5 courses • Final draft of Personal Statement• Start completing application form

October Yr 13 • Teachers references written

November Yr 13 • Final check and Submission

Applying to UniversitySuccessful Researching

Search by course See where you can study Find out more

Applying to UniversitySuccessful Researching

www.opendays.com

Plan Ahead to fit them all in

Questions to ask:

• Do you like the area/town?

• Are there good facilities?

• Are there lots of things to do?

• What are the specifics of the course you’re looking at?

• Can you imagine yourself here?

Applying to UniversityIntroducing UCAS

• University and Colleges Admissions Service

• Act as the Middleman

• One online form for all your applications

• Direct you to student finance

Applying to UniversityThe Application Process

Submit in early Yr 13.

UCAS check your application and pass it on to all the universities you’re applying to.

The institutions tell UCAS if you’ve been successful.

UCAS inform you of these decisions

Once you have all the response, you select a Firm and Insurance offer.

Applying to UniversityThe Application Form

• Personal Details• Your GCSE results• Your AS results• Your predicted A Level Results• Teachers/Academic Reference

– Give them plenty of time• Personal Statement

– The only bit that takes any time really

Most Institutions will use the form alone to make their decision.

Make sure it is PERFECT!

Applying to UniversityGetting an offer, Missing your grades and doing better than expected

• Getting an offer– Unconditional Offer– Conditional Offer– Decline

• Missing your grades– Don’t Panic– Insurance offer– Clearing– Re-Apply

• Doing better than expected– The Adjustment Period– Approach with caution

Applying to UniversityWhat to do next?

• Work to achieve the highest grades possible

– Keep as many doors open as possible

• Start researching– Universities– Open Days– Courses– Entry Requirements– Information for your personal statement

Any Questions?

Personal StatementsBobbi Hartshornewww.herts.ac.uk/

Personal StatementsWhat will I cover

• An overview of Personal Statements

• How are they used?

• A good template

• The dos

• The do Nots

• Questions to answer

• Being original

Personal StatementsA brief overview

• Used to provide interview fodder

And/Or• Plays a much larger role in deciding whether or not you are offered a place at

University

• Admissions tutors at most Universities will spend a maximum of 5 minutes reading you personal statement

• It provides an important opportunity to distinguish yourself as ‘the best’ candidate

• It gives the Universities a general overview of who you are, what experience you have and why the should consider you.

Personal StatementsHow are they used?

• To confirm the appropriateness for the course

• To confirm commitment and organisation

• As a point for discussion at interview

• To find out about your subject focus (i.e. Your niche interest within you main subject/s)

• To assess your commitment to wider reading and exploration

• To understand your extra-curricular roles and positions of responsibility

Personal StatementsA good template

Paragraph/s Content

Opening • Why do you want to study the course?

2 and 3 • How you interest in the subject/s developed• Discuss your niche• Include details of wider reading and exploration

Closing • Extra-Curricular Activities• Positions of responsibility• How you will make the most of your place outside your studies.

Personal StatementsThe Dos and Do Nots

Dos! Do Nots!

• Spell accurately

• Use the correct grammar

• Use a clear structure

• Provide evidence to support your statements

• Name drop

• Write too much

• Lie or embroider the truth

• Use ‘used to’

• Use cliches

• Leave it too late!

Personal StatementsQuestions to answer

• What sparked your initial interest in the subject?

• How are the subjects you to at school relevant? (All of them)

• How has you extended your learning in this area outside of the curriculum?

• How can you demonstrate that you are the following:– Hard-Working and Committed– Well-Organised– Will make the most of a place at University

• If relevant, how does your chosen course fit in with your career plans?

Personal StatementsBeing original

• Your personal statement is meant to be exactly that

– Personal to you

• Take advice, but make sure you write it in your own words

• Try introducing a phrase or quote to liven it up

• UCAS now use a similarity detection system, so you will be caught if you plagiarise

Personal StatementsA Further Information and Guidance

• From UCAS

http://www.ucas.com/students/applying/howtoapply/personalstatement/

• From Studential

http://www.studential.com/guide/write_personal_statement.htm

Any Questions?