I’M THE ONE THAT YOU WANT

The aims of this session are:

To introduce the UCAS application process

To make you aware of important dates and deadlines

To look at how to write an effective personal statement

To know what to avoid when portraying yourself

Aims

Online application – ‘Apply’

5 choices

UCAS Track

Application fee - £12 or £23

UCAS Extra

The UCAS Application

15th October

Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Veterinary Medicine, Oxbridge

15th January

All other courses

30th June

Final Deadline

Application Deadlines

You will be asked to complete the following sections:

Personal details

Choices

Education

Employment

Statement

Reference

The UCAS Application

Why is the personal statement important?

Interviews are only used for certain courses

It’s your chance to sell yourself to the admissions selector

You need to stand out amongst the other applicants

Personal Statement

What are selectors looking for?

An interest and enthusiasm for the subject area

Evidence you have thought about what you want to do

Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation

A logically organised statement

Personal Statement

You need to cover:

Your current studies

Why you have chosen this subject area/course

Something about you as a person

Personal Statement

What bearing do your current studies have on your selection?

Application for Architecture degree

“Studying BTEC Level 3 Art and Design has provided me with the necessary

research skills to gain different ideas and inspiration from a range of

architects such as Gaudi, Douglas Cardinal and Sir Norman Foster, using

their ideas to inspire me in their own designs.”

Current Studies

What experiences have you gained from your studies?

Application for Social Work degree

“My current HEFC Social Welfare course has improved my written and

verbal communication skills as well as my analytical skills. Taking part in

group presentations has improved my team and public speaking abilities. I

am particularly enjoying learning about the history of the Welfare State in

Britain. It has helped me to realise how important it is to provide support to

those who need it the most and has made me even more determined to be

a social worker.”

Current Studies

What interests you about the course/subject area?

Application for Law degree

“The subject of law interests me deeply. I find the depths of its context

fascinating, from how it has adapted to the development of technology. I am

excited about studying law at university because I want to be able to help

people. I find the prospect of fighting to win a case and improve

somebody’s life very exciting.”

Why This Subject Area/Course?

Do you have a career goal?

Application for Business degree

“I believe a degree of this kind would assist me in my goal of being in a fast

paced and challenging career in the banking industry. I want to organise,

lead teams and carry out projects. I have my own innovative ideas and I am

passionate about seeing them through. This course would provide me with

knowledge and solid foundations to make this dream a reality.”

Why This Subject Area/Course?

What skills and attributes do you have?

Application for Business degree

“Competing in sporting events has helped my team building skills and also

my leaderships skills as I have been nominated to the role of team captain.

I feel that I motivate others to succeed and have been able to listen and give

instructions and advice.”

The Real You

What do you do in your spare time?

Application for History degree

“I am currently a volunteer in a museum, my role being to provide

information about paintings and historical relics.”

The Real You

Do you have any relevant work/volunteer experience?

Application for English degree

“Throughout my studies… I have held down a regular job as a kitchen

porter… I have proved myself to be a reliable, hardworking member of a

team, building my character through the heavy demands the often hectic

kitchen puts on me. This demonstrates that I am able to work well under

pressure, as well as show proficiency in team working, time management

and organisation.”

The Real You

Do you have any other achievements?

Application for Physiotherapy degree

“I have attended a 3 day “Exploring Physiotherapy” workshop where I

sampled university life by attending presentations and workshops. I was

particularly interested in paediatric physiotherapy and the experience has

assured me that this is the right choice for me.”

The Real You

Things to remember…

IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Guitar lessons; Member of Charity Group – helped organise fund raising events;

Cashier – School Bank; Romania Link – helped organise fund raising events;

Badminton Club; Causeway Coast Ramble Stage 2; Ski Trips; Form Charity

Representative; Mini Bus Representative; Form Captain.

OUT OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Bronze Award, Silver Award, currently working

for Gold Award; Elocution Lessons; Piano Exam grade 4 (Trinity); British Red

Cross Practical First Aid Exam; Member of Badminton Club; Youth Fellowship –

Treasurer; Church Choir; Girls Brigade – currently training to be a Sub Officer;

Junior Leader of Holiday Bible Club ; Creche Helper in Church; Children’s Church

Helper; Sunday School Teacher; Member of a Presbyterian Church in Ireland:

team went to Wembley to run holiday Bible Clubs for Hindu children.

Don’t List Everything

For many years now I have aspired towards a career in Business and

Business Management and I have decided I want to pursue a career

in the Business area. I would like to study Business Management

and Business because the level I can study Business at, at the

minute is really enjoyable and I want to continue my studies with this.

Avoid Repetition

Liam_turns_me_on@

serial_killer@

murderman2003@

stalker-at-work@

thongsonawashingline@

(applicant’s name was Liam)

(applicant applied for nursing)

(applicant applied for social work)

(applicant applied for law)

(what can I say!?)

Be Professional

I would describe myself as a rather energetic person who is always

looking for something to so with his free time. Previous failed hobbies

include stamp collecting (too quiet), Rugby (too painful) and girl

chasing (too ugly). But now I believe I am settled with my current

interests, football and music. On the football side I feel that although I

possess little skill I make up for it with enthusiasm. I am also an avid

football supporter of my favourite team Crystal Palace (they need the

help). On the music side I am a guitarist and singer in a local punk

band.

Careful with Humour

The International Business Studies degree will allow me to expose

myself internationally…

Check Before You Send

Last year I co-wrote and produced the Junior House play. I found it

very demanding but great fun. This turned into horror on the last night

when one of the lead actors became ill and I had to play Tinky Winky

from the Teletubbies. What a nightmare.

I can boast to be able to eat three cream crackers in less than thirty

seconds without a drop of water. This small yet laborious feat

represents my endeavour to succeed at even the pettiest of

challenges.

Think About What You’re Saying

I have pondered over this statement for some time now. At this

point in my life it would be easier for me to list the careers that do

not interest me rather than to try and focus on one that does. What

I do know is that I am confused.

Money, money is the thing that most motivates me. I have a

passion for money, spending, saving and even earning it (my

favourite is counting). The idea of managing other people’s money

gets me excited. This is why I am interested in accountancy and

would like to become a chartered accountant.

Don’t Need a Career Plan

When I first started looking for degree courses that would suit me, I carried out my research in the college learning centre (Library). My method was effective because I discovered the “Business Information Systems” course. This has the perfect mix of Business and computing for me.

My next step was to look in the careers centre in Kings Lynn Town, in here I was able to access the UCAS web-site. I decided to get a list of every university that offered Business Information Systems. I printed myself a copy of the list and rang each university on the list to ask for a copy of the Undergraduate prospectus. They were delivered and there must have been about 15-20 prospectuses (my postman’s biceps have doubled in size!).

This course was definitely for me, this is because I have always had an interest in computing and business, for as long as I can remember anyway. In the last few years especially my brain has been awash with entrepreneurial ideas, some I have made a reality and some stay locked in my mind for the right opportunity. Basically this course ‘jumped out and grabbed me’, others have been considered but this is the only one that made me want to pack my bags and leave tomorrow (believe me it did).

The Right Level of Detail

So what can I tell you about me? At Christmas time I like it quiet but

New Year I like to party and tend to party the rest of the year away

with friends and others but on the whole I’m just your average 22

year old. I hate the colour red, love the number 12 and have never

or ever will play the National Lottery.

I am medium height 1.8m, slim and fit looking with short black hair

and piercing black eyes. I am ambitious and taking life seriously. I

normally wear casual clothes, often trousers and shirts for special

occasions, however I can look elegant in a stylish outfit.

Is This Even an Application?

Your personal statement is PERSONAL

Make it interesting

Don’t make things up

Don’t Forget

Be aware of the UCAS deadlines

You will be sent an acknowledgement and will be

provided with a personal identification number

DO NOT lose this number

UCAS will send your application form to each of the

institutions you apply to

What Happens Next?

Check progress of application on the UCAS website

using ‘Track’

Make a note of the deadlines for offers

Reply by the deadline or your application could be

declined by default

What Happens Next?

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)

www.ucas.com

Nursing and Midwifery Council

Information and advice for anyone considering nursing or midwifery

www.nmc-uk.org

The Teaching Agency

Routes into teaching, finance and how to apply

www.education.gov.uk

Northumbria University Open Days

www.northumbria.ac.uk/opendays

What Happens Next?

Any Questions?