Saint George's C of E School

UCAS ENTRY 2016 GUIDE TO

UCAS APPLY ON-LINE

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FOR STUDENTS

Introduction Dates to remember My UCAS login details Make sensible choices based on grades – understand the UCAS tariff Aptitude tests Ideas if you are unsure what to study What makes an effective Personal Statement What admissions tutors are looking for Things to avoid Structure of your Personal Statement Checking your Personal Statement Starting your Personal Statement when you don’t know what to study Deferred Entry/Gap Year Plans How to register for using Apply Completing your application form Guidance for areas where students frequently make mistakes on the UCAS form Examination boards used for A Level Where to find further information

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UCAS ENTRY 2016 Students wishing to apply for Higher Education courses, such as Degrees, HND or Foundation Degrees must apply through UCAS on the online system called ‘Apply’. When you have logged onto the system, you will be able to save your application and return to it as you go along. Students must make their application through the school – this enables us to check your application and provide a reference for you Most students find the system straightforward and easy to use. This booklet will hopefully help to make the application process smooth and problem-free. Please read it through and collect the information you will need before starting the application process (e.g. you will need your GCSE and AS examination results). You will need access to your emails as UCAS will send you an email verification code – you won’t be able to complete your form without this code. Please provide a suitable and sensible email address (universities will see the address you enter.) If your email address is not a sensible one, set up a new one before starting the application process.

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DATES TO REMEMBER The internal deadlines for UCAS

applications are:

Friday 29th SEPTEMBER 2016 Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Veterinary

Science and Dentistry applications

Friday 23rd October 2016 All other applications

REMEMBER UCAS will start to accept applications from mid- September. The earlier UCAS receives your application, the better your chances of getting an offer. From the date you hand in your form, it can take the school 2+ weeks to process and send your form to UCAS. The first draft of your personal statement must be completed by Wednesday 8th July and handed into Mrs Dhaliwal

PLEASE KEEP THIS BOOKLET IN A SAFE PLACE AND RECORD YOUR LOGIN DETAILS

HERE.

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School buzzword:

Username:

Password:

Security Questions:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Personal ID No:

Email Verification Code:

UCAS Customer Service Unit Tel No: 0871 – 468 0468

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Make sensible choices UCAS Tariff Points System What is the UCAS tariff? It’s the conversion of further education qualifications such as AS, A levels, BTECs, Scottish Highers, Diplomas etc into one points system that universities can use to evaluate applications and make conditional offers. How does it work? Each qualification and grade is worth a number of points. All grades and qualifications are added together to give a total tariff point score. Do all universities use tariff points to make offers? No. Many universities still ask for specific grades for entry and some subjects require qualifications in particular subjects. For example, a mathematics degree may require applicants to have a B grade at ‘A’ level mathematics.

Grade AS Level

Tariff points GCE A Level

140 A*

120 A

100 B

80 C

A 60 D

B 50

C 40 E

D 30

E 20

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BTEC Diploma

D*D* 280

D*D 260

DD 240

DM 200

MM 160 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma

D* 140

D 120

M 80

P 40 All university Admissions Officers will require you to gain certain grades or tariff points in order to be admitted onto a course. Before you apply make sure that you have the right information:

Research the course to make sure it is right for you

Ask for help and talk to parents, your tutor, the Sixth Form team.

Make sure your predicted grades match those asked for by the course providers

Be realistic in your choices and include a range of courses with a range of entry requirements

Visit the universities on Open Days to make sure that they are the right sort of place for you. No two universities are alike!

Use your Personal Statement to promote yourself in the best possible way

Apply early – some providers start to interview in October/November. Don’t risk missing out on a place by applying late

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Aptitude Tests

Many competitive courses and universities require applicants to take aptitude tests. Always check the course entry requirements on each university’s website. It is your responsibility to book these tests. Examples of the tests are:

UKCAT - UK Clinical Aptitude Test - Medicine and Dentistry LNAT - National Law Admissions Test BMAT - Biomedical Aptitude Test - Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry and related subjects HAT - History Admissions Test - Oxford / History PAT - Physics Admissions Test - Oxford / Physics, Physics and Philosophy, Engineering ELAT - English Literature Admissions Test - Oxford / English and joint English degrees TSA - Thinking Skills Assessment - various subjects at a variety of universities including Oxford and Cambridge These need to be booked by early September, and in many cases you can book now. You should let your tutor know if you are booking tests as you may need some teacher support.

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Still unsure what to study?

Here are some examples of university courses that complement A-Level subjects: Economics - Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics

English - American Studies, Journalism, Publishing, Psychology (BA)

History - International Relations, Law, War Studies, Archaeology, American Studies

Biology - Ecology, Environmental Science, Nutrition, Marine Biology, Conservation, Agriculture, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Physiotherapy, Dietetics, Animal Science

Chemistry - Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Agricultural Science, Medicine, Pharmacology, Material Science, Psychology (BSc)

Geography - Earth Sciences, Oceanography, Environmental Science, Land Economy, Estate Management, Surveying, Town Planning

Modern Languages - International Law, International

Business Studies, European Studies, Hispanic Studies

Politics - International Relations, Law, Social Policy, Public

Administration

Maths and Physics - Accountancy, Engineering, Economics, Telecommunications, IT, Ergonomics, Business, Computer Science, Systems Analysis, Psychology (BSc)

Religious Studies - Philosophy, Archaeology, Psychology

(BA), Theology

DT - Product Design, Architecture, Design Engineering,

Furniture Design

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WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE PERSONAL STATEMENT?

The main purpose of a Personal Statement is to persuade the university Admissions Tutor that reads it that you are the candidate who should be offered a place. Lots of applicants will have good GCSE and AS results – and will have the required predicted A Level grades for the course – so you have to make them want YOU! You must ensure that your Personal Statement is

Well written

Persuasive

An honest reflection of your interests and abilities, both academic and general

Evidence based, give examples – i.e. reading, courses/lectures attended, personal experiences

Written by YOU! It should be personal to YOU Please note

You have 47 lines or 4000 characters (use Font size 12 Times New Roman); do not indent paragraphs but leave a line blank between paragraphs.

must) prepare the Personal Statement in Microsoft Word and then copy and paste it into the online form

that you can look at it again if or when you are called for interview WHAT ARE ADMISSIONS TUTORS LOOKING FOR?

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1. A clear explanation of why you want to study the subject(s) for which you have applied

2. Interest/aptitude in the subject(s)/degree course

3. Motivation and enthusiasm (e.g. particular interest in exploring certain aspects of the course in greater academic detail, evidence of additional related reading/courses/work experience, ambition to pursue a related career after university)

4. Ability to think independently, critically, analytically

5. You have the skills suited to a higher education course (check entry profiles) – organisation, ambition, commitment, ability to meet deadlines

6. An interesting person who can balance study with outside interests

7. Someone who will benefit from life at university and the course you have chosen

8. Evidence of relevant work experience

9. Broad skills (IT, numeracy, communications, teamwork)

10. A clearly written statement with NO spelling or grammatical errors

11. Clear paragraphs, separated by spaces

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THINGS TO AVOID 1. Copying ideas, or a whole statement, from someone else or a website. UCAS spot checks for plagiarism and then informs the university – this could invalidate your application

2. Waffle and trying to be humorous; the Admissions Tutor may not be amused!

3. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors

4. Starting your Personal Statement with a quotation

5. Assertions that are not backed up by evidence

6. Starting every sentence with “I”

7. Starting every sentence with the present participle such as “having been” or “being a member of”. It often ends in a grammatical disaster!

8. Pompous statements in pompous language

9. Making things up to sound impressive - you might have to talk about them in an interview!

10. Too little about your academic interests and too much about your other interests. We suggest your Personal Statement should be at least ¾ academic and ¼ other interests (the other interests should be linked to skills acquired from them) 11. Telling Admissions Tutors things they already know about their course – instead, highlight why you are suited to the course in terms of interest, ability and potential, motivation and relevant skills

12. Submitting a Personal Statement that looks as if it has been written by someone else

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STRUCTURE OF YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT Personal Statements should ideally reflect the following format: 1. Introductory comment explaining why you have chosen the course 2. The main body of the Personal Statement should demonstrate to the university Admissions Tutor why you are an excellent candidate for your chosen course and why you should be offered a place. Your comments should be related directly to the subject/course in which you are interested in terms of both academic and general information It is essential that you support your comments with evidence. The details that should be included are presented in Sections A – D below. 3. A concluding comment - see section E below

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A. Your choice of course. This is the most important part of your statement. You should have clear reasons why you have chosen a particular course. In all cases these should include examples and evidence covering the following 1. Why have you chosen the course(s) you have selected (this is particularly important if you are applying for a subject you have not studied before).

2. Why you enjoy the subject, if you are studying it for A Level, or what attracts you to a subject that is outside your A Level experience.

3. The skills you have that are relevant to the course and make you a strong candidate, e.g. for Law you could highlight how A Level English/History has enhanced your reading and research skills or how your involvement in MUNGA has honed your ability to debate effectively.

4. Evidence that you understand what the course involves and that you possess the appropriate skills to be a successful undergraduate

5. Any extra reading or other experiences that demonstrate your commitment. This should not be a list but an explanation of what you gained from the experience. Things you might mention could include a lecture, conference or course you attended, out of school activities such as attending a summer school, a visit to an art gallery, a laboratory, a holiday, inspiration from a book, painting etc. A hobby might also be relevant.

6. Any work experience that has confirmed your interest in the subject – explain what you gained from it and the skills you have developed that are relevant to the course, what aspects you particularly enjoyed and what you learned about the realities of the career. This is particularly important for vocational courses.

7. Career plans you have for when you complete the course (if

known).

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B. Work experience and other experience This section gives you the opportunity to outline other experiences and skills you have that enhance your application. You should not include things that are not relevant to this application, but it is always important to include things about yourself that explain why you are an excellent candidate for the course(s) for which you have applied. In all cases give examples of what you have done, what you learned from it and the associated skills that are relevant to your chosen course(s). This is particularly important in applications for Medicine and medically related subjects – e.g. Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy – but is also important for practically related subjects such as Drama, Music, Art, Design, Engineering, etc. For other subjects, the skills that may be relevant could include:-

working independently

determination

team work

managing others

public speaking

interpersonal skills/communication skills

IT skills

working to deadlines/time management

leadership

diplomacy

problem solving

using initiative

trustworthy/reliable

computer literacy

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C. Interests and participation in school events, clubs and societies It is important that you mention any school responsibilities you have held (e.g. Prefect, Senior Prefect, House Captain, Departmental prefect etc) – and also Dof E. Apart from this you need only write other things in this section if you feel that it will enhance your application, highlighting hobbies and skills that demonstrate your abilities. For example, if you are frequently involved in drama productions and have not mentioned this elsewhere on your form you may want to explain how this has developed your confidence, your ability to work with others, etc. Involvement in sport gives you excellent examples of teamwork, commitment, leadership and loyalty. D. Deferred Entry/GAP year plans If you are applying for deferred entry it is important that you outline your plans for your GAP year and explain what you hope to gain from your experiences. Your GAP year should be relevant or made relevant to your application. E. Conclusion: Make sure you don’t just stop writing without writing a concluding sentence that reiterates your interest, desire, passion, suitability for the course. These need only be a sentence.

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When you have completed a draft of your Personal Statement

makes sense and does not repeat any points – it should “sound” like you

– check spelling and grammar Have the statement checked

Subject Teachers, Tutor, friends and parents to read your statement; their advice will be invaluable. BUT do avoid asking them to write or completely rewrite it for you. Your Personal Statement must be personal and if it is taken out of your hands it will end up looking as if it was written by someone else. It is important that you continue to work on your draft Personal Statement during the summer holidays, as your application will need to be submitted to the School at the beginning of the Autumn Term.

WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR THOSE UNDECIDED ABOUT THEIR COURSE

You can still progress with your Personal Statement. We suggest you write paragraphs on the following:

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that you have developed through your studies and how these will be relevant to a university career, e.g. analytical skills, critical thinking, essay writing, presentation.

-curricular activities and the associated skills you have developed, e.g. leadership, teamwork, organisation, time management.

– details of placements you have undertaken and what you have learned.

en outside the curriculum

may have undertaken outside the curriculum.

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Deferred Entry/GAP year plans If you intend to take a GAP year, applying for a deferred entry place enables you to secure a university place before setting off on your travels. It is important to confirm with the universities to which you wish to apply that they consider deferred applications. You must give a good account of your plans in your Personal Statement to demonstrate that you intend to use your time profitably and your plans are relevant to your course. However, you should be aware that universities do not like to tie up too many places for deferred entry candidates. Therefore, the chances of being rejected for a popular course are slightly higher than if you apply for a place in the next academic year. If, however, you prefer to make a post A Level application when you have left School, we suggest you use your time wisely this year to get help on drafting your personal statement. The school will provide you with a reference next year if this is the route you decide to take.

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STUDENT APPLICATION PROCESS HOW TO REGISTER

Go to http://www.ucas.com/ Click on Apply 2016

Click on Register/Log-in to use Apply

Click on Register and follow the on-screen instructions

After entering your Personal Details, you will be asked to choose a Password, which must contain at least 6 characters

and 1 number.

Answer the 4 Security Questions (Remember you may be asked to disclose your answers

verbally to UCAS)

Record your Password (and your answers to the Security Questions) now as you will need them every time you log in to

Apply. Remember that Passwords are case sensitive.

You are then allocated a Username. Record your Username now as this will not be displayed again and you will need this

to log in to Apply.

Check your email for your email verification code.

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Start filling in your application form now by clicking log-in or return later when you will need your Username and

Password to log in.

When you click log-in for the first time, you will be asked how you are applying. You must click on through my

School/College. Enter the School buzzword: winterfell

WARNING If you haven’t been asked for a buzzword, you have not

followed the correct procedure. You must register with Saint George's C of E School otherwise we will unable to access your application form to add your reference and you will have

redo it!

Select your Tutor Group from the drop down menu. If you don’t put yourself in the correct group your tutor will be unable

to access your application form.

You are now ready to start completing your application form. If you haven’t already verified your email, you will get a notice

asking you to do so. Follow the directions.

Remember to record your Personal ID Number. You will need this number if you have to contact UCAS.

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COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION FORM

Work through each section listed on the left hand side of the screen.

You must answer the questions marked with a red*.

You can click on ‘Help’ on the left hand side of the screen or on the? to the right of each question for a full explanation of the information required.

When you are happy that all the details are correct, please tick the ‘section completed’ box at the bottom of the screen and then click ‘save’. A red tick will then appear next to that section on the left hand side of the screen.

To make amendments, click on the relevant section on the left hand side of the screen.

Click on the information you wish to amend.

Check that you have ticked the ‘section completed’ box and click ‘save’.

WARNING

Do not click ‘pay/send’ at this stage as you need to make a print-out of the application form so that you can check it carefully and to keep a copy for your records.

When all 6 sections have been ticked and marked as completed, click on ‘view all details’ and print your application form.

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COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION FORM

NOW you can click ‘pay/send’ and pay online by using a debit or credit card (£12 for a single choice, £23 for 2-5 choices).

When you click ‘pay/send’ your application is sent to the Sixth Form school, not to UCAS. If your tutor or Head of Year spot mistakes it can be returned to you before it is sent to UCAS – this will of course delay your application though (so try to get it right 1st time around.)

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USEFUL INFORMATION – AREAS WHERE STUDENTS SOMETIMES MAKE MISTAKES:

1. PERSONAL DETAILS

Residential Category Usually UK Citizen or EU National

Fee Code Usually 02 UK, NHS Applicants 05 Non-UK students need to check.

Student Support Arrangements County you live in, e.g. Kent, Sussex

2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Activities in Preparation for Higher Education

Include any Summer Schools you have attended. Click on ‘Help’ for more advice

3. CHOICES

Course code You can enter them in any order as Apply will re-arrange them into alphabetical order. In all cases make sure that your predicted A Level grades match course requirements and that you have met all other entry requirements for the course, e.g. GCSEs, AS, work experience, etc. (See section on choices to ensure that you have made sensible decisions).

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4. EDUCATION

GCSEs: You can search for the school in the search tool Click on ‘Add qualification’, then click on relevant qualification, e.g. GCSE, GCSE Double Award, GCSE Short Course (they are all listed separately). You also need to enter the exam board for each qualification. (See the next page of this booklet for a list of the examination boards the school uses)

AS and A2 Levels Click on ‘Add qualification’, click on GCE Advanced Subsidiary to add AS Levels All modules must be entered for AS subjects, enter the grade of the modules that you are not retaking. The modules that you are retaking you must enter as pending. Click on GCE Advanced Level to add A2 Levels. For exams to be taken in year 13 enter “Pending” If you have already taken some A2 units, list every exam you have taken with grade achieved, even if it is a U.

Date of Exams (certification) for AS, A2, GCSEs etc This refers to the date you receive the results NOT the date you sit the exams. This should be August (or March for January exams)

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5. PERSONAL STATEMENT

Remember ¾ of your personal statement should be linked to your academic studies, only write one paragraph on your extra curricular activities.

UCAS recommends that you:

Type your statement in a Word document and then paste it into Apply.

Click ‘Save’ and then ‘Preview’.

Check formatting after you have pasted it in.

If you are happy with it, tick ‘Section completed’.

There is now a minimum word limit of 1000 words

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Examination Boards Entering the wrong examination board could cause your form to be sent back to you by UCAS and delay your application. Make sure you enter these details correctly.

Subject Exam Board

AS Levels

Art and Design AQA

Biology EDEXCEL

Business AQA

Chemistry EDEXCEL

Computing AQA

Dance AQA

Drama and Theatre Studies AQA

English Language AQA

English Literature AQA

Extended project AQA

Film Studies WJEC

Geography OCR

History EDEXCEL

Mathematics EDEXCEL

Philosophy and Ethics EDEXCEL

Photography AQA

Physics AQA

Product Design AQA

Psychology AQA

Sociology AQA

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BTECS

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma Music Technology EDEXCEL

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma IT EDEXCEL

BTEC Diploma Sport and Exercise EDEXCEL

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma Personal and Business Finance EDEXCEL

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma Media Studies EDEXCEL

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Further information about making your UCAS application

Courses – where to find information The UCAS website – www.ucas.com. The site

has lists of courses offered by all the universities and colleges in the UCAS system.

The Heap Guide – Your form tutor has a copy of this book. Information on where you can study a course, what to put in your personal statement and possible interview questions.

‘University Degree Course Offers’ by Brian Heap. This book give information on entry requirements for different courses and examples of questions asked at interview.

The UCAS Big Guide. This book lists courses in subject tables and gives information on entry requirements. It will not be as up to date as the UCAS website. Available in the school library.

University Open Days. Heads of Faculties and departmental staff will be armed with information for you and are usually available to talk to. Visits are also essential to get a feel for the university, to view the campus and accommodation and find out what else is on offer for students in the way of clubs, societies, Students Union facilities, pastoral and health care etc. Visit www.opendays.com for dates of Open Days.

The Push Guide – www.push.co.uk. This website gives an independent description of the facilities

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and campuses at different universities. It is very good for giving you a feel for what a place is like.

www.educationguardian.co.uk. Use to search league tables to compare UK universities and subjects. Also articles on current affairs in education.

www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk – includes university league and subject tables in association with The Independent. www.timesonline.co.uk/education

Futurewise - www.myfuturewise.org.uk . Careers courses and events for students aged 16+.

More useful websites: www.studentuk.com – student life, chat, twitter. www.skill.org.uk - Skill is the national bureau for students with disabilities and provides information and advice for disabled students. www.studentmoney.org.uk - scholarship search. www.unistats.direct.gov.uk – see the best university for your subject. www.aimhigher.ac.uk - Information on what higher education can do for you, how to apply for a course, funding and student life. www.scholarship-search.org.uk – another scholarship search site with student finance info. www.bis.gov.uk – department for business, innovation and skills. Up to date info on the government policies and universities.