2012 2013 Student Guide to UCAS Applications

Name: Tutor Group:

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Contents
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 3 CHOOSING UNIVERSITIES AND COURSES ......................................................................... 3 MAKING CHOICES ............................................................................................................ 6 THE APPLICATION FEE ...................................................................................................... 7 THE UCAS PROCESS ........................................................................................................ 11 HOW TO USE THE APPLY SYSTEM................................................................................... 12 RECORD YOUR DETAILS HERE ......................................................................................... 13 COMMON MISTAKES...................................................................................................... 14 AFTER APPLYING ............................................................................................................ 14 WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT ........................................................................ 15 SIMILARITY DETECTION TESTS ........................................................................................ 15 PLAN YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT .............................................................................. 16 EXAMPLES OF PERSONAL STATEMENTS ......................................................................... 17 TIMETABLE FOR 2013 APPLICATIONS ............................................................................. 19 STUDENT AND TUTOR RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................... 21 RESOURCES .................................................................................................................... 21 USEFUL WEBSITES .......................................................................................................... 22

INTRODUCTION
This guide is designed to help you through the process of applying to Universities through UCAS. The APPLY system is simple to follow, but help is always on hand if you have any difficulties. Your tutor should always be the first port of call as they not only know how the system works, but know you and will be able to help with writing personal statements. They should be involved at every stage of the process and are more than willing to offer advice on courses and institutions where they can, or to point you in the right direction if they themselves do not have the necessary knowledge. It is also important for you to remember that they will be the ones writing your reference! Further assistance and advice can be obtained from your teachers, tutors and Mr Ellis. The onus is on you to make the most of the help that is on offer. If you do, the chances are you will end up with the strongest application possible. Good Luck!

CHOOSING UNIVERSITIES AND COURSES

You can use a number of resources to help you decide on career/course/university. You can use the Stamford Test on the UCAS website or a website such as www.fasttomato.com and subject teachers may have been doing a good deal of work to help you fully appreciate the array of choices in their subject area. Careers Naturally course choice may well be governed by career choice and it is essential to leave options open if you are unsure. Remember, 60% of all graduate jobs are open to applicants regardless of subject studied. You will find some useful resources in the library to help you when looking for the right University and course. Theres the Heap Guide to University Courses, the Times Good University Guide and others. There are also many University prospectuses in the black magazine files in the Study Centre, but they can also be obtained by ordering them directly from the institution or from the website. Look at the entry requirements for any courses that youre interested in and then ask yourself whether youre likely to achieve those grades. Set your sights high, but do not set yourself unrealistic goals. If in doubt, talk to subject teachers about predicted A level grades. The best way of finding out whether youre going to like a University or not is to visit it. Arrange to attend an open day and make sure you talk to as many people, especially students, as you can. Three or four open days are enough for anybody and in fact any more can be counter-productive. The following website lists the open days for Universities: www.opendays.com.

MY A LEVEL SUBJECTS
Complete the following table with details of your A Levels: Subject Target Grade Expected Grade UCAS Points AS Grade

Use the following table to work out UCAS points:

AS

A2 A* A B C

TARIFF POINTS 140 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20

A B C D E

D E

RESEARCH
Use the following table to complete research about university courses you may wish to study (see the two examples for ideas): University
Imperial College, London

Course
BSc Geophysics 3 years

Course Code
F662

UCAS Tariff
360 Points (AAA)

Required A Levels
2 from Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology and Geography No specific requirememnts

Preferred A Levels

Northampton University

BA Psychology and Law 3 years

C8M1

260-280 (BCC-BBC)

MAKING CHOICES
A maximum of five choices is available. Some students make just one choice at a local university; others go for two different courses; the majority of students pick the same subject at five different places. Students applying for Medicine / Veterinary - related courses can only apply to four, with the fifth choice being unrelated to this. Tip: Making the right choices matters - students should only apply to places they want to go to. If they have not used all their choices, they might be able to add another later, depending on their status. With over 50,000 courses in the UCAS system, and each with a unique code, it is very important that you double-check that you are applying for the correct course. Tip: Once you have found a course that you really like, similar courses at other universities will have the same course code (e.g. CM89 = Psychology and Criminology) Each university can view the application at the same time; choices are not listed in preference order. Universities cannot see where else you have applied. They will only see any other choices after you have replied to your offers. The distance between the chosen university and your family home will affect you as well as your parents.

THE FINAL 5
Use the table below to record your final 5 choices that will form your UCAS application: University Course Course Code UCAS Tariff Expected A2 Grades AS Grades Achieved

THE APPLICATION FEE

2013 entry: the application fee is 23 for a maximum of five choices and 12 for a single choice You will be responsible for paying the UCAS fee yourself. You do this towards the end of the APPLY process. You can do this by debit/credit card. The school will not make UCAS payments for you.

THE APPLICATION JOURNEY

Who Responsible? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Student Student Student School School UCAS Universities Student Student Universities Details Applicant researches and finds courses Register online with UCAS Apply (June) Completes form and processes payment (September) Academic reference added by school School sends form electronically to UCAS UCAS processes form (including personal statement similarity detection) and forwards to chosen HEIs HEIs submit decisions (offer or unsuccessful). This can take from a few weeks to several months Applicant views decisions on UCAS Track Applicant replies to offers on Track (Firm / Insurance) HEIs confirm places when results are released

HEI = Higher Education Institution You have a maximum of 5 choices Medicine/Veterinary/Dentistry = 4 choices (can put a fifth, different choice, e.g. Biochemistry) Invisibility Universities do not know where else you have applied until you make your firm/insurance choice
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UCAS Extra
Operates from January until the end of June This is for unsuccessful applicants who have no offers from HEIs You can only make one choice at a time through UCAS Extra but can keep re-applying

The process post application Applicant replies

When you have decisions from ALL of your choices, if you have offers you will be asked to make replies (and youll be given a date to reply by on Track) you do not have to reply to universities until youve heard from all five of your choices UCAS will send you reminders but if you fail to reply by your reply date your offers will be declined by default You will be able to hold a maximum of 2 offers (others declined): o Firm (This is the main choice/place where you want to go. If you meet the grade conditions you will be places there) o Insurance (This is your second choice and only comes into play if you are not placed with your firm choice.) Your insurance choice must have lower entrance requirements than the Firm choice over 40% of applicants get this the wrong way round! However, if you are applying to a Russell Group University with AAB requirements, you could apply to a non-Russell Group university with AAB requirements too

Clearing
Clearing operates from mid July to mid September Clearing course vacancies are listed on the UCAS website On A Level results day, if you do not get in to your firm or insurance choice university, you will spend the day on the phone to universities looking for places When you are offered a place you go into UCAS Track and add your clearing place If you have any offers pending you must get rid of this offer first by contacting that university and asking to be declined which can take universities a while to do

Adjustment
Adjustment is for applicants who have had their FIRM choice place accepted and who have MET all conditions of the offer or have EXCEEDED at least one condition You can hold on to a confirmed place whilst seeking a more aspirational one for UP TO 5 DAYS There is no vacancies list, you must contact and liaise with universities directly who will then make you an offer When ringing a university in this situation you would explain to them that you are an adjustment student and have they got a place for you on this course You can even enquire / apply for a different course and ask the univer sity if theyll accept a new Personal Statement in support

TIPS FOR OCTOBER 15 DEADLINE COURSES

What are Cambridge and Oxford looking for?
Serious subject interest Very strong record in examinations (Cambridge will focus on Year 12 performance rather than GCSE) Excellent motivation and organisation (theyll look for this in the PS and reference) High capacity to learn independently Potential to succeed at the highest academic level: o Enthusiasm for complex and challenging ideas o Great clarity of thought and analytical ability o Real intellectual flexibility Vocational commitment (especially for Medicine)

Oxbridge Selection Criteria

A Level grades and subject combinations At Oxford: Maths courses = A*A*A; Humanities/Arts = AAA; Medical Sciences = A*AA AS unit marks (at Cambridge particularly) Most people that are accepted will average above 90% in three AS subjects If you achieve an average of 85% UMS you have a 1/20 chance of being accepted GCSE results Test results (at Oxford) UCAS School reference UCAS Personal Statement (not as important at Oxford because of interviews) Submitted work (where requested) BMAT results (at Cambridge, Oxford and UCL) Interview performance Extra Curricular activities are not that important at Oxbridge, but for Medicine it is important to be part of a club or society (they are looking for communication and working as a team)

Keys to Oxbridge Success: The Four Rs

Right subject Excellent examination results Read and think critically and analytically. You must read around the subject over the summer holiday. You will be asked at interview Tell us about something youve read recently (they have had interviewees say ooh, youve caught me out there!) Revise to embed learning especially in advance of an interview know the syllabus inside out, this will make a difference to outcomes
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Applying for Medicine

There are over 20 Med Schools in the UK There are different types of Medical courses: o 5 Year course (MB BS) many Med Schools will offer best performing students the BSc (see next bullet point) in the middle of this 5 Year course o 6 Year course (includes a BSc or BA) o 4 Year fast-track graduate entry (you can do a degree first (e.g. in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry or Chemistry) then apply for the 4 Year Med course o MB BS/PhD programme (8-9 years) You can only have 4 Medicine choices on your UCAS application (5 th choice could be a degree in a Biomedical Science, for example

The Admissions Process at Imperial

Medicine is VERY competitive 3A (to include Chemistry and Biology) + B at AS minimum entry (Imperial are only looking for 4 subjects studied to A2 for Maths based courses) BMAT (the other aptitude test is the UKCAT) and an admissions test (only 3 Med Schools dont use an admissions test) The UCAS form (Imperial are more interested in the PS than the reference) Selection for Interview

Types of Work Experience

The main purpose is to make sure the applicant has had a work experience that allows them to reflect on a dangerous and emotionally demanding career Shadowing a GP or experience in a surgery Time in a nursing home, hospice, school for disabled children etc.

The Interview
The purpose of the UCAS form (and admissions test score, if applicable) is to get you an interview Last year Imperial had 2500 applicants for Medicine; 600 were interviewed and 400 offers were made for 285 places The majority of interviewees will be offered a conditional place at that Medical School THE INTERVIEW IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE!

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THE UCAS PROCESS

TIME June / July STUDENT Students receive UCAS APPLY training during UCAS presentation and UCAS Evening for Parents, as well as during the Curriculum Enrichment Day at the University of Northampton on the 11th July Register with UCAS APPLY and start to complete the form by filling in the Personal Details section Complete sections of the UCAS form by the 13th July. First draft of personal statement to your tutor. Students will collect (from their tutor) a subject reference sheet for each of their subjects. They will fill in Part A then hand it to their subject teachers to complete Part B Complete the rest of the UCAS application form with the help of your tutor. Once the personal statement is completed, the student proof reads and prints off a copy for the tutor to check and use to write the reference Student receives the go-ahead to put personal statement onto APPLY TEACHER / TUTOR Training on the UCAS APPLY process given to all staff involved

June / July

July

Subject teachers begin to write references on Word documents

September

Tutors start to write the references. Deadline for reference completion for Oxbridge and Medicine/Veterinary Science/Dentistry students is 14th September and for all other applications is 1st October. Tutors will check student progress regularly on APPLY using Advisor Track Once personal statement has been seen and all subject references are received, Tutor completes reference and adds to the application and emails notification of this to Mr Ellis. Tutor checks completed application form and gives OK to student Tutor notifies Mr Ellis when references are complete for checking Application and reference checked. Any issues are taken up with Tutor/Student. Mr Ellis approves UCAS form and refers application to Mrs Trevellick Mrs Trevellick checks UCAS application and reference and once satisfied SENDS TO UCAS

September / October

October / November October / November

Student makes payment online and clicks Send to Referee Student is informed that the application form has been sent to the tutor Student receives confirmation from UCAS of received application Wait for decisions from universities

October / November

December onwards (Application deadline 15th December)

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HOW TO USE THE APPLY SYSTEM

The APPLY system is available for use wherever there is internet access. The following guide should take you through all the necessary steps to make a successful application. Go to http://www.ucas.com/ Click on Apply 2011 Click on Register/Log-in to use Apply Click on Register and follow the on-screen instructions (your username is allocated by UCAS and is case sensitive After entering your Personal Details, you will be asked to choose a password, which must 6-14 characters long, must have at least one lowercase letter (a-z) and one uppercase letter (A-Z). It must also contain at least one number (0-9) 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

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: howell (all lower case) WARNING If you havent been asked for a buzzword, you have not followed the correct procedure. You must register with DSLV, otherwise we will be unable to access your application form to add your reference and you will have to redo it! Select your Tutor Group from the drop down menu. If you dont 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 havent already verified your email, you will get a notice (in green) 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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RECORD YOUR DETAILS HERE

Username: Password: School Buzzword: Security Questions: 1. 2. 3. 4. Personal ID No: Email Verification Code: UCAS Customer Service Unit Tel. No. 0871 468 0468

REMEMBER
Dont worry it is impossible to accidentally send the form to UCAS! You can word process your personal statement offline and then paste it in to your application Make sure you print off a copy to give to your tutor/parents for checking before sending to the Sixth Form Administrator Payment is to be made by credit/debit card on-line Only when you are completely satisfied that the form is complete and accurate should you click on the declaration/send to Administrator circle. At this point, your form goes to your Tutor who can send it back if there are any problems

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COMMON MISTAKES
Personal Details
E-mail address no stupid e-mail addresses; e.g. love2party@bt.com Name and Age often entered incorrectly Occupational Background this is the occupation of one of your parents

Choices
Check you have applied for appropriate courses talk to tutors/teachers about grades required and whether you are likely to get some achievable offers Check you have/have not deferred entry.

Employment
Check you have listed all employment. If you have only done babysitting, this is valid employment and should be listed. Obviously if the list is long you may need to be more selective

Personal Statement
The personal statement is supposed to be just that personal. Spelling and Grammar are important, as is layout and structure Leave a space between paragraphs easier for the reader Make sure you have sold yourself and focused on the skills and attributes you have gained rather than just listing experience Dont start with My name is .. You have 4000 characters or 47 lines of text whichever comes first You cannot use bold, italics or underline

AFTER APPLYING
After youve sent the application form to the referee, your tutor will write their reference about you based on the references from your subject teachers. Tutors will add this to your application form. Mr Ellis will check the reference before passing it on to Mrs Trevellick Mr Ellis cannot process the application until payment has been made Mrs Trevellick will carry out a final check on the form before the form is finally sent to UCAS UCAS will notify you by post and through Track to confirm receipt of yo ur application. This letter will also include your personal UCAS number You can check on the progress of your application at any time by visiting the UCAS website (www.ucas.com) and using your Personal ID number Once you have received a reply from all of the institutions you have to decide on a first (firm) choice and an insurance choice
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WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT

What is it?
The personal statement is an opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for University and the course for which you are applying. You need to highlight what makes you a thoughtful, conscientious student who has a real flair/passion for your chosen course. It is an opportunity to sell yourself and make you stand out from other applicants. Use the information at the end of this booklet and in the separate Writing Personal Statements booklets we provide you Make sure you word-process your personal statement. This makes it easier to edit and means that you can just copy and paste it into the application form when its finished The Personal Statement is a formal application dont joke in it! Write in paragraphs youll lose a line of text between each one but it reads better Remember to ask your tutor for help. Keep showing them drafts so that they can make suggestions for improvement Look up what skills and characteristics your course/university is looking for by using the Entry Profiles on the UCAS website Make your self stand out from the pile but dont lie! Remember that the Personal Statement is for you to show/prove that you have the character, skills and academic ability to be successful on your chosen course. Essentially it should include why I want to do this subject and what I have done to learn about it

Application scoring sheets are available on some university websites students can view how their application will be scored and assessed. Essentially these are mark schemes that will be scored and assessed. Essentially these are mark schemes that will be valuable to the student.

SIMILARITY DETECTION TESTS

UCAS will know if you have copied someone elses personal statement: We will subject applications to similarity detection tests designed to identify work copied from another source. Do not be tempted to copy another persons application materials, or download your personal statement off the web. There could be serious consequences to using other people s work. If we have cause to question your application, we will inform all the Universities and Colleges to which you have applied. They will then take the action they consider to be appropriate. We will also contact you by e-mail. Click on the detection similarity link to find out more.

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PLAN YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT

Start by explaining why you want to study this particular course at university Universities are looking for commitment, interest and enthusiasm It should be analytical and reflective, not merely descriptive You should write about any relevant (and transferable) skills and abilities you have Do NOT start with My name is .. Describe/name the degree courses you are applying for and try to add a sentence at this point to connect your choices with your keen interest in that area and/or possible plans for the future You should show a good understanding of the course you have applied for Be careful if you are applying for different subjects, the same statement has to cover all courses applied for You may want to include any career intention you may have Avoid phrases like I enjoy reading, I regularly visit the theatre or I regularly listen to music pop and classical Describe why you are passionate about the subject but dont go over the top! Write a couple of sentences for each of your AS/A2s, your interest in them and any interesting details, special subjects, study themes, titles of books, field research, experiences abroad, your strengths such as ability to research independently, coursework, hitting deadlines etc. Do this for each subject and write a bit more if one or two of them are particularly relevant to your choice of degree course. Do not over write this section at the expense of subsequent sections Remember you are trying to show evidence that you can cope and benefit from the course for which you are applying Write about other achievements and interests in school D of E, Sports, Leadership roles and other enrichment activities, Music, Charity committee etc., Make sure to emphasise relevant skills commitment, organisation, ability to work independently, leadership skills, project management, ability to communicate, maturity etc. Write about experiences/interests/hobbies out of school. Mention any work experience you have that is relevant. Remember that even mundane work can show you have a range of skills commitment, communication, dealing with the public etc., If you are planning to take a gap year give your reasons why/what you are going to do Try to finish off by re-emphasising the mature choice you have made in making this application and be confident enough to describe yourself as a good applicant Remember you have 47 lines of text or 4000 characters to complete it AS a rough rule of thumb: o 75% of the PS should be academic (3000 characters / 35 lines) o 25% of the PS should be personal (1000 characters / 12 lines)

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EXAMPLES OF PERSONAL STATEMENTS

Sports Science
I have always wanted a career in sport. Since taking A Level Sports Science my eyes have been opened to the opportunities that are available at undergraduate level. Detailed research has confirmed that a degree in Sports Science will provide me with a solid understanding of the biology, physiology and psychology required to succeed in my chosen discipline. I am fascinated by the various methods used to assess and measure physical activity and the changes in physiology that result from exercise and training. Last summer I attended a residential sports science summer school at my local university. We have various taster sessions with academics and I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. I was particularly fascinated by the Human Performance Unit because it was jam packed with the latest gear. We were shown how all the different apparatus worked and were allowed to carry out tests using some of the more basic pieces. I also heard talks from current students and they really made me realise that I would fit into student life easily. Sport is obviously very important to me and I do get involved both in and out of school. I play hockey at county-level and will want to continue when I reach University. I am also eager to become involved in new sports and enjoy helping to run clubs as I feel I have a lot of knowledge and experience to share. Football is also a strong passion of mine and I have recently been selected to assist with coaching the youth team at my town club. I am looking forward to working with children as I know that I will gain lots of new skills. I have a part time job as a retail assistant in a leisure wear shop. I really enjoy helping customers and advising them on the most appropriate clothing and equipment. I am also responsible for the tills at the end of the day and am often trusted to close the shop. I would consider myself to be an excellent communicator and I also possess good time keeping skills; I hate being late for anything! I know that both these attributes will stand me in good stead for academic life. I am so determined to become a student, studying the subject that I love. I know that I will put every effort into making the most of my time, both academically and socially.

Strengths It is good to mention any previous experience of visiting Universities, e.g Summer School or A Level Conferences, as this demonstrates keen interest to the Admissions Tutor This student backs up their interest in sport through a lot of extra-curricular involvement, which will be impressive to the Admissions Tutor. Weaknesses Although this student is clearly focused on the subject and has a sporting interest which is very important for his chosen subject area, they fail to present themselves as a well rounded person and is also slightly vague about what their career in sport will be The final statement is slightly weak and would have been more effective if the student had summed up by re-iterating the reasons why they are looking forward to going to University to study Sports Science.
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Economics
Since starting my AS Level studies in Economics, I have been eager to continue to a higher level. I am particularly interested in the behaviour of firms and organisation from an economic point of view and I have focused my coursework in this field. I regularly read newspapers and economic publications such as The Economist to keep up to date with developments in the field and I find it easy to use my mathematical and analytical skills to apply different economic theories to a range of real lif economic situations. I also take Maths and Politics at AS Level and know that the skills I am acquiring from these will prepare me well for University level study. I recently enjoyed the chance to put some of my business economic theory into practice when I took part in an economics and business project called Young Enterprise. With a group of peers I set up a small company and sold stationery packs to students at our school. It was an excellent experience and I was able to enhance my management, communication and teamwork skills. I also achieved a distinction in the associated exam. I would consider myself to be a very hard worker both in and out of school. Since the age of 16 I have worked part time at Tescos and have enjoyed positions of increasing responsibility. I now co-ordinate small group of staff on the shop floor and have learnt a lot about the way businesses operate in the real world. I would be keen to continue working part time within this company while at University, as I know I would be able to manage my time successfull and would enjoy being self sufficient. I have a real passion for all kinds of sport and regularly represent my school in various activities ranging from tennis to football. I have played tennis at county-level for two years now and am looking forward to trying new sports at University. Music is also very important to me and I am a member of the sixth form rock band Chaos. I am thrilled at the prospect of facing new challenges, including working and living independently. I also believe that I will gain a highly marketable set of skills from the study of economics at University, which will prepare me well for the exciting future ahead. Strengths The strong involvement in sport and music demonstrates dedication This student has succeeded in conveying enthusiasm without going overboard Weaknesses Attention needs to be paid to style the paragraphs are far too long and could be broken down into at least four separate ones There are a few typing errors and missing letters in this personal statement This student does not mention any current economic issues such as the recession or UK housing market, which somewhat undermines this claim that he keeps up to date with developments in the field

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TIMETABLE FOR 2013 APPLICATIONS

Mid-September 2012 15 October 2012 2013 entry applications can be sent to us. Deadline for receipt at UCAS of applications to the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge, and all with choices for courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science to reach UCAS. Deadline for receipt of applications at UCAS for all courses except those listed with a 15 October 2012 deadline and art and design courses with 24 March 2013 deadline. Go to Course Search to check application deadlines for courses. If you are eligible to use Extra, you can refer yourself to another choice. Deadline for the receipt of applications at UCAS for art and design courses except those listed with a 15 January 2013 deadline. Go to Course Search to check application deadlines for courses. If we receive your application by 15 January, the universities and colleges should aim to have sent us their decisions by this date (but they can take longer). If we receive all decisions from your universities/colleges by 31 March, you need to reply to any offers by this date (unless you are applying through Extra). If we don't receive your replies, we will decline your offers on your behalf. If you applied by 15 January and are waiting for decisions, universities and colleges need to send us their decisions by this date. If they don't, we will make any outstanding choices unsuccessful on their behalf. If we receive all decisions from your universities/colleges by 9 May, you need to reply to any offers by this date (unless you are applying through Extra). If we don't receive your replies, we will decline your offers on your behalf. If we receive all decisions from your universities or colleges by 7 June, you need to reply to any offers by this date (unless you are applying through Extra). If we don't receive your replies, we will decline the offers on your behalf. If you send your application to us by this date, we will send it to your chosen universities and colleges. If we receive your application after this date, you'll be entered into Clearing. Last date to apply through Extra.
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15 January 2013

25 February 2013 24 March 2013

31 March 2013

8 May 2013

9 May 2013

6 June 2013

27 June 2013

30 June 2013

3 July 2013

18 July 2013

If you applied by 30 June and are waiting for decisions, universities and colleges need to send us their decisions by this date. If they don't, we will make any outstanding choices unsuccessful on their behalf. If we receive all decisions from your universities/colleges by 18 July, you need to reply to any offers by this date (this includes if you are applying through Extra). If we don't receive your replies, we will decline your offers on your behalf. SQA results are published and the Scottish Clearing vacancy information service starts. GCE and Advanced Diploma results are published and the full Clearing vacancy information service starts. Adjustment opens for registration.

25 July 2013

August 2013 to be confirmed 15 August 2013

31 August 2013 20 September 2013 30 September 2013

Adjustment closes. Last date we will accept applications for courses starting in 2013. The Clearing vacancy search is closed after this date. You should contact universities direct to discuss vacancies. Clearing choices can still be added in Track. Last date to add a Clearing choice. This is the last date a university or college can accept an applicant in Clearing.

22 October 2013

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STUDENT AND TUTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Students are responsible for:
Seeking advice about institutions and courses they are interested in Attending open days at institutions as part of their research, but not attending more than four Completing their UCAS application form online Collecting subject reference forms (from their tutor) and requesting the reference from each of their subject teachers Writing their personal statements with assistant from their Tutor/Parents/Subject Teachers Thoroughly checking their completed form with the final checklist before giving a printed copy to their Tutor for checking Only sending their UCAS form to the referee AFTER being given the go ahead by their tutor Making payment on-line using a debit/credit card Making decisions, with help, of firm acceptance and insurance by the date given by UCAS

Subject teachers are responsible for:

Writing a subject reference for any students in their A Level class that are applying to University

Tutors are responsible for:

Giving impartial advice on institutions and courses where they can or pointing their tutees in the right direction for advice e.g. subject teachers, Sixth Form Centre resources, Mr Ellis etc. Assisting tutees with their personal statements and their UCAS forms Checking that the details are correct on their tutees application forms Checking progress of the students on the APPLY / TRACK system Encouraging students to start/complete their UCAS forms Writing the school reference for their tutees and adding it to the application form Monitoring the offers received by their tutees

RESOURCES
There is a huge selection of information to help you decide on your next step. The Study Centre has an expanding bank of resources / books about applying to university and writing personal statements etc. and there is information on the Sixth Form Website. Staff are here to help you and your parents also may be able to give you invaluable advice.

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USEFUL WEBSITES
Higher Education
www.ucas.com info on HE courses www.dfes.gov.uk/recognisedukdegrees information about degree courses in the UK

www.tqi.ac.uk information on the quality of higher education institutions in the UK www.studentuk.com UCAS student site www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfo - Maps all Universities www.gaa.ac.uk Quality Assurance Agency for HE www.qca.org.uk all about qualifications www.niss.ac.uk/sites institutions info about UK www.opendays.com Open Days www.push.co.uk finding the right university www.universityoptions.co.uk making the move HE www.panicsover.com Clearing site www.uniserve.co.uk Alternative views www.educationguardian.co.uk League Tables www.thetimes.co.uk League Tables

Finance
www.nusonline.co.uk National Union of Students www.studentzone.org.uk student life www.studentunion.co.uk financial support www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport - financial support www.slc.co.uk student loan company www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk where you apply for student finance

Employment / Careers
www.careers.portal.com - courses/jobs/CVs www.monster.co.uk vacancies www.gti.co.uk graduate jobs/work experience www.doctorjob.com www.careersoft.co.uk helps you make career choices www.prospects.csu.ac.uk graduate careers www.realworkrealpay.info modern apprenticeships

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Gap Years
www.bunac.org.uk gap year with BUNAC (USA) www.yini.org.uk Year in Industry www.csv.org.uk volunteering opportunities www.gapyear.com year out ideas www.gap.org.uk planning a gap year www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk volunteering opportunities

Student Accommodation
www.bunk.com www.thestudentvillage.co.uk www.unilodge.com www.anythingstudent.com

Study Centre Library

The Times: Good University Guide 2012 Heap 2012: University Degree Course Offers How To Books: Going to University The Daily Telegraph: Guide to Student Money MPW: How to Complete Your UCAS Application 2012 How to Write a Winning UCAS Personal Statement COA: Degree Course Descriptions So you Want to go to Oxbridge: Written by Oxbridge Students Oxbridge Entrance: The Real Rules The Gap Year Guidebook What do Graduates do? Career planning for HE and Beyond

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