Factors for successful application. Alan Jones, Professional Development Executive

Transcription

1 Factors for successful application Alan Jones, Professional Development Executive

2 What we will cover The current progression picture Research including: Managing including: Resources Thoughts on changing offer Entry profiles making practices New Tariff for 2017 entry Applying including: Centre set up, and registering learners Impact of qualifications reform

3 Scope of UCAS UG scheme 380+ providers in England, Scotland, Wales, NI and Europe offering 35,000+ undergraduate courses 2014 application cycle 699,700 applicants (+22,300 or +3.3% from 2013) 512,400 secured a place (+16,800 or +3.4% from 2013) Highest ever 73% overall acceptance rate 77.1% acceptance rate for UK main scheme applicants

4 Current progression 2014 application cycle 699,700 applicants (+22,300 or +3.3% from 2013) 512,400 secured a place (+16,800 or +3.4% from 2013) Highest ever 73% overall acceptance rate 77.1% acceptance rate for UK main scheme applicants Applying to UK higher education remains competitive but right now, it is something of a buyer s market! 2015 End of Cycle report will be published in December 2014

5 Research Start early and give yourself plenty of time Thorough and effective research is the foundation of success Currently, there may be room to be a bit more aspirational But still try to use choices wisely and remember Picking the right courses and the right providers for you as an individual is still the most important thing to get right More resources now than ever before a double-edged sword!

6 2 year plan/programme Supporting effective research 2 year progression plan and learner research log

7 Starting points Uni Leap UCAS website (Connect videos and Search tool, especially entry profiles) Providers websites (links from UCAS) Unistats website (link from UCAS) In conjunction with additional websites, paper and experiential resources Don t forget Open Days Additional requirements Teaching and assessment Bursaries and scholarships

8 Uni Leap

9 Using Course search entry profiles

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15 Useful websites and apps See handout for some suggestions Get your students to record where and how they find things in their research logs Network at events like this one!

16 New UCAS Tariff for 2017

17 New Tariff for 2017 entry onwards New Tariff points are determined by multiplying size and grade bands size x grade Size bands allocated 1 to 4, based on a qualification s guided learning hours Grade bands allocated 3 to 14 spread across the breadth of Level 3 / SCQF Level 6

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19 Resources - new Tariff Resources currently available to support the switchover are available on the UCAS website:

20 Applying Centre set-up and registering learners New Adviser Experience Managers pushed for earlier release of Apply 2016 Apply centres could set-up from 19 May Applicants could register and start application from 27 May Education section where most mistakes are made (entering details of qualifications) Set-up enables the centre to create a qualifications shortlist More centres oversee/assist completion of Education section with registration Ensure UCAS coordinator s is correct for 2017!

21 Supporting application further Register and make a dummy application Just don t pay and send Personal Statements Biggest worry for applicants Must work out what is most important to include and will add most value Providers are looking for: Evidence of research and reflective thinking Critical engagement and wider engagement Demonstrate don t tell! ABC rule and So What? test

22 Qualifications reform and the impact on HE and progression

23 Qualifications reform resources

24 Quals reform policy statements UCAS and SPA (Supporting Professionalism in Admissions) recommend HE Providers have a policy statement online UCAS is publishing an alphabetical list of these on its website as provided UCAS recommends that schools/colleges include a brief policy note in applicants UCAS references This can include a URL (not hyperlink) to a policy document on the school/college website

25 Some possible impacts of reforms Difficult to manage mix of old and new A & As levels and the differences between England, Wales and NI Science practical New GCSE grades alignment (especially around C) Accuracy of predicted grades Need to realign standard offer making and build up new resources Could result in greater reliance on subjective information (e.g. personal statement and reference) and level 2 achievement Could result in longer times to process decisions and more remarks

26 Growth in BTECs entry rate by qualification The proportion of the 18 year old population in England who entered HE and held a BTEC qualification increased to 6.7% in This is the highest entry rate holding BTECs recorded; 18 year olds in England are around 120% more likely to enter HE holding a BTEC than they were in 2006.

27 The Qualifications pipeline

28 Managing Adviser Track UCAS Extra 2015 Clearing vacancies published from 6 July New Clearing service launched Make sure support is in place for C&C period! Greater competition in sector for HE course providers

29 Application trends Subtext , 700 applicants (512,000 placed) 2015 Heading to 700,000 + applicants 2016 Greater range of incentives to applicants?

30 How they get their place Main scheme FIRM Main scheme INSURANCE Main scheme OTHER EXTRA CLEARING (main scheme) CLEARING (direct) ADJUSTMENT RPA

31 Forging ahead New Clearing Service (and C&C Working Group) Agile development Identity Professional Development Portal (PDP) Careers Zone CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Easy ~ Enjoyable ~ Engaging

32 Adviser Outstanding Guides decisions and resources and responses

33 Final questions Thank you for listening and joining in I hope you found it useful Professional Development Team Tel: a.jones@ucas.ac.uk