UCAS Applying to University D e c i d e C o m m i t S u c c e e d 2018 Learner Handbook UCAS Coordinator: Samantha Hobby Campus: Ystrad Mynach Email: Samantha.Hobby@cymoedd.ac.uk
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 3 IMPORTANT CONTACTS 4 LOCATION OF UK UNIVERSITIES 5 RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITIES 6 HIGHER EDUCATION AND CAREER SUPPORT 7 QUALIFICATIONS 8 DEADLINE DATES 9 UCAS REGISTRATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS 11 APPLY 2018 UCAS REGISTRATION 12 IMPORTANT POINTS WHEN COMPLETING THE APPLICATION 20 TARIFF POINTS 23 PERSONAL STATEMENTS 24 TUTOR REFERENCES 26 TRACK YOUR APPLICATION 27 INTERVIEWS 28 UCAS EXTRA 29 UCAS CLEARING 30 USEFUL LINKS 31
3 Introduction The aim of the handbook is to provide you with support and guidance, to make it easier for you to navigate through the process of progressing to higher education. It will explain the UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) application procedure and outline the deadlines and preparation that you are required to carry out. It is a very important year and the aim of the College is to ensure that you are supported on achieving your end goal. The role of the UCAS Co-ordinator The UCAS Coordinator leads and manages the UCAS provision across the College. The Co-ordinator will provide advice to learners and staff on the UCAS procedure. The UCAS Co-ordinator will support you with your application and link in with University staff to arrange events and talks. UCAS Co-ordinator details: UCAS Coordinator Details Samantha Hobby Campus: Ystrad Mynach Direct Line: 01443 810096 Email: Samantha.Hobby@cymoedd.ac.uk Who are UCAS? The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK-based organisation whose main role is to operate the application process for British universities. If you are applying to university at your College, you will be required to complete an online application form and submit it to UCAS. Information and Guidance Information, resources and links have been included to help you successfully complete the higher education journey. It is imperative that you plan ahead and carry out your research carefully. Any questions, or concerns that you have throughout the application process remember to ask your tutor, UCAS Coordinator or contact UCAS directly.
4 Important Contacts If you require any further guidance during, or after the application process, contact the numbers below and a representative from UCAS will guide you further: However, your first point of contact should be your tutor, or UCAS Co-ordinator. UCAS Coordinator Samantha Hobby 01443 810096 UCAS Learner Advice Line 0371 468 0468 Student Finance Wales University Finance Enquiries 0300 200 4050
5 Location of UK Universities http://edumoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/uk-universities-map.jpg Choosing the correct university for you is a big decision, it is key that you carry out your research thoroughly. Make sure that you look at location, course entry requirements, facilities, cost of living and accommodation.
6 Russell Group Universities The Russell Group s 24 members are world class research intensive universities. They represent leading UK universities which are committed to outstanding teaching and research. The Russell Group s guide Informed Choices provides students with information, advice and guidance about their post-16 subject choices Choosing your A Level (or equivalent) subjects carefully is exceptionally important especially if you aspire to study at a leading university. The Russell Group s Guide, Informed Choices, includes advice from admissions professionals on the best subject combinations for a wide range of university courses as well as the best choices for students who want to keep their options open. https://www.russellgroup.ac.uk/media/5272/informedchoices-print.pdf
7 Higher Education and Career Support Going to university is a great way to expand your knowledge, meet new people, and enjoy new experiences. There are a variety of qualifications and subject areas to study. Listed below are websites that can provide you with career research and explain the different higher education qualifications. Higher Education Qualifications Explained https://online.essex.ac.uk/blog/higher-education-qualifications-explained/ Career Finder The career finder tool will enable you to search for apprenticeships, graduate jobs and internships https://careerfinder.ucas.com/ This tool is available to access at the College and if you would like to use this package, please speak to the UCAS Coordinator. Career Wales Website Careers Wales provides independent and impartial careers information, advice and guidance service for Wales. You must register to access all resources. https://www.careerswales.com Open Days It is important to visit universities. Institutions hold open days during the year. Check the individual university websites for more information about these. If you are unable to visit your chosen university, virtual campus tours are available online. www.opendays.com
Qualifications 8 Discuss with your tutor the courses that you are currently studying and will achieve at Coleg y Cymoedd. When you complete your UCAS application form, it is very important that you are aware of all the pending qualifications that you will be aiming to achieve. Do not forget to add your Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate, or any GCSE resits that you will be aiming to achieve at the College. Please discuss this with your tutor and note these below. List the correct name of the qualifications that you will achieve. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
9 Deadline Dates Listed below are the UCAS deadline dates for submitting your application, but these are not the dates that your tutor will ask you to complete your application by. Your application will need to be completed prior to these dates, to ensure appropriate checks can be made. Mid September 15 October (18:00 UK time) Completed applications can be submitted to UCAS. Deadline for Oxford or Cambridge, and most courses in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine/science. 15 January (18:00 UK time) Deadline for the majority of undergraduate courses. 24 March (18:00 UK time) Deadline for some art and design courses. 30 June (18:00 UK time) Last date to submit an application before Clearing. Admission Tests Some universities and colleges require that you pass an admissions test as well as standard qualifications if you are applying for courses in particular subjects. You can also contact your universities or colleges directly by phone or email, or check the prospectus on their website. UCAS Conservatoires You can study performance-based music, dance, drama, and musical theatre courses at conservatoires in the UK at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Please access the link below for further detail. https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting-started/entry-requirements/admissionstests https://www.ucas.com/ucas/conservatoires/ucas-conservatoires-apply-andtrack
10 College Internal Deadlines In order for your application to be checked and returned before the UCAS deadline, it is imperative that all applications are sent to UCAS before applicants leave for the Christmas break. Please note all applications must include a reference, this will be managed by the UCAS Coordinator. Discuss your deadline with you tutor and make a note below: Please enter the internal deadline date for submitting your UCAS Application: DATE:
11 UCAS Registration and Application Process Registration and Application Process In order to complete your application you will be required to register on the UCAS system. During the registration process, you will be required to enter a buzzword, this will attach your application to Coleg y Cymoedd. Once you have registered, both your tutor and UCAS Coordinator will be able to view your application. Apply 2018 buzzword: Buzzword Purple When you register with UCAS and complete your application form, you will be allocated with a username. Please note this below, as you will be required to log in to UCAS using your username and password UCAS Username :
12 Apply 2018 UCAS Registration Connect to the internet and follow the instructions below in order to complete your UCAS registration. Type the following address into the address bar Click Register
13 Click Undergraduate registration Select Register and apply for 2018 entry Click register
14 Please ensure that you read the information carefully before selecting next Please ensure at the next screen you accept the terms and conditions before proceeding to next Complete your details at the next screen, please ensure this is your full name and not a shortened version. Select next
15 Select UK and next Please ensure you enter your post code details and select next
16 Check that the address is correct before proceeding to next Enter you email address - your email address should be a combination of your first name, surname and numbers. Universities look at the email that you have chosen.
17 Please complete the next screen carefully. It will ask you to complete a password and select secret questions. Be careful to select passwords and secret questions that you will remember. The next screen is very important, please make a note of your username as you will be required to enter your username each time you log in. Click on Log in now
18 Select through my school/ College At the next screen enter the Buzzword enter purple. If you do not enter the buzzword, please contact the UCAS Co-ordinator. They will inform you on how to attach your application to the College. Select yes to the following address: Coleg y Cymoedd Nantgarw Campus Heol- yr- Odyn Parc Nantgarw Cardiff CF15 7QY Although you may be studying at another campus you must select this address. Ensure that you select the correct tutor group (If you are not sure ask your tutor). If you attach yourself to an incorrect tutor group, please contact the UCAS Co-ordinator and they will access the system and move you to the correct group.
19 The welcome screen will now allow you to start working on your application. Please ensure you watch the videos at each section. You will also be required to verify your email, please ensure that you complete this. It is also very important that if you change your email address you must update this information on your application. You can now start working on your application and complete the following sections: Personal Details Additional Information Choices Education Employment this if for paid employment only, voluntary, or work experience can be explained in your personal statement Statement
20 Important Points when Completing the Application Course Choice You can choose up to five courses (all now or some later through Extra). There s no preference order and your universities will not see where else you ve applied to until after you reply to any offers you get. The Registration Costs you will need to pay to send your application to UCAS: 1 choice - 13.00 Maximum 5 choices - 24.00 Closing date for applications is 15th October for Medicine Choice Order Deferred Entry Entry Requirements Personal Details Section Education Section This fee will not be required until you have fully completed the application form and are ready to send to UCAS. Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science If you are applying for Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science then you have a maximum of four choices for these courses. Four choices for medical courses Fifth non-medical choice without prejudice You cannot indicate order of preference Make sure you ve checked that the university or college accepts deferred entry applications for the course. They may not be offering the course the following year, may be changing it, or prefer students not to have a gap in study before they start their degree. Very important that you check and meet entry requirements. It is advisable that you choose courses that are within a range of your predicted grades. In the Personal Details Section of the application form the Student Support Fee Code 02 is the correct answer for most students. However, you need to select 05 if you are applying for Nursing or an NHS-funded degree. You must enter all you qualifications to date and your pending qualifications. Bring in your GCSE certificates and enter any resits that you have taken. Please check with your tutor that you have entered the correct qualifications that you will achieve at Coleg y Cymoedd.
21 Student Finance Choice Section Course Search Tool Please ensure that you attend the student finance talks that have been arranged at the College. This search tool is available to support you with finding courses, this is available on the Choice section of your application form: Access your application and click on choices and the UCAS Search tool Enter the subject that you are interested in and select search
22 The search tool will break down all the universities that offer a course on your chosen subject, click view to access further information If you are selecting that course as a choice, this will also provide you with the application codes that you are required to enter on your application form
23 Tariff Points Universities and colleges are independent organisations and each year they decide how to set their entry requirements. Those universities and colleges that use UCAS Tariff points to express their entry requirements will simply set their requirements using the new number system. Below is a breakdown of the tariff points for each qualification/ grades. Key qualifications Tariff points GCE & VCE AS levels GCE & VCE A levels Tariff BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma BTEC (QCF) Diploma BTEC (QCF) Subsidiary Diploma 168 D*D*D* 160 D*D*D 152 D*DD 144 DDD 128 DDM 112 DMM D*D* 104 D*D 96 MMM DD 80 MMP DM 64 MPP MM A* 56 D* A 48 PPP MP D B 40 C 32 PP M 28 D* D 24 D A 20 B E 16 P M C 12 D 10 8 P E 6 BTEC (QCF) Certificate Tariff point calculator/ https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator Tariff Point New System https://www.ucas.com/?tile=tile-446
24 Personal Statements The personal statement is a very important section of the application that needs to be completed by you. This is an opportunity for you to inform the university/ universities of why they should accept you at their university. The personal statement is about selling yourself. The personal statement is a Maximum 4000 characters / 47 lines. The structure of the personal statement is very important and it is imperative that you check the spelling and grammar, therefore it is advisable to enter your personal statement in a word processing application and copy and paste the text of your personal statement into the application. You must ensure that the personal statement is all of your own work, UCAS have a Plagiarism detection technology that is used on all statements. Common mistakes Not taking your personal statement seriously Not showing commitment to the subject area Using too many clichés Underestimating the time it takes to write an excellent statement Personal Statement Tool UCAS has created a personal statement tool to help applicants think about what to write and how to structure their personal statement. https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting-started/when-apply/how-writeucas-undergraduate-personal-statement
25 Content/ Structure Key points Main Main Conclusion Start with an opening sentence that encourages the reader to read on. Justify your choice of course. Say why you want to do that course. What interests you about the subject, reason for choosing the course, possibly name dropping modules to show you have done your research. If you can, indicate what you want to do after it. Mention any relevant work experience. Any work experience that is not directly related to your chosen course can you identify core transferable skills which you learned or developed there. Show that you are a critical thinker what has made you think this way? A Level, BTEC, extended project. Conclude everything in one paragraph remembering that you want to make a good impression and stand out from the crowd. Conclude with something memorable to stick in the Admission Tutors minds. Leave them wanting to interview or make you an offer reinforce your commitment and enthusiasm. Keep it positive.
26 Tutor References Before your application can be sent to UCAS, your tutor will access the system and upload a reference. Once the reference is completed, the UCAS Co-ordinator will send the completed application to UCAS. It is very important that applications are completed a good period of time before the deadline dates to ensure accuracy. Your tutor can include the following information: Academic performance Suitability for the course Current or past achievements in particular subject areas Relevant extracurricular Reference Skills and qualities, such as aptitude and enthusiasm Factors that may affect performance Any commitments
27 Track your Application Once you have submitted your application to UCAS, it is important that you frequently log into Track your application. After you ve sent your application, you can see how it s progressing by signing in to the UCAS online system, Track your application. In Track your application, you can see when decisions are received from universities and colleges, and reply to any offers you get. When the universities and colleges have received and considered your application, they will make their decision. If they make you an offer, it can be either unconditional or conditional. Unconditional - you have already met all the university or college s academic entry requirements. Conditional - that the offer has certain conditions you need to meet, for example, you have to achieve certain exam result. You must check the deadline date for replying to your firm choice and insurance choice.
28 Interviews Universities may invite you to attend an interview, this is a process that will support tutors in selecting suitable applicants for the chosen course. This invitation will either be sent to you directly, or via Track your application login, therefore it is vital that you frequently log into your Track your application account. It can be difficult for a university to change your appointment date, therefore please ensure that you keep the appointment date, or inform the university immediately if you are unable to do so, or no longer wish to attend. The UCAS website has a dedicated area providing you with information, if you are invited to attend an interview: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/apply-and-track/track-yourapplication/undergraduate-interview-invitations MMI Interviews Multi Mini Interviews (MMIs) are a type of interview used by a rising number of Medical Schools. A multiple mini interview consists of a series of short, structured interview stations used to assess non-cognitive qualities including cultural sensitivity, maturity, teamwork, empathy, and reliability and communication skills. Cardiff University is one of the universities that uses this method of interviewing: https://www.themedicportal.com/e-learning/interview/mmi-questions/ https://multipleminiinterview.com/ Points to remember: o Consider the Interview that you expect o Think about how you can stand o Read your personal statement o Read the Course Information o Know your Subject o Arrive Early
29 UCAS Extra Extra is a process that allows applicants to apply to additional universities or colleges that still have vacancies. You do not have to wait until clearing to apply for other courses. Extra operates from the end of February until the end of June. UCAS s online Course Search system shows which courses have vacancies. If an applicant is eligible to use Extra, a button will appear on their Track your application service on this website. You can then apply for one course at a time using Track your application. To use Extra applicants need to have: already made five choices; received decisions from all their choices
30 UCAS Clearing Clearing is used by applicants who have not managed to secure a place at university or college for the current year. When can you use Clearing? It's available July to September each year. If you already have your exam results but you have no offers, you can use Clearing from July. If you had conditional offers but your exam results didn't go to plan, you can use Clearing from results day, when Clearing vacancies will be listed in the UCAS search tool. Identify courses (with vacancies) that interest you and contact the course providers directly to see if they will offer you a place. For further information on the Clearing process, refer to the link below: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/apply-and-track/results/no-offers-learnhow-clearing-works
31 Useful Links UCAS www.ucas.com This is the main website that applicants should access frequently to keep up to date with information regarding your application, and the progress of your application. http://search.ucas.com/search/providers The course search tool is a very informative tool and will allow you to search for courses. Generating a result of all the universities that offer you chosen subject area. Higher Education www.unistats.com Tests www.ukcat.ac.uk UK clinical aptitude test www.bmat.org.uk Admissions test for applicants to Medicine, Biomedical Science and Dentistry courses at certain universities. Additional Learning Needs www.rnib.org.uk
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