Name that University!

Lower VI Higher Education Lower VI Higher Education ProgrammeProgramme

[ For Parents][ For Parents]

‘‘Housekeeping’Housekeeping’

Fire exitsMuster point

Wilton Rd Exit

Work Experience: Mrs Mandley

The GAP Year: Mr Wood

Extra Academic Examinations: Mr Hunt

E.M.A . Miss Jordan

What follows is a “potted version” of the What follows is a “potted version” of the information your son or daughter has received.information your son or daughter has received.

Please refer to the HE guides that have been published and Please refer to the HE guides that have been published and distributed:distributed:

Higher Education: Information For ParentsHigher Education: Information For ParentsHigher Education: Student HandbookHigher Education: Student HandbookPlanning A Gap YearPlanning A Gap Year

Other booklets at appropriate times….Other booklets at appropriate times….

Higher EducationHigher EducationFactors we ask students to Factors we ask students to

considerconsiderWhat is HE?What is HE?Why study at this level?Why study at this level?Types of study?Types of study?Where to study?Where to study?When to apply?When to apply?What to study?What to study?How to find out more? How to find out more? How to apply? How to apply?

What is HE?What is HE?Sorry – but we have to cover the basics, tooSorry – but we have to cover the basics, too

Higher Education = Education beyond VI Form, and beyond A levelHigher Education = Education beyond VI Form, and beyond A level

FIRST DEGREE COURSESFIRST DEGREE COURSESB.A.B.A. Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of ArtsB.Sc.B.Sc. Bachelor of SciencesBachelor of SciencesB.Ed.B.Ed. Bachelor of EducationBachelor of EducationB. Eng.B. Eng. Bachelor of EngineeringBachelor of EngineeringM.B.M.B. Bachelor of MedicineBachelor of MedicineLLBLLB Bachelor of LawBachelor of Law

Why Bother?Why Bother?Reach full potentialReach full potentialDiscover other Discover other people [!]people [!]Rapid PromotionRapid PromotionAll Graduate All Graduate professionsprofessionsEasy escape routeEasy escape routeIt SHOULD be It SHOULD be enjoyableenjoyable

Graduate Only Graduate Only RecruitmentRecruitment

Journalism & Journalism & PublishingPublishingLawLawTeachingTeachingNursingNursingPsychologyPsychologyRadiographyRadiography

Taking ResponsibilityTaking Responsibility

Armed Forces – OfficerArmed Forces – OfficerCare professions - Care professions - Supervisory rolesSupervisory rolesAccelerated Accelerated Management schemesManagement schemes

The list goes on………The list goes on………

The Glass Ceiling?The Glass Ceiling?

From Research To From Research To Application.Application.What to do?What to do?

Where to go?Where to go?Research Research shouldshould be be taking place NOWtaking place NOW

What type of course?What type of course?Approximately:-50,000 + courses to choose from!424 HE Institutions to research/visit !!

Basic Choices of type of course:-

Single honours?Joint honours?Combined or Modular?Sandwich course?Erasmus?

Types of Honours Degree Courses

Most courses last 3 yearsNB:Medicine [5] ,Vet Sciences [6] , Architecture [7]

MSc/MEng courses usually 4 years

BA language courses involve 3rd year abroad

Sandwich courses can be ‘thick’ or ‘thin’!

What Type of University?What Type of University?Collegiate UniversitiesCollegiate Universities Durham, OxbridgeDurham, Oxbridge

Metropolitan/Redbrick UniversitiesMetropolitan/Redbrick Universities Manchester, BristolManchester, Bristol

Campus UniversitiesCampus Universities Warwick BirminghamWarwick Birmingham

Technological UniversitiesTechnological Universities Imperial, Heriot-WattImperial, Heriot-Watt

‘‘New’ UniversitiesNew’ Universities Portsmouth, BUWEPortsmouth, BUWE

Non-British Universities [£££££]Non-British Universities [£££££] Antipodes, US, EUAntipodes, US, EU

Leagues Within LeaguesLeagues Within Leagues

Oxbridge Oxbridge Tompkins Table [ Cambridge]Tompkins Table [ Cambridge]Norrington Table [Oxford]Norrington Table [Oxford]

Russell GroupRussell Group

1994 Group1994 Group

Leagues Within LeaguesLeagues Within Leagues

Oxbridge Oxbridge Tompkins Table [ Cambridge]Tompkins Table [ Cambridge]Norrington Table [Oxford]Norrington Table [Oxford]

Russell GroupRussell Group

1994 Group1994 Group

Approximately 98% of our students go on to Approximately 98% of our students go on to UniversityUniversity

Between 70-85% of KES students manage to Between 70-85% of KES students manage to achieve places in the “Top 25” universitiesachieve places in the “Top 25” universities

BUTBUTThere are alternatives:There are alternatives:

Foundation Courses – Art/ Fashion/DesignFoundation Courses – Art/ Fashion/DesignYear Out – GAPYear Out – GAPEmploymentEmploymentForcesForces

What subject to study?What subject to study?

InterestsInterestsMotivation for a courseMotivation for a courseAbilityAbility

Stamford Test & other Psychometric testingStamford Test & other Psychometric testing

When To Apply?When To Apply?

Pre A-level = THIS September for next year Pre A-level = THIS September for next year [direct entry][direct entry]

Deferred Entry = THIS September but for the year Deferred Entry = THIS September but for the year after next [Take a gap year because you can]after next [Take a gap year because you can]

PQA = September AFTER A levels are secured PQA = September AFTER A levels are secured [Take a GAP year after reviewing the situation][Take a GAP year after reviewing the situation]

Matching Ambition to Ability:Matching Ambition to Ability:be be

REALISTIC or be PQAREALISTIC or be PQA

Past results [GCSE profile]Past results [GCSE profile]Predicted resultsPredicted resultsUMS at AS levelUMS at AS levelExamples of past offers in a particular subjectExamples of past offers in a particular subjectUCAS ‘Entry Profiles’UCAS ‘Entry Profiles’Heap’s Heap’s Degree Course OffersDegree Course Offers

ResearchResearchUse the IT facilitiesUse the IT facilities

www.UCAS.com

http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/

School intranet – under School intranet – under Student GuidanceStudent Guidancewww.universityadvice.co.ukwww.universitycourse.co.uk

Other SourcesOther Sources

Prospectuses Hard /ElectronicProspectuses Hard /ElectronicHeapHeapThe Times OnlineThe Times OnlineThe Times Good University The Times Good University GuideGuideThe Guidance CentreThe Guidance CentreThe guidance booklet you’ve The guidance booklet you’ve been givenbeen givenUnistats and similar Unistats and similar comparative sitescomparative sites

MOST IMPORTANTLY:-MOST IMPORTANTLY:-Your child’s TUTORYour child’s TUTOR

Subject % employment

Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science 99.3

Education 95.2

Subjects allied to Medicine 95.0

Law 93.3

Biological Sciences 90.6

Languages 90.4

Combined Subjects 90.0

Social Studies 89.8

Agriculture and related subjects 89.3

Historical and Philosophical Studies 89.3

Mathematical Sciences 88.9

Physical Sciences 88.8

Business and Administrative Studies 88.4

Creative Arts and Design 86.8

Architecture, Building, and Planning 86.3

Engineering and Technology 85.9

Mass Communications and Documentation 85.3

Computer Sciences 81.8

Students have been actively encouraged to take INITIATIVE in researching data.

Source :HESA

The School of Pharmacy 100%Royal College of Music 98.%The University of Surrey 96.9

Royal Agricultural College 96.4

The University of Nottingham 93.2

The University of Lancaster 92.7

The University of Oxford 92.6

Aston University 92.3The University of Salford 85.2

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

81.4

London Metropolitan University 74.5

London South Bank University 74.4

Graduate Employment Figures

Source: The Guardian

The school web The school web site……site……

has useful has useful linkslinks

Individual prospectuses are at Individual prospectuses are at www. ‘anyuniv’.ac.ukwww. ‘anyuniv’.ac.uk

Compare different sources – Individual University Compare different sources – Individual University departments will provide detailed informationdepartments will provide detailed information

The UCAS website The UCAS website Useful sections for parents

Incredibly useful sections for students

Course Search – changes each year, but is brilliant!

There are MANY different methods There are MANY different methods of searching for University coursesof searching for University courses

The UCAS entry profiles are the most useful guides to requirements

Useful Resources kept in the Useful Resources kept in the Guidance Centre Guidance Centre

JargonJargon

RAE RAE TQA TQA Completion RatesCompletion RatesAABb offersAABb offersCover ratiosCover ratiosTariffTariffA* only at A2 levelA* only at A2 level

Calculating points…..or go to Calculating points…..or go to http://www.ucas.ac.uk/higher/tariff/calc/calculator.htmlhttp://www.ucas.ac.uk/higher/tariff/calc/calculator.html

GRADEGRADE ASAS A LEVELA LEVEL

A*A* N/AN/A 140140

AA 6060 120120

B B 5050 100100

CC 4040 8080

DD 3030 6060

E E 2020 4040

PerspectivePerspective

Bristol University has 1,800+ applicants for 100 places Bristol University has 1,800+ applicants for 100 places in Historyin History

On average only 5.6% of applicants were successfulOn average only 5.6% of applicants were successful

The ISCUS survey reports a The ISCUS survey reports a 19%19% success rate for success rate for applicants from Independent schools applicants from Independent schools

< 7% of students attend independent VI forms.…………< 7% of students attend independent VI forms.…………

Oxbridge application = an inexact science Oxbridge application = an inexact science Each year around 10% of KES students proceed to Oxbridge. Each year around 10% of KES students proceed to Oxbridge.

Oxford OR Cambridge?Oxford OR Cambridge?

Is it the right place for a specific course?Is it the right place for a specific course?

Oxbridge applications continue to rise – possibly due to outreach programmes. “De-Oxbridge applications continue to rise – possibly due to outreach programmes. “De-selection” is also on the increase.selection” is also on the increase.

Avoid applications for the same subject AND college – RMG can advise on college.Avoid applications for the same subject AND college – RMG can advise on college.********

the average successful applicant has ‘around’ 8 A* grades @ GCSE. Even excellent the average successful applicant has ‘around’ 8 A* grades @ GCSE. Even excellent candidates with 11A* may fail to secure a place., but there is no hard ‘rule’.candidates with 11A* may fail to secure a place., but there is no hard ‘rule’.

Extra examinations are a major factor in selection.Extra examinations are a major factor in selection.

““Candidates with less than 90% in their AS subjects will be in a materially weaker Candidates with less than 90% in their AS subjects will be in a materially weaker position than theposition than the AVERAGE AVERAGE applicant.” applicant.”

Trinity College Cambridge [ my italics]Trinity College Cambridge [ my italics]

MedicineMedicineAt least grade B English GCSE + LOTS of Wk. ExpAt least grade B English GCSE + LOTS of Wk. ExpNeed AAB minimum predictions at A levelNeed AAB minimum predictions at A level

[This may rise: A*A A is possible][This may rise: A*A A is possible]““Some” medic schools don’t like 2nd applications [Use Some” medic schools don’t like 2nd applications [Use BMA & Entry Profiles]BMA & Entry Profiles]Candidates need to be mentally ‘tough’Candidates need to be mentally ‘tough’0.5 offers per candidate 0.5 offers per candidate A LONG wait to hearA LONG wait to hearBMAT /UKCAT should be a mixBMAT /UKCAT should be a mixCan use the 5Can use the 5thth choice – BUT without concessions in choice – BUT without concessions in the personal statementthe personal statement

The UCAS ProcessThe UCAS Process

Indicator A2 grades in February [ P1]Indicator A2 grades in February [ P1]Discuss 4 or 5 choices with tutorDiscuss 4 or 5 choices with tutorVisit Universities [ parents welcome] Visit Universities [ parents welcome] AS levelsAS levelsPost AS level decisions [UMS %]Post AS level decisions [UMS %]Post AS, A level predictions [P2] EARLY in Post AS, A level predictions [P2] EARLY in September [PQA implications]September [PQA implications]Apply from September 1Apply from September 1stst

Pred. grade review at half term onlyPred. grade review at half term only

The ‘Form’The ‘Form’

Apply training in late June – Weds 29 TBCApply training in late June – Weds 29 TBCComplete personal detailsComplete personal detailsDraft personal statement - drafting now, but Draft personal statement - drafting now, but review before end of academic yearreview before end of academic yearComplete form either during Summer break or Complete form either during Summer break or as soon as possible thereafteras soon as possible thereafterPay UCAS online and ‘send’ to refereePay UCAS online and ‘send’ to referee’’

The ReferenceThe ReferenceHE1s to subject teachers in JulyHE1s to subject teachers in JulyTutors compile draft reference once the application Tutors compile draft reference once the application is marked as complete and sent to themis marked as complete and sent to themAll applications to RMG for approvalAll applications to RMG for approvalHM ‘signs’ & sends HM ‘signs’ & sends

N.B: DEADLINES. Students sometimes forget that N.B: DEADLINES. Students sometimes forget that they’re only half way through the process at the they’re only half way through the process at the point that they press ‘send’. They may need a little point that they press ‘send’. They may need a little ‘chivvying’‘chivvying’

Open DaysOpen DaysStudents should discuss suitability with TutorStudents should discuss suitability with TutorBOOK place with RMG or KJ - please BOOK place with RMG or KJ - please indicate parental places requiredindicate parental places requiredPLEASE use coaches not private transport PLEASE use coaches not private transport wherever possiblewherever possibleCost varies according to coach hire £6 +Cost varies according to coach hire £6 +London: Departmental = [Student travel] We London: Departmental = [Student travel] We do NOT encourage students to drive do NOT encourage students to drive themselves!!themselves!!

Dates to Remember:Dates to Remember:Main Open Day period is after AS examinations .Main Open Day period is after AS examinations .Many are now at weekendsMany are now at weekendsPlease use the web sitePlease use the web site

Portsmouth He FairPortsmouth He Fair 1111thth March MarchCardiff Cardiff 6 April [ !]6 April [ !]ExeterExeter 14 June14 JuneRoyal HollowayRoyal Holloway 15 June15 JuneNottinghamNottingham 18 June [Sat]18 June [Sat]Exeter Exeter 22 June22 JuneBathBath 23 June23 JuneBristol Bristol 30 June30 JuneOxford Oxford 7 July7 July

DEADLINES etcDEADLINES etc11stst September September

Speech DaySpeech Day

Week before half termWeek before half term

At least 10 working days to processAt least 10 working days to process

System closes @ ChristmasSystem closes @ Christmas

Work Experience: Mrs Mandley

The GAP Year: Mr Wood

Extra Academic Examinations: Mr Hunt

E.M.A . Miss Jordan