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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
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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 everystage 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 aswww.fasttomato.comand 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 leaveoptions 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.
http://www.fasttomato.com/http://www.fasttomato.com/http://www.fasttomato.com/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.fasttomato.com/7/30/2019 New Dslv Student Ucas Booklet
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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 TARIFF POINTS
A* 140A 120
110
B 100
90
C 80
70
A D 60
B 50C E 40
D 30
E 20
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RESEARCH
Use the following table to complete research about university courses you may wish
to study (see the two examples for ideas):
University Course Course
Code
UCAS Tariff Required A
Levels
Preferred
A LevelsImperial College,London BSc Geophysics3 yearsF662 360 Points(AAA) 2 from Maths,Physics,Chemistry,Biology, Geologyand Geography
NorthamptonUniversity BA Psychology andLaw3 years
C8M1 260-280(BCC-BBC)
No specificrequirememnts
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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 UCASapplication:
University Course Course
Code
UCAS
Tariff
Expected A2
Grades
AS Grades
Achieved
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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? Details
1 Student Applicant researches and finds courses
2 Student Register online with UCAS Apply (June)
3 Student Completes form and processes payment (September)
4 School Academic reference added by school
5 School School sends form electronically to UCAS
6 UCAS UCAS processes form (including personal statement
similarity detection) and forwards to chosen HEIs
7 Universities HEIs submit decisions (offer or unsuccessful). This can take
from a few weeks to several months
8 Student Applicant views decisions on UCAS Track
9 Student Applicant replies to offers on Track (Firm / Insurance)
10 Universities 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 gradeconditions you will be places there)
o Insurance (This is your second choice and only comes into play if you are not placedwith 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 university if theyll accept a new
Personal Statement in support
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TIPS FOR OCTOBER 15 DEADLINE COURSES
What are Cambridge and Oxford looking for?
Serious subject interestVery 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 ideaso Great clarity of thought and analytical abilityo 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
thchoice 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
interviewLast 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 STUDENT TEACHER / TUTOR
June / July 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
Training on the UCAS APPLY process
given to all staff involved
June / July Register with UCAS APPLY and
start to complete the form by
filling in the Personal Details
section
July 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
Subject teachers begin to write
references on Word documents
September 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
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
September / October Student receives the go-ahead
to put personal statement onto
APPLY
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
October / November Student makes payment online
and clicks Send to Referee
Tutor notifies Mr Ellis when references
are complete for checking
October / November Student is informed that the
application form has been sent
to the tutor
Application and reference checked. Any
issues are taken up with Tutor/Student.
Mr Ellis approves UCAS form and refers
application to Mrs Trevellick
October / November Student receives confirmation
from UCAS of received
application
Mrs Trevellick checks UCAS application
and reference and once satisfied SENDS
TO UCAS
December onwards
(Application deadline 15th
December)
Wait for decisions from
universities
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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 AdministratorPayment 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; [email protected]
Name and Age often entered incorrectlyOccupational 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 APPLYINGAfter 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 numberOnce 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 studentwho 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 applicationdont joke in it!
Write in paragraphsyoull 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 pilebut 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 subjectbut 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 excellentcommunicator 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 tostudy 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 mymathematical 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 ofeconomics 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 2013 entry applications can be sent to us.
15 October 2012 Deadline for receipt at UCAS of applications to the Universities of Oxford or
Cambridge, and all with choices for courses in medicine, dentistry, andveterinary medicine/science to reach UCAS.
15 January 2013 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.
25 February 2013 If you are eligible to use Extra, you can refer yourself to another choice.
24 March 2013 Deadline for the receipt of applications at UCAS for art and design coursesexcept those listed with a 15 January 2013 deadline. Go to Course Search to
check application deadlines for courses.
31 March 2013 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).
8 May 2013 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.
9 May 2013 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.
6 June 2013 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.
27 June 2013 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.
30 June 2013 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.
3 July 2013 Last date to apply through Extra.
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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.
25 July 2013 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.
August 2013
to be confirmed
SQA results are published and the Scottish Clearing vacancy information
service starts.
15 August 2013 GCE and Advanced Diploma results are published and the full Clearing
vacancy information service starts.
Adjustment opens for registration.
31 August 2013 Adjustment closes.
20 September 2013 Last date we will accept applications for courses starting in 2013.
30 September 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.
22 October 2013 Last date to add a Clearing choice.
This is the last date a university or college can accept an applicant in Clearing.
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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 onlineCollecting 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
Thoroughlychecking 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 formsChecking 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.tqi.ac.uk information on the quality ofhigher education institutions in the UK
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 - info about UK HE
institutions
www.educationguardian.co.uk League Tables
www.thetimes.co.uk League Tables
www.dfes.gov.uk/recognisedukdegrees-
information about degree courses in the UK
www.studentuk.com UCAS student site
www.opendays.com Open Days
www.push.co.uk finding the right university
www.universityoptions.co.uk making the move
www.panicsover.com Clearing site
www.uniserve.co.uk Alternative views
Finance
www.nusonline.co.uk National Union ofStudents
www.studentzone.org.uk student life
www.studentunion.co.uk financial support
www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport- financialsupport
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.prospects.csu.ac.uk graduate careers
www.realworkrealpay.info modern
apprenticeships
www.careersoft.co.uk helps you make career
choices
http://www.ucas.com/http://www.ucas.com/http://www.tqi.ac.uk/http://www.tqi.ac.uk/http://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfohttp://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfohttp://www.gaa.ac.uk/http://www.gaa.ac.uk/http://www.qca.org.uk/http://www.qca.org.uk/http://www.niss.ac.uk/siteshttp://www.niss.ac.uk/siteshttp://www.educationguardian.co.uk/http://www.educationguardian.co.uk/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/http://www.dfes.gov.uk/recognisedukdegreeshttp://www.dfes.gov.uk/recognisedukdegreeshttp://www.studentuk.com/http://www.studentuk.com/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.push.co.uk/http://www.push.co.uk/http://www.universityoptions.co.uk/http://www.universityoptions.co.uk/http://www.panicsover.com/http://www.panicsover.com/http://www.uniserve.co.uk/http://www.uniserve.co.uk/http://www.nusonline.co.uk/http://www.nusonline.co.uk/http://www.studentzone.org.uk/http://www.studentzone.org.uk/http://www.studentunion.co.uk/http://www.studentunion.co.uk/http://www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupporthttp://www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupporthttp://www.slc.co.uk/http://www.slc.co.uk/http://www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk/http://www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk/http://www.careers.portal.com/http://www.careers.portal.com/http://www.monster.co.uk/http://www.monster.co.uk/http://www.gti.co.uk/http://www.gti.co.uk/http://www.doctorjob.com/http://www.doctorjob.com/http://www.prospects.csu.ac.uk/http://www.prospects.csu.ac.uk/http://www.realworkrealpay.info/http://www.realworkrealpay.info/http://www.careersoft.co.uk/http://www.careersoft.co.uk/http://www.careersoft.co.uk/http://www.realworkrealpay.info/http://www.prospects.csu.ac.uk/http://www.doctorjob.com/http://www.gti.co.uk/http://www.monster.co.uk/http://www.careers.portal.com/http://www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk/http://www.slc.co.uk/http://www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupporthttp://www.studentunion.co.uk/http://www.studentzone.org.uk/http://www.nusonline.co.uk/http://www.uniserve.co.uk/http://www.panicsover.com/http://www.universityoptions.co.uk/http://www.push.co.uk/http://www.opendays.com/http://www.studentuk.com/http://www.dfes.gov.uk/recognisedukdegreeshttp://www.thetimes.co.uk/http://www.educationguardian.co.uk/http://www.niss.ac.uk/siteshttp://www.qca.org.uk/http://www.gaa.ac.uk/http://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfohttp://www.tqi.ac.uk/http://www.ucas.com/7/30/2019 New Dslv Student Ucas Booklet
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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
http://www.bunac.org.uk/http://www.bunac.org.uk/http://www.yini.org.uk/http://www.yini.org.uk/http://www.csv.org.uk/http://www.csv.org.uk/http://www.gapyear.com/http://www.gapyear.com/http://www.gap.org.uk/http://www.gap.org.uk/http://www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk/http://www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk/http://www.bunk.com/http://www.bunk.com/http://www.thestudentvillage.co.uk/http://www.thestudentvillage.co.uk/http://www.unilodge.com/http://www.unilodge.com/http://www.anythingstudent.com/http://www.anythingstudent.com/http://www.anythingstudent.com/http://www.unilodge.com/http://www.thestudentvillage.co.uk/http://www.bunk.com/http://www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk/http://www.gap.org.uk/http://www.gapyear.com/http://www.csv.org.uk/http://www.yini.org.uk/http://www.bunac.org.uk/