Transcript Slide 1
Applying to Higher Education From Application to Offer Emma Thomas – Student Access Officer, Royal Agricultural College [email protected] Introducing the Application Process It’s easiest to talk about the Application Process as a three-phase procedure: STUDENT Information Decision Application HEI Information Assessment Interview Offer STUDENT Information Results Decision Aims: • To explore what happens during these phases • To look at roles and responsibilities of the student, their College/school and the HEIs • To provide tips and hints for a positive outcome Planning, information, research and ideas Phase 1 – Information (and lots of research!) • Research and information on courses, subjects & careers - UCAS online entry profiles - The UCAS Big Guide (can order from UCAS site) - University websites and prospectuses - Careers information – School /College, Connexions - Work experience - Friends / relatives / teachers - it’s good to talk! - Subjects enjoyed / interested in / do well in (and drawing out of those subjects transferable skills and qualities) • Visits to universities - Open Days, Summer Schools and Taster Days, etc. are extremely valuable • Considering progression routes is important; completing a personal action plan or future goals sheet might be useful in thinking about prior experience and qualities, current situation, and what is needed to reach the desired target Making decisions - and a commitment! A HUGE DECISION! Not only next three years of students’ life, but informs & delivers career and job prospects • A daunting prospect! • Explore needs and ambitions • Gather all possibilities and explore pros and cons • Decisions must be informed, realistic and based on interest, aspirations and fulfillment of student needs • Five spaces available on UCAS application form use to order choices (different entry requirements) - use them all! • If decisions alter, changes can be made or extra choices added in February by contacting UCAS Extra The Application Form Registration Personal details Additional information Choices Education Employment Personal statement Reference Declaration Send your application Apply on-line at www.ucas.co.uk Over to the HEIs… (phase 2) Information HEIs receive electronic data from UCAS Application into student databases. Downloaded directly from UCAS. This is first information HEI receives on student applicant, attaching importance to quality of application - must make good first impression! Students can track their application during this time on www.ucas.co.uk under the ‘Track Progress’ tab Students may receive contact if HEIs need additional information / clarification Application Assessment and Interviews • Immediate evaluation of writing skills • Simple, direct and straight to the point • Answered all questions? • Realistic application in terms of predicted grades / points score? • A good personal statement? • Experience relating to degree subject - is the interest there? • Has student provided an academic referee? • Checked and proof-read? Any silly mistakes? Application Assessment and Interviews 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Be prepared! (practice Q’s, research, etc.) Arrive before time & know who to ask for! Dress, body language & communication Know your subject Know your goals Preparatory questions…warn them! • • • • • • • • • Is the student suited to the course? Does the student have required qualifications and qualities? Is the student conscientious, hardworking and unlikely to drop out? Will the student cope with the demands of the course? Can the student work under pressure? Will the student be able to adjust to their new environment? What are their communication skills like? Are they dedicated to this course and have researched it well? Do they have a genuine interest in the subject / career progression? Offers Provisional Conditional Unconditional Decline The last word is with our students! (phase three) ACCEPT OR DECLINE OFFERS MADE BY HEIs RECEIVE RESULTS IN AUGUST INFORM HEIs AND MAKE FINAL ARRANGEMENTS Questions, answers, discussion? [email protected]