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Welcome to the Prestwick Academy UCAS presentation for the 2014 entry. As competition increases, it's essential to prepare effectively. Focus on researching universities, gaining relevant work experience, and understanding the process. Important dates include open days, deadlines for medical and Oxbridge applications, and personal statement submissions. Remember to craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your motivations, experiences, and aspirations. For further support, utilize resources from UCAS and attend guidance sessions. Make your application stand out!
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WELCOME TO PRESTWICK ACADEMY UCAS PRESENTATION FOR 2014 ENTRY
WHAT IS IMPORTANT AT THIS TIME OF INCREASED COMPETITION? • Preparation • Research • Relevant work experience/work shadowing/voluntary work • Visit institutions/HE conventions/Open Days • Personal Statement/Reference • Understand selection process • Be realistic • Alternatives
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER – University Open Days - Universities begin processing applications • 2nd SEPTEMBER 2013 - UCAS Higher Education Convention • 25th SEPTEMBER 2013 - Parents’ Information Evening • 26thSEPTEMBER 2013- Assembly to launch the UCAS process • 1stOCTOBER 2013 - School deadline for all Medical, Dental, Veterinary and Oxbridge applications to Guidance (including final personal statement) • 11thOCTOBER 2013 - UCAS deadline for all Medical, Dental, Veterinary and Oxbridge Applications • 11th DECEMBER 2013 - School deadline for pupils to have completed UCAS forms to Guidance (including final personal statement) • 18thDECEMBER 2013 – All applications sent to UCAS • 24th MARCH 2014 – Deadline for some Art & Design courses
UCAS – SOME KEY POINTS • Applications completed online at www.ucas.com http://www.ucas.com/ • Pupils start application mid September. • Application allows for 5 choices. • Cost £23 (more than one choice) paid by credit/debit card • PSE, Guidance Interviews, University Speakers, Open Days, Career Interviews and Careers Exhibitions facilitate choice. Next Event – Careers Adviser Presentation, Mon 30thSept
FURTHER INFORMATION • UCAS website www.ucas.comUCAS Apply and Track • yougofurther.co.uk – the UCAS student network • Facebook – www.facebook.com/ucasonline • Twitter – www.twitter.com/ucas_online • UCAStv – www.ucas.tv/ - video guides - channels for different audiences e.g. advisers • YouTube - www.youtube.com/ucasonline • Careers Database - www.planitplus.net/ • Skills Development Scotland-www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/ • SAAS - www.saas.gov.uk • Prospects - www.prospects.co.uk
THE APPLICANT JOURNEY • Applicant researches where to study • Registers online with UCAS Apply • Completes form and processes payment • Academic reference added by school/college • School/college sends form electronically to UCAS • UCAS processes form and forwards to chosen HEIs • HEIs submit decisions (offer or unsuccessful) • Applicant views decisions on Track • Applicant replies to offers on Track (Firm/Insurance) • HEIs confirm places when results are released
THE APPLICATION PROCESS • Application form has 6 main sections:- • PERSONAL DETAILS • COURSE CHOICES - 5 choices • EDUCATION - qualifications • EMPLOYMENT - part time work • PERSONAL STATEMENT – very important • SCHOOL REFERENCE – completed by Guidance Teacher and checked by SMT - very important
A GOOD PERSONAL STATEMENT SHOULD INCLUDE: • A reason for choosing the course • Any background interest • Any relevant experience • Career aspirations • Work experience – skills developed • Interests & hobbies • Achievements • Positions of responsibility • Any other relevant information EVIDENCE OF: • Independent study skills • Self-awareness • Motivation, maturity and commitment • An understanding of the course • Good numeracy and literacy • Essay writing research skills • Time management skills • Enthusiasm to go beyond the syllabus
PERSONAL STATEMENT –POINTS TO REMEMBER • Thoroughly prepare • Take your time • Multiple re-drafts • Use a Word document • Use a Spell Checker • No humour • Sell yourself • Let others read it –Guidance, parents, older siblings • 4000 characters including spaces • 47 lines of text • UCAS use Similarity Detection Software!
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT ? • Completed form sent to Guidance Teacher • Payment made at home - £23 • Reference written including information on predicted grades, attendance, late coming and S6 experience • Form checked and submitted to UCAS • UCAS sends form simultaneously to all choices • HEIs consider applications. Applicant may need to: • Attend an interview • Send a portfolio of work • Sit an admissions test
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT ? • Admission tutors can make one of three decisions: • Conditional Offer • Unconditional Offer • Unsuccessful • Applicants then keep a maximum of two offers: • Firm • Insurance • Conditional Offers: Can be expressed in: • UCAS Tariff points e.g. 305 points • Grades e.g. AAAB at Higher • A combination of both e.g. 305 points including a B in H Maths • If no offers received.... UCAS Extra or Clearing in August