In most cases, applications to us are handled by UCAS. This means students will submit their applications to UCAS who will then pass their application on to us.
Thie first step in the process of applying to university is also the most vital.
This is the opportunity to carefully research what each university has to offer, and consider what is important to you, including how the lifestyle, facilities and course structure will suit you.
You can begin researching in the March/April of the year prior to starting the course. Schools/colleges will often organise events in-house or arrange visits to larger fairs. We would encourage you to get as much information and talk to as many university representatives as you can.
The best way to get a feel for life at a university is to visit us at an open day.
Once you have decided what you want to study and where you want to go, you will begin to complete the UCAS application form in order to apply.
As well as personal information (name, address etc.) you will also need to fill out:
- the qualifications you already have (GCSE's, AS Levels etc.)
- the qualifications pending (A-Levels, BTEC etc.)
- and a personal statement explaining why you feel they are suitable for the course.
The form also includes a reference written by their teacher(s).
The entry requirements for a course may be expressed in grades, UCAS tariff points or a mixture of the two.
Please visit UCAS Tariff and www.ucas.com for more information.
Forms can be sent to UCAS from 1 September. Most schools/colleges will have a deadline of around the October half term to submit the form.
You will then be made offers or rejections from each university. If you are waiting for qualification results then you may be given a conditional offer.
TOP TIPS:
- Choose a sensible email address for the UCAS form.
- Ensure to type your Date of Birth and not the date of the day when you complete the form!
- Universities don't see where else you are applying to and you can only write one personal statement for all five choices, so ensure it is relevant for all of the courses you are applying for.
Once you receive your offers your will need to make a decision about which will be your Firm (1st) and Insurance (2nd) choice. You may want to take the opportunity to revisit a university in person in order to make a final decision.
If you don't receive any offers or wish to decline offers then all is not lost. You can then enter UCAS Extra.
Exam results are usually published from the third week of August. If you achieve the grades to meet your firm university offer you will just need to confirm your place.
If you meet the grades required for the insurance offer you also need to confirm your place.
If you don't get the required grades you can enter Clearing.
You may want to prepare for your first year at university by:
- Getting to know the area you will be living in.
- Saving money to contribute to living costs.
- Learning more about living on your own.
- Looking at reading lists for your course.
- Talking to other students for advice/information.
- Looking at the university social media and websites for more information about what to expect when you arrive.
Your personal statement is a vital part of the university application process. It’s your chance to tell us all about you, your experiences, and why you’re so passionate about your chosen subject.
Sitting down to write a personal statement can seem daunting, but look at it as your chance to tell us why you want to do the course you have chosen, and why you are the best candidate for a place at university!