UCAS - Key information
Setting-up your UCAS account:
Guide to setting-up your UCAS account
UCAS TIMELINE
Here are some useful sources of information when considering UCAS Tariffs. The UCAS website provides an overview of tariffs, including a tariff calculator:
Next Steps support: we are pleased to retain the services of 'prospects Careers Service', part of the Shaw Trust. We have a qualified and impartial careers advisor in school 3 days per week. He will give all students a 1:1 interview by the end of year 11, and a second interview by the end of the 6th form. The 6th form also have the offer of informal 'drop-in' careers meetings.
UCAS Information Evening; We organise an evening session in April for all year 12 plus parents as an introduction to UCAS. We cover The rationale for attending university, how to choose a course, how to choose a university, finance, and all the steps to competing a UCAS application.
Writing a Personal Statement - Advice
A UCAS Personal statement is 4,000 characters (with spaces) and a 47 line limit
Rule 1: Don’t copy
Rule 2: There are no other rules – it’s a personal statement
A suggested structure:
Paragraph 1: Explain why you want to study this subject at university – aim to catch the reader’s attention and to convincingly explain why you enjoy the subject & want to study it (try to make it personal, rather than generic)
Paragraph 2: Explain the skills that you have learnt from studying A-levels/BTECs that are relevant to the subject you hope to study. Mention all subjects. For example, if you want to study Chemistry at university & are studying History at A-level you could explain how you have learnt research skills from History which will help in studying Chemistry
Paragraph 3: Explain what you have done that is over and above the normal requirements for your subject – for example, wider reading, taster days, lectures, visits/trips, watching relevant documentaries, your own research/experiments, summer schools etc. All of this should be relevant to your chosen subject.
Paragraph 4: Explain what you do outside of academic study – your extra-curricular activities – for example mentoring younger students, sport, clubs, volunteering etc – this should be no more than 20 -25% of your statement Concluding sentences: Conclude by summing up the main reasons why you are an excellent candidate to study this subject – and why the university should select you to do so!
Remember: the person reading your personal statement will most likely teach/lecture/mentor you for 3 years – you therefore want to convince them of your passion and interest in the subject and make yourself stand out from the rest of the applicants...
Students wishing to ask questions regarding UCAS can contact any of the staff listed below. Also, students can contact UCAS directly by visiting the website or by using the UCAS student helpline service on 0371 468 0468
- UCAS Coordinator - Mr. Rudd
- UCAS Administrator - Ms. Francis
- Head of Sixth Form - Dr. Nicolaou