Getting Started
Make sure that you do your research. Here are a few tips to help you:
For example, from family, friends and professionals.
Talk to people about their experience of University. Also, your Tutors and Teachers can offer advice. It is also possible to make an appointment with a Connexions adviser in College
This is a quick questionnaire available when you log on to www.ucas.com which matches your personal interests, abilities and skills to potential courses at University.
Go onto the Course Search facility to look for up to date courses in your chosen area. You can restrict your search to one university or to one geographical area. There’s lots of information on fees, bursaries and potential financial support too.
Link to UCAS Website
More than half the courses now have Entry Profiles which give further information on Courses. They provide details about entry requirements, selection criteria and desirable personal characteristics. This information is really helpful in making suitable choices and can be found by following the relevant links on the course details page.
It is free to register for this card online and the benefits include:
- Tailored information from universities targeted to your individual needs on the basis of the information you supply
- Regular UCAS emails giving you the latest information and guidance on making your application, advice on student finance and taking a gap year.
- Copies of the UCAN magazine featuring articles on university life and career options
- Access to the UCAS card website offering tips on study and revision
- Discounts at selected retailers on production of your UCAS card.
Further Sources of Information
The Teaching Quality Information (TQi) website gives access to up-to-date information about the quality of higher education in UK universities and colleges. The site is supported by the Government and the National Union of Students.
You will find:
- National Student Survey results which show what recent students thought about the quality of their learning experience.
- Official statistics about students who are in higher education. This includes information on actual entry qualifications, progression through the course, degree results and careers showing the kind of employment or further study students go on to.
- You can select then compare information for your chosen universities and subjects. You can also see reports about teaching quality for the options you choose
If you are looking for independent information to help you make your choice the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education compiles reviews and reports on all universities and colleges of Higher Education to make sure they maintain quality and academic standards. Visit the QAA website.
Go along to Open Days to find out more about your chosen courses. It’s very difficult to make a decision just from reading a prospectus or visiting a website. Many universities run Open days throughout the year. It is an opportunity to look around the Campus and see student facilities. You can also talk to lecturers and current students who can tell you about their experience of studying at that institution. Have a look at the Open Days booklet available in Kennicott library, visit the Cambridge Occupational Analysts website or contact the university directly.
A tariff calculator is available on the UCAS website which has been designed to help you calculate your score to determine whether you meet the entry requirements for a course.
The You Go Further website supports young people from the point of application through to the graduation process and beyond. It is a lively, interactive network supported by high profile partners, divided into six sections: Jobs, Money, Lifestyle, Network, Exposure( a forum for students to showcase their talents) and Student Shop. This is underpinned by live discussion forums, where students can engage in discussion and debate about the things that matter to them.
It is important to make the right decision so it cannot be rushed. Some students decide to take a year out of education before making a decision.
A well researched GAP year can be very useful. You can learn so much in terms of personal development and deciding on career choices. You can also develop important skills – language skills, independence, time and money management – which are skills you will certainly need in Higher Education and employment.
You can either apply for deferred entry or apply the following year. Most courses will have no difficulties with students choosing to defer their entry but do check with your chosen institutions before making that decision. Details of your proposed Gap Year will certainly support your application.
Check out the following websites:
Gap Year Directory
Work Experience
Year in Industry
Asking the Right questions
To help you make your decision about which university or college to choose, we've compiled a handy list of some useful questions, which you can download from the following link:
BMAT, UKCAT & LNAT
If you are applying for Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry or related courses you may need to take the BioMedical Admissions Test or the UK Clinical Aptitude Test. Some Law courses require you to take the LNAT. These tests help universities make a more informed choice from amongst the many highly qualified applicants who apply for such courses.
It is important that you check whether you are required to take these tests and also the key dates for registration.
Details about the tests and relevant universities can be found on the following links:
Useful Sources of Information
The following books can be ordered from directly from UCAS Books:
Progression Series
A range of titles designed to give students helpful advice in some of the most competitive subject areas.
What next after school?
A wealth of practical and up to date information on issues pertinent to the students’ decision making process.
The Student Book
Containing relevant and candid information on each institution designed to help students make the right decision about the university that is right for them.
Student Money Matters
This book offers advice on all key money matters, including part-time jobs, overdrafts, loans and accommodation
Student Life: A Survival Guide
This offers practical advice for students on where to live, how to save cash, staying healthy and much more.
Useful websites
General Information:
Finance:
Writing the Personal Statement
Your personal statement is a very important part of the application. To help you, we've compiled a handy guide which you can download from the following link:
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