Applying to UK universities

1
Applying to UK universities

• Counselors Workshop, Recruit in CanadaFriday 28
  September 2007

Sioned Evans International Office
2
What is UCAS?

• University and College Admissions Service
• Centralised admissions process for all UK
  universities.
• An online application form
• One form one fee
• 5 choices permitted

3
What the application involves

• Personal contact details
• Education and qualifications
• Personal Statement
• Reference
• Choice of courses

4
Personal Statement

• What to include
• Demonstrate interest in subject
• Motivation for studying chosen subject
• Relevant extra-curricular activity
• What not to include
• List of accolades
• Irrelevant achievements from youth

5
Reference

• Who - Guidance Counselor or teaching staff member
• What - comment on students academic performance
  
• - attitude to study and capabilities
• - predicted high school grades
• - schools academic curriculum

6
How the process works

• Students register and receive log in details
• Applications online from Sept preceding start of
  course
• Copy of application sent to each institution
• Students can track progress of application online
• Institution decisions communicated back to UCAS
• Firm and Insurance options declared
• After final results, confirmation of place is
  issued

7
Explanation of decisions

• U unconditional
• C conditional
• R rejected / unsuccessful
• F firm acceptance
• I insurance acceptance
• D declining offer
  
  

8
Key dates

• 1st September applications open
• 15th October deadline for Oxbridge and for
  Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science courses
• 15th January deadline for UK and EU students
• 30th June final deadline for overseas students
• Recommend early application
• Accommodation deadlines vary by institution

9
Entry requirements

• Vary per institution and per programme
• Competitive institutions are selective
• Popular subjects may have higher requirements
• Overseas qualifications accepted
• - OSSD, AP, SAT, IB ..
• Additional tests
• - LNAT (Law), BMAT (Medicine)
• Some subjects require interviews

10
Costs

• Tuition fees vary per institution
• Approximate fees per year 20,000
• Medical sciences higher in clinical years 40,000
• Few scholarships available awarded on merit
• Living costs vary per region
• London generally more expensive
• Estimated living costs per year - 10,000 -
  15,000

11
Accommodation

• Most universities guarantee for first year
• Catered or self-catering options offered
• Majority co-ed halls, only a few single sex halls
• Distance to university varies per institution
• Internet connection usually available
• Accommodation information sent to successful
  applicants
• Deadlines vary per institution

12
Support Services

• Personal Tutor
• Course reps
• International Student Advisers
• Accommodation Office
• Student Funding Office
• Health Service
• Careers Service
• Counselling
• Chaplaincy

13
Leisure activities

• Students Union
• Sports clubs
• Societies
• Volunteering opportunities
• BUSA British Universities Sports Association
• Freshers Fair