SBT2269 Careermag for Parents Issue 5 v2 FINAL | Page 27

UCAS APPLICATION Deciding to go to university is a big enough decision in itself and the UCAS application process can seem daunting, especially for those who are the first generation in the family to go. There is lots to consider and processes to complete. However, you can simplify it greatly by splitting it out into key areas: Research First off, identify the desired subject and which university offers it. You and your child can start by searching UCAS by subject area so all related courses appear. This is particularly useful to see all the different types and options available. You may be surprised by the number available! One of the many differences between courses is the duration. For instance, some go over four years with one year working in the industry. Some combine a bachelor’s degree with a Masters over four consecutive years. The UCAS course finder tool can help with finding the ideal course and may even throw up some surprises! There may be courses and options you haven’t even considered or heard of. Choose up to five courses and research the entry requirements and deadlines for applications. Universities and colleges will have Open Days and it’s important to attend, given the current pandemic, this is likely to be virtual but it will still provide invaluable insight into the campus, facilities available and will give you the chance to talk to students and tutors. You can find out more about Virtual Open Days here. Applying You can start searching for courses for 2021 entry using the UCAS search tool. From the 8th September 2020, you will be able to submit your UCAS undergraduate application on UCAS Apply 2021. Applications can be submitted later (check with the college or university), but those received after the end of June go into Clearing, which matches students to courses that haven’t been taken. Many schools will start the application process for Year 13 students (or Upper Sixth) as soon as they start in September with many having started the process at the end of Year 12. For students wanting to study any course at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry the deadline for submitting your UCAS application is the 15 October 2020 for 2021 entry at 18:00. For all other courses, the deadline is the 15th January 2021. It is most important to make sure your application form is filled out correctly and you have a strong personal statement. Students normally complete their application with a reference from a teacher, adviser or professional who knows them academically. There is an application fee (as an example, for 2021 entry the application fee is £20 for one course, or £26 for multiple courses). There’s plenty of help should you need it, UCAS has a dedicated support team who can be reached weekdays during working hours on 0371 468 2568 or by email at [email protected]. They can also be messaged on Facebook or via Twitter @ucas_online Responses Next is to wait to hear back from chosen universities/ colleges, which can take some time. They may make an unconditional offer which means acceptance straightway, or a conditional offer, where they will offer a place based on exam results. If the five colleges/ universities do not make an offer, or the applicant decides to decline the offers, there is the option to use UCAS’s free ‘Extra’ facility to apply for other courses, one at a time. Once the offers are in, students then need to identify a firm favourite and decline the others. This will need to be done by a specific date. If the chosen course offer is conditional, the applicant can have a back-up course in case they do not gain the entry grades required for the first choice. It is most important to make sure your application form is filled out correctly and you have a strong personal statement. Acceptance The UCAS process is managed on Track, where the applicant has a profile and an account for notification whether a place has been confirmed. If an offer is unconditional, then the applicant has been accepted. If it is conditional, the college or university will update once exam results (or other requirements) are in. If an applicant does not meet the entry requirements, then they can search for other courses through Clearing. If an applicant is fortunate enough to exceed the entry requirements of their preferred course having achieved better than expected grades, then there is the option to look for an alternative course via UCAS’s Adjustment service. Looked at on a step-by-step basis then, the university application progress is actually quite straightforward. There’s plenty to consume and consider, but the key is to be thorough in the application and take time in compiling such essentials as the Personal Statement. Best of all, the process does offer a good level of flexibility, allowing students the chance to adjust their application as their preferences and circumstances evolve. www.careermap.co.uk Issue 5 | 27