2. The aims of this session are:
To introduce the UCAS application process
To make you aware of important dates and deadlines
To look at how to write an effective personal statement
To know what to avoid when portraying yourself
Aims
3. Online application – ‘Apply’
5 choices
UCAS Track
Application fee - £12 or £23
UCAS Extra
The UCAS Application
4. 15th October
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Veterinary Medicine, Oxbridge
15th January
All other courses
30th June
Final Deadline
Application Deadlines
5. You will be asked to complete the following sections:
Personal details
Choices
Education
Employment
Statement
Reference
The UCAS Application
6.
7. Why is the personal statement important?
Interviews are only used for certain courses
It’s your chance to sell yourself to the admissions selector
You need to stand out amongst the other applicants
Personal Statement
8. What are selectors looking for?
An interest and enthusiasm for the subject area
Evidence you have thought about what you want to do
Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation
A logically organised statement
Personal Statement
9. You need to cover:
Your current studies
Why you have chosen this subject area/course
Something about you as a person
Personal Statement
10. What bearing do your current studies have on your
selection?
Application for Architecture degree
“Studying BTEC Level 3 Art and Design has provided me with the
necessary research skills to gain different ideas and inspiration from a
range of architects such as Gaudi, Douglas Cardinal and Sir Norman
Foster, using their ideas to inspire me in their own designs.”
Current Studies
11. What experiences have you gained from your
studies?
Application for Social Work degree
“My current HEFC Social Welfare course has improved my written and
verbal communication skills as well as my analytical skills. Taking part in
group presentations has improved my team and public speaking abilities. I
am particularly enjoying learning about the history of the Welfare State in
Britain. It has helped me to realise how important it is to provide support to
those who need it the most and has made me even more determined to be
a social worker.”
Current Studies
12. What interests you about the course/subject area?
Application for Law degree
“The subject of law interests me deeply. I find the depths of its context
fascinating, from how it has adapted to the development of technology. I
am excited about studying law at university because I want to be able to
help people. I find the prospect of fighting to win a case and improve
somebody’s life very exciting.”
Why This Subject Area/Course?
13. Do you have a career goal?
Application for Business degree
“I believe a degree of this kind would assist me in my goal of being in a fast
paced and challenging career in the banking industry. I want to organise,
lead teams and carry out projects. I have my own innovative ideas and I am
passionate about seeing them through. This course would provide me with
knowledge and solid foundations to make this dream a reality.”
Why This Subject Area/Course?
14. What skills and attributes do you have?
Application for Business degree
“Competing in sporting events has helped my team building skills and also
my leaderships skills as I have been nominated to the role of team captain.
I feel that I motivate others to succeed and have been able to listen and
give instructions and advice.”
The Real You
15. What do you do in your spare time?
Application for History degree
“I am currently a volunteer in a museum, my role being to provide
information about paintings and historical relics.”
The Real You
16. Do you have any relevant work/volunteer
experience?
Application for English degree
“Throughout my studies… I have held down a regular job as a kitchen
porter… I have proved myself to be a reliable, hardworking member of a
team, building my character through the heavy demands the often hectic
kitchen puts on me. This demonstrates that I am able to work well under
pressure, as well as show proficiency in team working, time management
and organisation.”
The Real You
17. Do you have any other achievements?
Application for Physiotherapy degree
“I have attended a 3 day “Exploring Physiotherapy” workshop where I
sampled university life by attending presentations and workshops. I was
particularly interested in paediatric physiotherapy and the experience has
assured me that this is the right choice for me.”
The Real You
19. IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Guitar lessons; Member of Charity Group – helped organise fund raising
events; Cashier – School Bank; Romania Link – helped organise fund raising
events; Badminton Club; Causeway Coast Ramble Stage 2; Ski Trips; Form
Charity Representative; Mini Bus Representative; Form Captain.
OUT OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Bronze Award, Silver Award, currently
working for Gold Award; Elocution Lessons; Piano Exam grade 4 (Trinity);
British Red Cross Practical First Aid Exam; Member of Badminton Club; Youth
Fellowship – Treasurer; Church Choir; Girls Brigade – currently training to be
a Sub Officer; Junior Leader of Holiday Bible Club ; Creche Helper in Church;
Children’s Church Helper; Sunday School Teacher; Member of a Presbyterian
Church in Ireland: team went to Wembley to run holiday Bible Clubs for Hindu
children.
Don’t List Everything
20. For many years now I have aspired towards a career in Business and
Business Management and I have decided I want to pursue a career in
the Business area. I would like to study Business Management and
Business because the level I can study Business at, at the minute is
really enjoyable and I want to continue my studies with this.
Avoid Repetition
22. I would describe myself as a rather energetic person who is always
looking for something to so with his free time. Previous failed hobbies
include stamp collecting (too quiet), Rugby (too painful) and girl chasing
(too ugly). But now I believe I am settled with my current interests,
football and music. On the football side I feel that although I possess
little skill I make up for it with enthusiasm. I am also an avid football
supporter of my favourite team Crystal Palace (they need the help). On
the music side I am a guitarist and singer in a local punk band.
Careful with Humour
23. The International Business Studies degree will allow me to expose
myself internationally…
Check Before You Send
24. Last year I co-wrote and produced the Junior House play. I found it
very demanding but great fun. This turned into horror on the last
night when one of the lead actors became ill and I had to play Tinky
Winky from the Teletubbies. What a nightmare.
I can boast to be able to eat three cream crackers in less than thirty
seconds without a drop of water. This small yet laborious feat
represents my endeavour to succeed at even the pettiest of
challenges.
Think About What You’re Saying
25. I have pondered over this statement for some time now. At this point
in my life it would be easier for me to list the careers that do not
interest me rather than to try and focus on one that does. What I do
know is that I am confused.
Money, money is the thing that most motivates me. I have a passion
for money, spending, saving and even earning it (my favourite is
counting). The idea of managing other people’s money gets me
excited. This is why I am interested in accountancy and would like
to become a chartered accountant.
Don’t Need a Career Plan
26. When I first started looking for degree courses that would suit me, I carried
out my research in the college learning centre (Library). My method was
effective because I discovered the “Business Information Systems” course.
This has the perfect mix of Business and computing for me.
My next step was to look in the careers centre in Kings Lynn Town, in here I
was able to access the UCAS web-site. I decided to get a list of every
university that offered Business Information Systems. I printed myself a
copy of the list and rang each university on the list to ask for a copy of the
Undergraduate prospectus. They were delivered and there must have been
about 15-20 prospectuses (my postman’s biceps have doubled in size!).
This course was definitely for me, this is because I have always had an
interest in computing and business, for as long as I can remember anyway.
In the last few years especially my brain has been awash with
entrepreneurial ideas, some I have made a reality and some stay locked in
my mind for the right opportunity. Basically this course ‘jumped out and
grabbed me’, others have been considered but this is the only one that
made me want to pack my bags and leave tomorrow (believe me it did).
The Right Level of Detail
27. So what can I tell you about me? At Christmas time I like it quiet but
New Year I like to party and tend to party the rest of the year away
with friends and others but on the whole I’m just your average 22
year old. I hate the colour red, love the number 12 and have never
or ever will play the National Lottery.
I am medium height 1.8m, slim and fit looking with short black hair
and piercing black eyes. I am ambitious and taking life seriously. I
normally wear casual clothes, often trousers and shirts for special
occasions, however I can look elegant in a stylish outfit.
Is This Even an Application?
28. Your personal statement is PERSONAL
Make it interesting
Don’t make things up
Don’t Forget
29. Be aware of the UCAS deadlines
You will be sent an acknowledgement and will be
provided with a personal identification number
DO NOT lose this number
UCAS will send your application form to each of the
institutions you apply to
What Happens Next?
30. Check progress of application on the UCAS website
using ‘Track’
Make a note of the deadlines for offers
Reply by the deadline or your application could be
declined by default
What Happens Next?
31. UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
www.ucas.com
Nursing and Midwifery Council
Information and advice for anyone considering nursing or midwifery
www.nmc-uk.org
The Teaching Agency
Routes into teaching, finance and how to apply
www.education.gov.uk
Northumbria University Open Days
www.northumbria.ac.uk/opendays
What Happens Next?
