► Applications for Standard UCAS Courses
Once you've worked out where you want to go and what you want to study, it’s time to get your application strategy sorted!
Depending on the type of course and university or college you choose, the method of application will vary. It is very important that you familiarise yourself with the relevant method of application so that you know exactly what you have to do and when. Below are brief notes on making applications but you should also read the more detailed official
literature which is provided by the respective organisations.
These notes are correct at the time of going to print and apply to applications for courses from September 2008 onwards but, it is up to you to check that they are still correct when you apply.
There are currently three ways to apply for Higher Education courses:
UCAS - The main method of application for most HE courses.
CUKAS - (Conservatoires Admissions Service UK) for some music courses.
Direct Application to the university or college - Please go to the ‘Direct Applications’ section to rea more....
► UCAS (University and College Admissions Service)
UCAS is made up of all the universities, most colleges and institutes of higher education (many of whose degrees are validated by neighbouring universities), colleges of further education and colleges of Art and Design.
UCAS includes Degrees, Dip. HEs HNDs and Foundation Degrees. The UCAS website www.ucas.com contains details of all courses included in the system.
Applications to UCAS are all completed online using the ‘Apply’ application system via the UCAS website. The Apply system provides detailed on-screen help text to guide you through your application.
An application fee of £17.00 is payable if making two or more course choices. A reduced application fee of £7.00 is charged if only one course is applied for on the form.
► Course Choice
You may apply for up to five courses in UCAS. You can apply for more than one course at a particular institution if you wish, but remember that each course is counted as a separate choice. If you are applying for Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science courses, you may choose only four. You can apply for one other course with your remaining choice, but you should seek advice from an Adviser before you do this.
For Art & Design courses via Route B, you can apply for up to 3 courses.
► Completing the form
Filling in the UCAS form is no fun, but it is your passport to higher education (HE) so it is essential that you make a good job of it. Ensure that you read the instructions before you start.
► Personal Statement
This is a very important part of your application and your chance to make a good impression on admissions tutors - Please go to the ‘Personal Statement’ section for more details.
► Timescales for Applications
Applications for 2009 entry should reach UCAS between 1 September 2008 and 15 January 2009 except for the following:
Oxford and Cambridge applications should reach UCAS by 15 October 2008 (note: If you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge they have their own entry procedures in addition to UCAS.
Check the University websites and prospectuses for details).
Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Science applications should also reach UCAS by 15 October 2008.
Art and Design Route B applications should reach UCAS between 1 September 2008 and 24 March 2009 (go to the ‘Applying for Art and Design Courses’ button on Help 4 Teens)
► UCAS Extra
This service provides an additional opportunity to make further applications if no offers are received or if all offers are rejected and all choices have been used. It operates from the end of February until the end of June. If you become eligible for Extra, UCAS will inform you.
► After you apply
For more Information on what happens after you apply and the kind off offers you might recieve please visit the 'After you apply' section...
► Clearing
Clearing helps students who do not have an offer of a place (or who have applied late) to apply for courses with places remaining. The courses are published from mid August until late September on the UCAS website and in some national newspapers. The Connexions service can provide assistance at this time, talking through the options that are open to you
and helping you to reach a decision. For more Information on Clearing please go to the 'Clearing' seciton...
► Deferred Entry
If you intend to take a year out before going into Higher Education you can either apply to your chosen institution before taking your exams and request that your entry be deferred, or you can wait and apply during your year out, once you know your exam results. Deferred entry is a sensible idea if you are likely to be on the other side of the world, and therefore
unavailable for interview, or unable to respond to offers. It means you should be able to secure a place first, then go on your year out safe in the knowledge that there is a place waiting for you when you return. However, if you are taking a year out to give you more time to consider your choice of degree, then applying for deferred entry is not for you.
More help4u:
www.ucas.com includes course search, Apply, application advice and links to university and college websites.
How to Complete Your UCAS Application - this book should be available in your sixth form/college or local library.
