The university application process

Get the Big Picture:The University Application

Process That Lies Ahead

University Application Process: Route ahead• Application process starts in earnest after AS exams but start thinking

and planning earlier than this.

• You apply online for up to 5 universities through UCAS by 15 January except for some art courses (24 March)

• For Medicine, Vet Science/Medicine or Dentistry you only apply to 4 universities (plus one other course) with a 15th October deadline

• Oxford and Cambridge have a 15th October deadline. Apply to one or other not both

• IMPORTANT: apply early in September/ October period

Apply online through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)

What is UCAS?

▪ Central organisation through which applications are processed for entry to full-time higher education (HE) courses in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

▪ Operate on behalf of all full-time courses at member institutions▫ Undergraduate degree▫ Foundation degree▫ HND / HNC▫ Diploma / Certificate of higher education

The competitive advantageGaining a place at university or college has three

stages:

• Research Starts now!!

• The UCAS application

• Consideration by HEIs

Why Get the Big picture Now?• Know where you are going with UCAS

• Things you need to start thinking about and doing and keep on the back burner

• Get a head start

• Get a competitive edge

Above all!!

• Keep your options open. Final decisions in early Year 13

• Courses available to suit wide range of A level grades from competitive AAA* (in a few cases AA*A*) to two year foundation degrees with lower offers (passes at A level)

• But look at the alternatives to higher education as well