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Sixth Form

UCAS: Online Application

How to get going online

1. Go to UCAS Apply and click on the student login link for your entry year.
2. It is worth maximising the screen at this point.
3. When you first visit the site you will need to click on Register. DO NOT make up a username or password.
4. When you register you will need a ‘buzzword’ which Mr Peachey will give you.
5. Once you have been given a username and password write them down.
6. When you are asked for an address you should use the address to which you want correspondence to be sent. For boarders this will probably be the school address.
7. It is wise to have information sent to you via e–mail and text messages as well as on paper. If you have a silly e–mail address, change it!
8. If you have a disability or special needs (including dyslexia) you should declare it. You will not be discriminated against and may well get extra help and funding.
9. If you finish click on the Log Out button. DO NOT close down by clicking the ‘x’ in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

Hints for filling in your UCAS form

When filling in your UCAS form you should take note of the following points:

• Click on the green fried egg icon if you want to get back to the main menu.
• It is a legally binding document so make sure you get your facts right!
• In particular, you should check your examination results and exam boards carefully. Look at your certificates: don’t guess.
• If you took examinations abroad you should write down the full title of those examinations. Do not look for an English equivalent. You will need to send your certificates or copies of your certificates to the universities at a later date.
• Check the main university prospectus for English Language requirements if you are an international student.
• Click on the help button if you get stuck. Don’t guess. If you are still not sure ask a 6th Form Tutor.
• Check your funding details carefully. Most British students should have 02 for their student support fee code.
• Write your personal statement in Word, then cut and paste it in. Make sure you click on the Save button before moving onto another section.
• If you finish click on the Log Out button. DO NOT close down by clicking the ‘x’ in the top right–hand corner of the screen.

Personal Statement (section 10) Helpful Hints

Your aim is to maximise your chances of getting in and to make the best possible use of the experiences you have had. There has been much debate about the style or format. As a general rule the first half to two thirds should be about why you want to apply for a particular course and how your various experiences support this choice. You should make this section as clear as possible as Admissions Tutors may spend only a short time reading it.

1. How do your AS/A2 choices support your choice of subject at university?

Refer to:

• Projects and coursework for A2, AS and GCSE if relevant
• Individual studies if relevant
• Fieldwork at GCSE, AS and A2 levels (Where? What did you study?)
• Relevant preferences within the subject — eg, organic chemistry, statistics, 19th Century literature
• Reading — genres/authors

2.How do your personal experiences support your application?

Refer to:

• Travels — where? relevance? — cultures/societies/language
• Work experience — where? which department? what responsibilities?
• Social experiences
• Hobbies and interests

3. What would you bring to a university?

Refer to:

• Positions of responsibility
• Games/sports; membership of clubs, school teams etc.
• Duke of Edinburgh / Young Enterprise / Charity Work

4. What do you hope to do with your degree?

• How will your choice of degree help you towards a chosen career?
• Is it a sandwich degree?
• Does it give you the opportunity for a year abroad?
• Do you have definite plans for a Gap Year and how might they support your application?

Remember that this is YOUR form and you must be happy that this shows YOU off to maximum advantage.

More Section 10 Advice

• This is your interview, but it is an interview on paper.
• Don’t sell yourself short.
• Keep it personal and lively. ‘Zingy’ is the word Bristol University used.
• First impressions count!
• Precise comments are required, not generalisations.
• Plan what you are going to write by drawing up a spider diagram of your A Level subjects, interests and experiences.
• Use Microsoft Word and then Cut and Paste your Personal Statement in.
• Use Times New Roman 12 — it will be changed to this anyway.
• You have 47 lines but do not have to use them all. Don’t pad out your reference and don’t sell yourself short. If you do not write something like this number of lines there may be a problem.
• The Admissions Tutor will probably be a lecturer so concentrate on proving your academic credentials.
• Everyone does Work Experience. What did it mean to you?
• Explain how you are using your experiences: don’t just state them.
• For those universities which still interview, you can set the agenda with your Personal Statement.
• Don’t use the phrase: ‘My interest in...’