Thomas Rotherham College
Student Guide to
and Higher Education
www.trc.ac.uk Contents
Important dates UCAS calendar and checklist 2020/2021 Page 2 5 Steps to comple ng your UCAS applica on Page 3 2021 Apply Register and log in Page 4 How to complete your UCAS Applica on Form 2021 Page 5
Resources Section
Researching your HE choices Page 11 University Open Days why bother? Page 14 HE Ins tu on Open Days 2021 Page 16 Final choices for UCAS applica on Page 17 UCAS tariff table Page 18 Personal Statements Page 19 What Makes a Good Applicant? Page 20 General Top Tips for wri ng your Personal Statement Page 21 Applica ons for Russell Group Universi es Page 22 How to Structure Your Personal Statement Page 23 Personal Statement Planner Page 24
Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine Degrees Specialist Personal Statement Planner Page 26 How to Structure Your Personal Statement Page 27 Top Tips Page 28
Allied Health Profession Degrees Specialist Personal Statement Planner Page 29 How to Structure Your Personal Statement Page 30 Top Tips Page 31
Teaching Degrees Specialist Personal Statement Planner Page 32 How to Structure Your Personal Statement Page 33
Support Available from Local Universi es 2020 21 Page 34 A er you apply Page 36 UCAS uncondi onal offers friend or foe? Page 37 Replying to your UCAS offers Page 39 UCAS ‘EXTRA’ Page 41 What to do on A Level results day Page 42 Important dates ‐ UCAS calendar and checklist 2020/2021
21 May 2020 UCAS Apply 2021 OPENS for applicants to start their applica ons.
22 June TRC students register on UCAS Apply 2021
Summer holiday Students research university course choices and begin to dra their personal statement. Note: Many universi es will hold open days for their various courses in June and July. See www.opendays.com
1 September Students return to college with PERSONAL DETAILS AND EDUCATION SECTIONS OF UCAS FORM COMPLETED and a dra of their Personal Statement.
1 September Earliest date completed UCAS forms can be submi ed.
25 September Internal deadline for Oxford and Cambridge applica ons, Medicine, Den stry and Vet. Science applica ons. Allows for forms to be checked, amended, if necessary, and references to be added before the applica on is finally sent off.
15 October Official UCAS deadline for Oxford and Cambridge applica ons, Medicine, Den stry and Vet. Science applica ons. Applica ons received a er this date WILL NOT be considered.
22 October Careers Fair at TRC Come and speak to over 30 ins tu ons!
16 November Internal Deadline for ALL remaining applica ons. Tutors need me to check each applica on carefully, possibly return it for amendment and prepare their reference. Each applica on is then checked by a college manager before finally being sent to UCAS. These checks all take me due to the volume of applica ons. They are for the student's benefit, however, and cannot be guaranteed if an applica on is submi ed a er the internal deadline.
15 January 2021 Official UCAS deadline date. Equal considera on deadline for applica ons for most courses.
25 February UCAS Extra opens
30 June Applica ons received by this date will be sent to universi es and colleges. A er this date, applica ons are automa cally entered into Clearing. Universi es and colleges will only consider applica ons submi ed un l now IF they s ll have vacancies.
6 July Clearing opens for those eligible
13 August A level Results Day Adjustment opens for registra on.
Good luck! Help is available in college if you need it
Page 2 5 Steps to completing your UCAS application
Read and follow these steps carefully
STEP 1 Complete all the sec ons of your UCAS form, including your Personal Statement. Make sure your choices are realis c ones.
To help with this, make sure you know what your UCAS predicted grades are. Get this very important informa on from your A2 tutor.
STEP 2 Print out a copy of your completed UCAS form and take it to your tutor who will check it and sign it.
STEP 3 Complete the payment sec on online and click on 'Pay and Send'. You will need to pay by credit or debit card (if you can only pay by cheque, come to Student Services Recep on). Once you have paid, your form is sent to your tutor (not to UCAS!) so he/she can write the reference.
STEP 4 Bring the paper copy of your UCAS form (this must be signed by your tutor) to Student Services Recep on. You will receive a receipt that explains what happens next.
STEP 5 Your tutor has one week to write your reference. The reference is then checked before your form is sent to UCAS. This process can take up to two weeks.
UCAS
You can request a copy of your reference by asking at Student Services Reception after your form has been sent.
This will be emailed to you.
Page 3 Registration on UCAS ‘Apply’ 2020 2021apply Register and log in
Registration and logging on
The first me you use Apply you will need to register. You only need to register ONCE.
1. Go to www.ucas.com/students You will be taken to a page: Student sign in (Please select an educa on scheme)
2. Select Undergraduate
3. Select 2021 Entry
4. Select Apply
5. Select Register
6. Follow the onscreen instruc ons.
Your username will then be generated. Write the username and password down below:
My Username: My Password:
DO NOT LOSE THESE – you will need them every time you need to access your application
7. Once your username is displayed, click on log in now and follow the instruc ons below.
8. When asked 'How are you applying?' select Through my school/college
9. Enter the buzzword, which is thomroth21 Say Yes to Thomas Rotherham College
10. When you are asked about your tutor group, ck Don't know. Do not enter your tutor's name as you may not have the same tutor for A2!
11. When the welcome screen is displayed, note your personal ID number below:
My Personal ID number:
DO NOT LOSE THIS – you need it to communicate with UCAS
12. Log in and con nue with your applica on
13. When you wish to leave the applica on, click Save at the bo om of the screen and Logout at the top right corner BEFORE closing the page.
Page 4 UCAS
How to complete your UCAS Application Form 2021
Firstly, please note the following:
Type exactly as you This is a formal You have up to A fee is required by want the information application: use capital 5 choices available. UCAS of £20 for 1 to appear on the form and lower‐case letters choice or £25 for 2 or (watch out for typing just as you would in a more choices by and spelling errors). formal email or job credit / debit card. application (eg Rotherham, not rotherham).
A er you complete your form, it will not be sent to UCAS immediately as it will first need to be checked, a reference added and then checked by a college manager. For this reason, you need to meet the COLLEGE INTERNAL DEADLINES detailed on the calendar.
Application You will need to input the verification code sent to your email address before you can complete your applica on you can do this now by logging in to the email account that you have registered with and following the instruc ons. Enter your verifica on code in the box and click verify email.
In the left‐hand column are all the sections you must complete, in order to complete your UCAS application.
Personal Details Click on 'Personal Details'. Check the details that have been automa cally inpu ed.
Permanent home is in the UK Tick Yes Country of birth, nationality and Area of permanent residence, click see list and choose the one that is relevant to you. Dual nationality you would only be considered to have this if you have a dual na onality passport. If you are unsure, leave that field blank and bring your passport in to check with your tutor. Residential category most students should click on see list and select UK Ci zen England. If you are not a UK Ci zen, click on the ? for help or ask your tutor. Unique Learner Number is a tendigit number found on your student card. NB This is NOT your TRC number that begins with 0000. Look for the other 10 digit number. Student Support Fee Code select 02 UK, Chl, IoM or EU student finance services. Student Support Arrangements see list. Select the name of your Local Authority. Nominated Access if you want to nominate someone to act on your behalf with UCAS, enter their name here. UCAS method of contact select the appropriate box. Disability / Special Needs click see list and choose the one that applies to you. Give details in the box below if necessary.
If you have completed everything then you can ck Sec on completed and then Save. If you haven't completed everything you can click Save and you can return to complete it later.
Any part of the section you have not completed will be highlighted. Just complete and save.
Page 5 UCAS
How to complete your UCAS Application Form 2021
Choices Choices can be added in any order they will default to alphabe cal order when your applica on is sent off.
Click add a choice Institution code type the name of the ins tu on then select it from the list provided Course code click see list – select the le er for the name of the course tle (double check it IS the correct one) Campus code click see list – select a campus, if necessary Start date select the appropriate date you wish to start the course Further details enter any further details that have been s pulated in the prospectus Live at home whilst studying select Yes or No to say whether you will be living at home whilst studying at the ins tu on Point of entry leave blank
Education Click on 'Educa on' in the le hand column.
Please state the highest level of qualifica on you expect to have before you start If you got a U, E or D your course select Below honours degree level educa on. in any subject, you Click Add new school/college/centre to enter details of your secondary school. need to enter it as a Click find and select your school. The centre number should be added automa cally result, even if you're added when you select your school. going to resit the Add your star ng and leaving dates for that school. Did you receive any formal qualifica ons? click Yes. exam Click Save. Click Add qualifica ons. Use the search box to find GCSE or select from the popular qualifica on list below the search bar. Select General Cer fica on of Secondary Educa on (19). Using the informa on on your GCSE Cer ficates, enter each GCSE with the date awarded (usually this will be June 2019), awarding body and grade. A er entering each one click Save and add similar. To enter a GCSE Double Award, GCSE Short Course, BTEC Award or any other qualifica on, go back to the Summary and find the appropriate qualifica on as it appears on your cer ficate.
Page 6 UCAS
How to complete your UCAS Application Form 2021
Adding college qualifications Click on add Go back to summary page qualifications Click Add new School/College and enter all Find and enter Thomas Rotherham College. your A‐level Enter your start and finish dates, a endance subjects (full me) and qualifica ons (yes) and Save Click Add qualifica ons
Adding A/S levels Very few students are now taking A/S levels. A/S Levels are If you are, go to the Popular qualifica ons list and select GCE Advanced Subsidiary. known as GC Subject Advanced E Qualifica on date June 2020 Subsidiary Awarding organisa on select your exam board Grade enter your result
Adding A‐levels Popular qualifica ons list and select GCE Advanced Level A‐levels are Subject known as Qualifica on date June 2021 GCE Advanced Awarding organisa on select your exam board Level Grade 'Pending’
Adding BTEC qualifications The BTEC qualifica on that you are studying for will depend on how much of your metable is spent studying that subject. You will gain a qualifica on at the end of Yr. 1 of your BTEC course.
One block BTEC subjects Two block BTEC subjects Three Block BTEC subjects
Lower Sixth BTEC Certificate QCF BTEC Subsidiary Diploma QCF BTEC 90‐Credit Diploma QCF
Upper Sixth BTEC Subsidiary Diploma QCF BTEC Diploma QCF BTEC Extended Diploma QCF
Exceptions:
Criminology Performing Arts
Year 1 Applied Certificate WJEC Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Ext. Cert. (360) (First teaching Sept. 2016)
Year 2 Applied Diploma WJEC Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Dip. (720) (First teaching Sept. 2016)
Page 7 UCAS
How to complete your UCAS Application Form 2021
Search
Popular Qualifications
ASDAN Level 3 Award in Personal Effec veness Addi onal Admissions Test Put 'BTEC QCF' in the Advanced Extension Awards search box or find the BTEC 90Credit Diploma (QCF) BTEC Cer ficate (QCF) qualifications in the BTEC Diploma (QCF) Popular Qualifications list BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) Cer ficate of Personal Effec veness (CoPE) Duke of Edinburgh Award Extended Project (Level 3) GCE Advanced Level If your qualification is GCE Advanced Subsidiary not listed, look under GCSE (Grade 9 1) 'Other UK qualification' GCSE (Grade A* G) GCSE Short Course GCSE Double Award Music Qualifica on Graded Prac cal (ABRSM) and equivalent Music Qualifica on Graded Theory (ABRSM) and equivalent NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Cer ficate in Childcare and Educa on (EYE) Pearson BTEC Level 3 Na onal Cer ficate (First teaching September 2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 Na onal Diploma (First teaching September 2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 Na onal Extended Cer ficate (First teaching September 2016) Pearson BTEC Level 3 Na onal Extended Diploma (First teaching September 2016) LIBF Cer ficate in Financial Studies LIBF Level 1 / Level 2 Qualifica ons (not QCF)
The Awarding Body for BTEC is Pearson
BTEC Registration Number must be provided if you are taking a BTEC qualification in college.
EXAM BOARDS FOR OTHER SUBJECTS ARE LISTED ON PAGE 10
Page 8 UCAS
How to complete your UCAS Application Form 2021
Adding CACHE qualifications You need to split this into Yr. 1 and Yr. 2:
Year 1 Go to Popular qualifica ons list and select NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Cer ficate in Childcare and Educa on (EYE) Qualifica on date June 2020 Awarding organisa on NCFE Grade Enter your grade Save and return to Popular qualifica ons list
Year 2 Go to the Popular qualifica ons list and select NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Educa on (EYE) Qualifica on date June 2021 Awarding organisa on NCFE Grade Pending Save
Adding Employment Click on add employer Enter details of paid employment, past and present. It does not have to be employment solely relevant to your applica on. Voluntary work and placements can be included in your Personal Statement Employer name should be the company name, not the name of your boss eg Hair Design, not Lisa. Address only needs to be brief details eg Primark, Meadowhall, Sheffield When did you finish leave unanswered if ongoing employment
Personal Statement 47 lines or 4000 characters, with spaces. Times New Roman, font size 12 See separate guide for advice on wri ng an effec ve UCAS Personal Statement. Type your statement in Word and then paste it online as there is no spellchecker on Apply!
Page 9 UCAS
How to complete your UCAS Application Form 2021
Completion When all sec ons have been marked as complete, you can click on Pay and Send. Read the Terms and Condi ons Click I agree for college to be allowed to see informa on on the progress of your applica on. We can be er offer help to those needing it if we are aware of their situa on.
NB When you click on Pay and Send it purely flags your form on the system and ready for checking as DOES NOT send it to UCAS. Your tutor will then check it, return it if any amendments are required, and add a reference. When this is done, a college manager will check and approve the applica on before sending it to UCAS. This final process may take up to 2 weeks, due to volume of applica ons.
SO, DO NOT GIVE YOUR APPLICATION TO YOUR TUTOR AT THE LAST MINUTE!
Good luck with your application! Help is available with any part of your applica on or the selec on process from the Careers Advisers. Appointments are available via Student Services Recep on.
Exam Boards Level 3 Art (Fine Art/Graphics) Pearson Geology WJEC Biology OCR German AQA Business Studies Pearson History AQA CACHE CACHE/NCFE Law OCR Chemistry OCR Maths AQA Computer Science AQA Media Studies WJEC Core Maths AQA Music Pearson Criminology (Applied) WJEC Music Technology Pearson Economics AQA Philosophy AQA English Language AQA Physics AQA English Literature Pearson Poli cs Pearson Film Studies WJEC Psychology AQA French AQA Religious Studies Pearson Further Maths AQA Sociology AQA Geography Pearson Spanish AQA
Level 2 Other subjects English GCSE AQA Personal Financial Level 2 LIBF Maths GCSE Pearson Func onal Skills Level 1/Level 2 Pearson Combined Science AQA History AQA Cambridge Tech. in Media Studies OCR ALL BTEC COURSES ARE PEARSON
Page 10 Researching your HE choices Resources Section
Looking at Higher Educa on (HE) can seem like a massive job. This handout aims to break it down into the most important things you need to think about and where you can get help.
What subject shall I study? There are over 51,000 different courses listed on UCAS and you need to get it down to 5 choices. For some careers, you need to take par cular degree courses, so check this out before making your applica on. Some professions have mul ple qualifica on routes, so it is worth checking that you are aware of all of them and have picked the best one for you. Addi onally, certain careers require professional qualifica ons, so you need to explore this thoroughly before making your applica on.
HELP Book a careers appointment via Student Services Recep on www.ucas.com/buzz‐quiz ‐ a short quiz designed to help you iden fy what you like and what you could do. www.ukcoursefinder.com www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk ‐ an interac ve site where users can highlight their requirements and create their own table www.university.which.co.uk ‐ wide‐ranging site covering many aspects of HE research www.prospects.ac.uk ‐ use Job Profiles to check individual careers Consider a ending a Taster Day or Summer School ‐ adver sed in college or on www.ucas.com/taster‐course
Many universities are now offering them online so check their websites for details.
How do courses differ? There are lots of different subjects at university some new to you. Many are voca onal, and you may want to study them to go into a par cular career e.g. nursing and accountancy. Others are academic, which you may study because you are interested in the subject. These can include familiar subjects like French or Geography, or new areas like Social Policy or Marke ng. You need to examine the differences between courses in your subject area. For example, if you're interested in construc on, but wish to use your crea ve skills, you may be be er suited to a Building Design Management course than a Project Management op on.
You also need to look beyond the course tle even if they have exactly the same name, they may differ enormously. Each university puts together its own course, so what they include and how it is delivered reflect the strengths of the staff and facili es available.
HELP If they are available, go to individual OPEN DAYS, which are listed on www.opendays.com. Get a feel for the course, the department, the university and the loca on – you could be there for many years. Many ins tu ons are running VIRTUAL OPEN DAYS at the moment instead – check out their websites for details. Unibuddy ‐ UCAS have launched a PEER NETWORK where you can link with university students on courses of interest to ask them ques ons about the course or ins tu on: www.ucas.com/chat‐to‐students Individual university and college websites for course structure, content and assessment. www.unistats.ac.uk ‐ compare student sa sfac on scores, percentage of coursework, teaching hours etc. www. meshighereduca on.com and www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk ‐ both are interac ve sites where users can highlight their requirements and create their own tables.
Page 11 Researching your HE choices Resources Section
Will I get in? Different universi es may ask for different grades/points for the same course why? Some courses are very popular, with many more applica ons than places available; others are not oversubscribed. Se ng different entry grades is how universi es can manage demand for their courses. Generally, the lower the demand, the lower the offer you will get (within reason!).
You also need to check other requirements. Many courses demand GCSE Maths & English. Other courses require you to have done work experience, so you need to make sure you have the amount and type of experience they expect.
It is very important you check the work experience requirements of each individual institution in light of Covid ‐19 as they are constantly evolving.
You need to be realis c so it is important to get your es mated grades from your subject tutors, before making your final choices. Unrealis c applica ons can mean ge ng no offers or was ng an opportunity.
The UCAS Tariff Table is available in this booklet.
HELP Book a careers appt via Student Services Recep on www.ucas.com/search ‐ for 'Choose a Course' and Admission Test deadlines Individual university websites Degree Course Offers 2021 (book in LRC)
What are the different types of course? Type of course In many cases your es mated grades determine the type of course you can apply for, but it is important to have a backup course that you would be happy with, should you not get the grades for your first choice. The different types of course are:
Masters (MA/MSc/MEng etc.) – Level 7 – 45 years full me study Degree (BA/BSc (Hons.) etc) – Level 6 – 35 years dep. on subject Founda on Degree (FdA/FdSc) – Level 5 – 2 years Higher Educa on Diploma (DipHE) – Level 5 – 2 years Higher Na onal Diploma (HND) Level 5 – 2 years Higher Na onal Cer ficate (HNC) – Level 4 – 1 year Cer ficate of Higher Educa on (CertHE) – Level 4 – 1 year
Mode of study The length of course given above relates to full me study, but it may suit you be er to study part me or through a flexible route such a distance learning. These routes are common via Degree Appren ceships. Course components and op ons If you do not want to study just one subject, you could look at different course combina ons. Joint Honours courses combine different subject areas: for example, you could study English and History. Major/Minor courses are similar but are weighted towards one subject. Most courses are modular, so are made up of different subject 'blocks' which deal with par cular area of interest. Modules can be delivered using a range of lectures, seminars and/or workshops. You may be able to choose some or all of the modules you study; either way it is important to look at the components that make up your course. Methods of assessment Some courses use tradi onal end of year exams with aspects of con nuous assessment through the year, whilst others have modular exams, unseen or open book exams, or even no exams, preferring to use other methods such a por olio, reflec ve wri ng, assignments, report, observa ons… . Consider which methods suit you best when making your choices.
Page 12 Researching your HE choices Resources Section
Work experience is offered on many courses, either through placements, sandwich years or even years abroad studying or working. Founda on degrees always include workbased learning. If this is important to you, focus on these courses and consider the amount of support given to students to find appropriate work opportuni es.
HELP Book a careers appt via Student Services Recep on Go to individual OPEN DAYS, or VIRTUAL OPEN DAYS, with details on ins tu on websites or on www.opendays.com Individual university websites under each course detail
How much will it cost? Universi es can charge up to £9,250 a year in course fees; and then you may have to pay for rent, food, books and equipment and have a social life. Where does the money come from?
Understandably you may be concerned about the cost of going to university or college. It may even make an impact on the decisions you make about the type of course and loca on. However, there is plenty of help and advice about the opportuni es and assistance available.
HELP Book a careers appt via Student Services Recep on www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student‐loans‐tui on‐fees‐changes/ ‐ Mar n Lewis' excellent video and explana on of student finance support www.direct.gov.uk/studen inance ‐ details of the whole financial package www.ucas.com/students/studen inance ‐ as above www.scholarshiphub.org.uk ‐ links to bursary and scholarship informa on for all higher educa on ins tu ons www.nusonline.co.uk ‐ na onal voice of students
Where do I go and how do I decide? You may wish to remain close to home or decide to live in a different part of the country. Your choice may depend on the academic or social facili es offered, or the local area for relevant employment, your hobbies and interests, friends and rela ves. You may also want to consider the local cost of living and the distance from home.
Friends, family, advisers and websites may offer different advice, and whilst it is useful to have varied perspec ves, YOU will be the one going, and the final decision must be YOURS.
Use the university websites for informa on about the place and the courses, but remember they will want to show off their good points. A ending open days can help you discover the good and the bad points of a place, and look at the comparison websites to get unbiased informa on, as well as student forums to get other opinions
HELP Book a careers appt via Student Services Recep on Go to individual OPEN DAYS, with dates listed on their websites or on www.opendays.com. If those are not running, many are hos ng VIRTUAL OPEN DAYS online – check their websites for details. Unibuddy ‐ peer network where you can link with university students on courses of interest to ask them ques ons about the course or ins tu on: www.ucas.com/chat‐to‐students www.unistats.ac.uk ‐ lets you compare subjects, courses, sa sfac on ra ngs www.university.which.co.uk ‐ free and independent informa on, allows you to search on entry requirements, loca on and extra‐curricular interests, and find out how many students get offers www.thestudentroom.co.uk ‐ student forums and loads more Page 13 University Open Days ‐ why bother? Resources Section
Let's be honest, there's plenty of informa on available on the internet and in prospectuses, so what's the big deal about university open days?
Firstly, let's put the university websites and prospectuses in context: they're marke ng informa on, and you need to treat them as such.
An open day is your best opportunity to find out what you really want to know about courses and universi es; the stuff you won't find on their websites or in their prospectuses. It's also the only way you'll really get a 'feel' for what studying, and possibly living and socialising, there is going to be like.
If it's not possible to a end an Open Day in person this year, look out for the Virtual Open Days many universi es are hos ng via their websites. You can s ll ask the same ques ons to get a good insight into whether it's really the right place for you.
Below are some useful ps about things to ask about and look for, in order to make the most of your open day visit.
Questions to ask about the course Obviously you'll want to ask ques ons specific to your subject, but some general informa on is also needed: What does the course cover? Do I need to study a minor subject in my 1st year? How many hours a week will I be in metabled teaching? What's the split between lectures, tutorials and selfdirected study? What size are tutorial groups? How much flexibility is there? What assessment methods are used? Are placements or study abroad opportuni es on offer? Where are they? How are they organised? How do they affect tui on fees? Does it have the facili es you expect? What are the pros and cons of taking a joint or combined course?
Questions about applying for the course This could be your chance to find out tbits of informa on to later impress them with in your Personal Statement What do they look for in Personal Statements? Can they recommend any reading or ac vi es to inform your PS? How do they select candidates to make offers to? How do they feel about gap years? Is it worth applying for more than one course? What if you just miss the grades required? Do they accept your combina on of subjects?
Questions about career prospects What have previous students gone on to do a er gradua on? How does their course make you more employable? Do they include placements? Is a postgraduate course usually necessary a er this course to work in this field? What are their careers guidance facili es like? Are there job fairs organised at the university? Page 14 University Open Days ‐ why bother? Resources Section
Questions about accommodation Canny universi es will show off their best halls of residence, but make sure you ask about them all. Is a place in Halls guaranteed for 1st years? Would it s ll be if the university was your Insurance choice? What accommoda on is available offcampus for 1st years? What does it all cost and what's included in the price? What are the pros and cons of catered versus selfcatered? How big are the rooms? Are some bigger than others? How quiet are the rooms? How secure are they? Do most students stay on campus at weekends? What happens in Years 2 & 3? How far is it to lectures, town, banks and supermarkets from the accommoda on?
Questions to ask current students Don't be afraid to talk to the students at Open Days that's what they're there for Why did you choose to come here? How have you found the course so far? How have you coped with the course a er Alevels/BTEC? What are the main differences? What are the lecturers like? Do they know you by name? How o en do you see them? If you ask for help, do you get it and do staff genuinely seem to care about you? What support services are there? Counselling, Chaplaincy, Disability Advisory Services, Welfare Advice etc. Was it easy to get to know people here? What's life like in the Halls? Are some be er than others? What's the campus like at weekends? Do you feel safe here? What clubs and socie es are you involved in? How easy is it to join 'x' club/society/team? To what extent will I be able to find part me work, if I need to? How difficult is it to cope financially?
Remember to take notes of everything you find out during your visit. Don't rely on your memory, especially if you are planning to visit several universi es.
Finally ask yourself Can I see myself studying here for three years or longer? Will the course here interest and challenge me? Would I enjoy spending me with the people I met at this university?
Page 15 HE Institution Open Days 2021 Resources Section
Details of Open Days held at universi es and colleges may be found on their individual websites or via www.opendays.com
Booking, via the university website, is essen al prior to a endance at Open Days so that you can select to a end talks on specific academic subjects and those on more general ma ers such as accommoda on, UCAS applica ons, student finance etc.
Many institutions are not running the Open Days they had scheduled for May/June 2020 due to Covid‐19.
They may run ones in September and October, however no decision has been made on this yet, so you need to check their websites and use the alternative resources they have made available.
Most of them are offering Virtual campus tours, Virtual Open Days and Virtual Q&A sessions with Student Ambassadors and Admissions Tutors so you can get the informa on you require.
Have a look on the individual university websites for details.
You can also use Unibuddy to ask ques ons of current students at many universi es: www.ucas.com/chattostudents
www.opendays.com
Page 16 Final choices for UCAS application Resources Section
My es mated grades:
L2/GCSE Courses and est. grades:
CHOICE 1 CHOICE 2 CHOICE 3 Institution name Course title Course code Degree / FDg / HND Single / Joint / Sandwich course Method(s) of assessment L3 entry requirements L2 / GCSE entry requirements Experience requirements Is this realistic for you? Attended (virtual) open day? Entry test required? Live at university / home in 1st year Distance away from home and travel time? City / rural? Campus university / spread across the city? Study and leisure facilities? Student support facilities? eg Accommodation, Careers, Chaplaincy, Counselling, Disabled Student Support
CHOICE 4 CHOICE 5 NOTES Institution name Course title Course code Degree / FDg / HND Single / Joint / Sandwich course Method(s) of assessment L3 entry requirements L2 / GCSE entry requirements Experience requirements Is this realistic for you? Attended (virtual) open day? Entry test required? Live at university / home in 1st year Distance away from home and travel time? City / rural? Campus university / spread across the city? Study and leisure facilities? Student support facilities? eg Accommodation, Careers, Chaplaincy, Counselling, Disabled Student Support
Page 17 UCAS tariff table Resources Section
Extended AS A Tariff BTEC BTEC BTEC BTEC CACHE Project Level Level Points Ext. Dip. Diploma Sub. Dip. Certificate Diploma
168 D*D*D* A* 160 D*D*D 152 D*DD 144 DDD A 128 DDM 120 B 112 DMM D*D* 104 D*D 96 MMM DD C 80 MMP DM 72 D 64 MPP MM A* 56 D* A 48 PPP MP D B 40 C 32 PP M A* 28 D* A D 24 D B A 20 C B E 16 P M D C 12 D 10 E 8 P E 6 4
Other qualifica ons included in the UCAS Tariff can be found online at: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariffcalculator
tariff table
Page 18 Personal Statements Resources Section Everything you need to know about writing your Personal Statement!
The Personal Statement is an important part of your UCAS applica on. It's your chance to describe your ambi ons, skills and experience to university and college admissions staff.
Watch the video from the link below before you start: https://www.ucas.com/personalstatement
The following advice can be applied to applica ons for all courses. It provides a general format for you to follow for most courses.
There are, however, a few exceptions: If you are applying for voca onal Allied Health courses such as Nursing, Midwifery etc. or Medicine, Vet. Science, Den stry or Teaching, please use the ps and template provided later on in the booklet.
Page 19 What Makes a Good Applicant? Resources Section
Skills Are you an independent learner? What Makes a What skills do you have? How have you shown that? Good Applicant? Decision making, leadership...
Current studies and Have you completed all required achieved grades informa on?
Academic Numeracy, literacy and performance to date communica on skills
Predicted academic Understanding of course/career performance What do you know? What have you done?
Good character Work Experiences How have you demonstrated your Any in a similar role or course? character?
Personal Quali es Determina on, empathy, understanding, commitment...
Admissions tutors will gather evidence from: UCAS form Personal statement Reference Admissions tests Wri en work or por olio Interview or audi on
Page 20 General Top Tips for writing your Personal Statement Resources Section
Personal Statements The following pages give advice about how to write your Personal Statement; what to include, how to structure it and what you need to demonstrate about yourself in order to make the best impression possible. The advice is different depending on what course you're applying for, so you can look at the Personal Statement guidance that is best for your needs. There are some common factors across all advice though, which is that Admissions Tutors are looking for Personal Statements to address three key areas:
Why you want to study the course What you have done that makes you a suitable applicant for the course What else you haves done that makes you an interes ng and unique individual who will contribute to the course and the university community
SO Start early summer term of Year 12 Have a good opening paragraph to ensure that the Admissions Tutor reads on (see below) Have a good concluding paragraph Do not start every paragraph with ‘I’ There must be absolutely NO spelling or gramma cal errors Use simple, concise English, and effec ve, meaningful words Be aware that UCAS has similarity detec on so ware any plagiarism will be detected Plan, dra , redra , check ... and check again
An article from The Telegraph newspaper had this to say…
Personal Statement: 10 most overused opening sentences UCAS have compiled a list of the 10 most overused opening sentences in Personal Statements. Whatever you do, don’t begin yours with any of these...
1. I am currently studying a (BTEC Na onal Diploma) in… (used 464 mes) 2. From a young age I have already been interested in… (309 mes) 3. From an early age I have already been interested in… (292 mes) 4. (Nursing) is a very challenging and demanding career… (275 me) 5. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with… (196 mes) 6. “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only...” (beginning with a quota on) (189 mes) 7. (Nursing) is a profession I have always looked upon with… (178 mes) 8. For as long as I can remember I have been interested in… (166 mes) 9. I am an interna onal academy student and have been studying since... (141 mes) 10. Academically, I have always been very determined and… (138 mes) Remember the ABC rule: Activity ‐ what did you do? Benefit ‐ what did you gain? Course ‐ relate it to your course! Page 21 Applications for Russell Group Universities Resources Section
Russell Group Universi es are 24 UK universi es that ‘are commi ed to the highest levels of academic excellence in both teaching and research’. Russell Group students are o en very academically able and academically focused, o en progressing from undergraduate to post graduate study. Entry requirements are high, usually between A*AA and ABB. More informa on on Russell Group Universi es can be found at www.russellgroup.ac.uk.
University of Birmingham London School of Economics and Political Science University of Bristol University of Manchester University of Cambridge Newcastle University Cardiff University University of Nottingham Durham University University of Oxford University of Edinburgh Queen Mary University of London Don't assume that any University of Exeter Queen’s University Belfast 'University of … ' is a University of Glasgow University of Sheffield Russell Group institution Imperial College London University of Southampton King's College London University College London University of Leeds University of Warwick University of Liverpool University of York
Writing the Personal Statement Personal Statements for Russell Group Universi es should follow the ‘75%+’ rule.
At least 75% of the Personal Statement should be about academic interests, mo va on and strengths with 25% or less on the skills developed through extracurricular ac vi es.
Within the 75%, you might want to write about: Reasons for course choice why you want to study the course What you enjoy about the subjects currently studied Evidence of study skills, wider reading and development as an independent learner Interests and achievements which match the university entry profile requirements Relevant work experience, job shadowing and employment Career aspira ons Gap year plans (if relevant to course choice)
Within the 25%, you could write about: How your involvement in extracurricular ac vi es, special achievements or significant responsibili es has helped develop transferable skills Work experience, job shadowing and employment (if not directly relevant to course choice) Gap year plans (if not directly relevant to course choice) Any special circumstances
Page 22 How to Structure Your Personal Statement Resources Section
WHY CHOSEN COURSE? Why does it interest you? What areas of the subject do you find interes ng?
RELEVANT SUBJECT Skills you have developed Which topics have you found most interes ng and why? Extra reading etc. RELEVENT WORK EXPERIENCE Skills you OTHER SUBJECTS developed Skills you have developed that are transferable to your course/university Areas you found Areas of par cular interest most interes ng and why Posi ons of OTHER INTERESTS responsibility Sports, hobbies, interests and how they have benefited and developed you Posi ons of responsibility, part me jobs and skills you have developed through these
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH Why you want to do the course Why you think you will do well at University
Have a look at the website studential.com
For lots of tips and advice about writing an effective Personal Statement!
Page 23 Personal Statement Planner Resources Section
Use this planning grid to organise your ideas and plan your statement.
WHY CHOSEN COURSE? (why does it interest you/what areas of the subject do you find interes ng)
RELEVANT SUBJECT (skills you have developed/which topics have you found most interes ng and why/extra reading etc.)
Remember the ABC rule: Activity ‐ what did you do? Benefit ‐ what did you gain? Course ‐ relate it to your course!
Page 24 Personal Statement Planner Resources Section
OTHER SUBJECTS (areas of par cular interest/skills you have developed that are transferable to your course/university)
OTHER INTERESTS (sports, hobbies, interests and how they have benefi ed you/posi ons of responsibility, part me jobs and skills you have developed through these)
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH (why you want to do the course/why you think you will do well at university)
University Top Tip: Check with your universi es that their entry requirements don't call for specific GCSE grades it may be that you have to enrol on a GCSE course in your second year at TRC and if so, you need to know that before you enrol for your second year at TRC in September.
Page 25 Specialist Personal Statement Planner for: Resources Section
Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine Degrees
How to structure your Personal Statement. Add your notes in the spaces. Read this if you are applying for: Medicine Den stry Veterinary Medicine
Universi es are se ng more demanding entry requirements for both GCSE and Alevel grades, o en in specific subjects for these degrees.
IN ADDITION: Additionally, students must check the entry criteria re relevant work experience with each institution they wish to apply to, as this is a changing situation in light of Covid‐19.
Applicants must be able to ar culate what they have learnt from that experience and the skills and quali es they have demonstrated.
It is important that you evidence that you have made a wellinformed choice, are commi ed to the profession and hold a good range of relevant skills and interests. Invita on to interview is largely determined by selec on against desirable elements.
Don’t forget that the UCAT and BMAT scores are very important. You need to have registered for either/both the BMAT or the UCAT, depending on which ins tu on you’re applying to. Students who need to sit the BMAT at TRC need to get a form from the Exams Office by 1st October 2020 in order to register.
Don’t forget ‐ the LRC has a careers section where you can do some research on your chosen career and could enhance your application.
Resources include: UKCAT Official Guide 2020 Succeeding in the UKCAT Passing the UKCAT and BMAT www.bda.org.uk (Bri sh Dental Associa on) www.ucat.ac.uk (UCAT) www.themedicportal.com (Medicine & Den stry) www.rvcs.org.uk (Royal College of Vet. Surgeons)
We recommend that you follow the template below when wri ng your Personal Statement. This has been designed based on the advice from Admission Tutors about what Personal Statements should contain. Of course, your Personal Statement is very much your own and you can write what you like. However, if you are at a s cking point or unsure what to say, the ideas on the following page may help.
Page 26 How to Structure Your Personal Statement for: Resources Section
Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine
What do you wish to study and why? Why are you interested in a career in Medicine/Den stry/Vet. Medicine? Where did this idea come from? What research into the profession did you undertake before deciding on your A Level choices / degree course choice?
What is your experience of the profession? Outline what work experience that you have had that directly (or indirectly) relates to the profession you are interested in This sec on only needs to be a few sentences as you will be lis ng the experience you have had.
What insight/knowledge have you gained from your experience of the profession? This is the most important section. You need to state what you learnt about the profession you have experienced Preferably you will have had a range of experience so you can draw upon the different aspects of the profession What skills and quali es are needed if you are going to pursue a career in Medicine/Den stry/Vet Medicine? What did your work experience teach you about this? What are the posi ve (or difficult) aspects of the profession? (You need to show you appreciate the commitment and resilience required) What do you think you will enjoy most about the profession?
What kind of person are you? This is a sec on on extracurricular ac vi es, hobbies, work, academic achievements etc. How do you think these ac vi es enhance your applica on?
Conclusion Your key points including why you are looking forward to the course/university.
Page 27 Top Tips for Medicine, Dentistry and Vet. Medicine Resources Section
Top 10 tips to help increase your chances of getting a place on a Medicine, Dentistry or Vet. Med. degree for 2021
Tip 1 Check entrance requirements including GCSEs carefully to ensure that you are applying for courses that are realis c in terms of entrance requirements.
Tip 2 Have a really good look at these useful websites for those considering: Medicine: h ps://themedicportal.com Den stry: h p://careerplanning.about.com/library/quiz/career_quizzes/blden stquiz.htm Vet: h p://careerplanning.about.com/library/quiz/career_quizzes/blveterinarian_quiz.htm
Tip 3 Find out if you are required to take the UCAT or BMAT UCAT h p://www.ucat.ac.uk/aboutthetest/whoshouldtakethetest/ Registra on and comple on of the test has to be done within a strict metable (usually May to September before you submit your UCAS applica on). You MUST check the UCAT website for these as they are under review in light of the pandemic.
We strongly recommend you sit the UCAT as soon as you are able, to ensure places are available at a local centre.
Tip 4 Find out if you are required to take the BMAT h p://www.admissionstes ngservice.org/fortesttakers/bmat/datesand costs/ You can register to take the BMAT course at College. To do this you need to see Russell Gray in Exams Office in early September 2020.
Tip 5 You MUST check the BMAT website for details of registra on and test dates as they are under review in light of the pandemic. Organise and get as much varied work experience as you possibly can. Keep a diary whilst on work placement of what you saw, learnt and felt about the experience. Check with individual ins tu ons what their requirements are, in light of Covid19, as they are under review.
Tip 6 Find out as much as you can about your chosen career by talking to people, researching on the internet and reading books, publica ons and journals.
Tip 7 A end Open days or Virtual Open Days at the universi es you are interested in. Check when they are running through h p://www.opendays.com/calendar/
Tip 8 Start thinking about your personal statement during the summer holidays. You will need plenty of me to write it. Make sure you use the college's template for Personal Statements for Medicine, Den stry and Vet Medicine. (It is different to the standard one.)
Tip 9 Book an appointment with a Careers Adviser for support with your Personal Statement and for a Mock Interview. The internal deadline for completed UCAS applica on forms is 25 September 2020 to meet the external deadline of 15th October 2020.
Tip 10 If you are unsuccessful in receiving an interview / offer contact the university for feedback. Places are compe ve so it is essen al you have a backup plan. You can discuss your fi h choice with the Careers Adviser too.
Page 28 Specialist Personal Statement Advice for: Resources Section
Allied Health Degrees
Dental Hygiene Physiotherapy Dietetics Podiatry Midwifery Prosthetics and Orthotics Nursing Radiography Occupational Therapy Social Work Operating Departmental Practice Radiotherapy and Oncology Orthoptics Speech and Language Therapy Paramedic Science
The number of university applica ons for allied health degrees has soared over the past few years. Universi es are placing more demands on entry requirements for these degrees.
IN ADDITION: Students must check the entry criteria re relevant work experience with each institution they wish to apply to, as this is a changing situation in light of Covid‐19.
Where relevant experience is required, it is expected that you are be able to ar culate what have learnt from it.
It is important that you understand what it is you are applying for and that you demonstrate in your Personal Statement what you know about your chosen degree course and the career you are hoping to train in.
We recommend that you follow the template below when wri ng your Personal Statement; it has been designed based on the advice from Admission Tutors about what a Personal Statement should contain. Of course, your Personal Statement is very much your own and you can write what you like. However, if you are at a s cking point or unsure what to say, the ideas below may help.
Don’t forget ‐ The LRC has a careers section where you can do some research on your chosen career and could enhance your application.
Resources include: Careers 2019/20 A Career in the NHS NHS Careers Careers Uncovered Nursing and Midwifery Ge ng into Physiotherapy courses www.nmc.org.uk The Nursing and Midwifery Council www.csp.org.uk The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists www.sor.org The Society of Radiographers
See also, the websites of other professional bodies.
Page 29 How to Structure Your Personal Statement for: Resources Section
Allied Health Professions
What do you wish to study and why? What career are you interested in? Where did this idea come from and why do you wish to puersue this career (as opposed to another)? What research into the profession did you undertake before deciding on your A Level choices/degree course choice?
What is your experience of the profession? Outline what work experience that you have had that directly (or indirectly) relates to the profession you are interested in This sec on only needs to be a few sentences as you will be lis ng the experience you have had.
What insight/knowledge have you gained from your experience of the profession? This is the most important section. You need to state what you learnt about the profession you have experienced and show a realistic insight. What skills and quali es are needed if you are going to pursue this career? What did your work experience teach you about this? What are the posi ve (or difficult) aspects of the profession? What do you think you will enjoy most about the profession? What do you see yourself doing in the profession in 10 years' me?
What kind of person are you? This is a sec on on extracurricular ac vi es, hobbies, work, academic achievements etc. How do you think these ac vi es enhance your applica on?
Conclusion Your key points including why you are looking forward to the course/university.
Page 30 Top Tips for Allied Health Courses Resources Section
Top 10 tips to help increase your chances of getting a place on an Allied Health Course 2021
Tip 1 Check entrance requirements including GCSEs carefully to ensure that you are applying for courses that are realis c in terms of entrance requirements.
Tip 2 Organise and get as much varied work experience as you possibly can.
Tip 3 Keep a diary whilst on work placement of what you saw, learnt and felt about the experience.
Check with individual ins tu ons what their requirements are, in light of Covid19, as they are under review.
Tip 4 Find out as much as you can about the job by talking to people, researching on the internet and reading books publica ons and journals.
Tip 5 A end Open days or Virtual Open Days at the universi es you are interested in.
Tip 6 Start thinking about your Personal Statement during the summer holidays. You will need plenty of me to get it right.
Tip 7 Make sure you use the college's template for Personal Statements for Allied Health Degrees. (It is different to the standard one.)
Tip 8 Book an appointment with a Careers Adviser for support with your Personal Statement and for a Mock Interview. The internal deadline is 16th November for completed UCAS applica on forms.
Tip 9 If you are not successful in receiving an interview or an offer phone up the university to get some feedback.
Tip 10 Think about a backup plan if you don't get in. Places are very compe ve for these courses so it sensible to have an idea of what else you might want to do.
Page 31 Specialist Personal Statement Advice for: Resources Section
Teaching degrees
Read this if you are applying for: Primary Teaching Any teaching related degrees with QTS status Secondary teaching degrees Any educa on related degree course where you are hoping to progress onto a PGCE course a erwards
University applica ons for teaching degrees have increased significantly over the past few years. Universi es are placing more demands on entry requirements (for both GCSE and Alevel grades o en in specific subjects) for these degrees.
IN ADDITION: Students must check the entry criteria re relevant work experience with each institution they wish to apply to, as this is a changing situation in light of Covid‐19.
Applicants must be able to ar culate what they have learnt from that experience and the skills and quali es they have demonstrated.
It is important that you evidence that you have made a wellinformed choice, are commi ed to teaching and hold a good range of relevant skills and interests. Invita on to interview is largely determined by selec on against desirable elements. We recommend that you follow the template below when wri ng Personal Statement. This has been designed based on the advice from Admission Tutors about what Personal Statements should contain. Of course, your Personal Statement is very much your own and you can write what you like. However, if you are at a s cking point or unsure what to say, the ideas below may help!
Don’t forget ‐ The LRC has a careers section where you can do some research on your chosen career and could enhance your application.
Resources include: Careers 2019/20 Target jobs Teaching Careers Uncovered Teaching www.gov.uk/government/organisa ons/departmentforeduca on www.tes.co.uk
Also visit your chosen universi es’ websites to find out further informa on about the course you are applying to study.
What do you wish to study and why? Why are you interested in a career in teaching? Why that par cular age group? (as opposed to another) Where did this idea come from? What research into the profession did you undertake before deciding on your A Level choices/degree course choice?
Page 32 How to Structure Your Personal Statement for: Resources Section
Teaching
What is your experience of the profession? Outline what work experience that you have had that directly (or indirectly) relates to the profession you are interested in This sec on only needs to be a few sentences as you will be lis ng the experience you have had.
What Insight/knowledge have you gained from your experience of the profession? This Is the most important section. You need to state what you learnt about the profession. Preferably you will have had experience with your chosen age range in more than one school so you can draw upon the different approaches they take What skills and abili es are needed if you are going to pursue a career in teaching? What did your work experience teach you about this? What are the posi ve (or difficult) aspects of the profession? (You need to show you appreciate the commitment and resilience required to become an effec ve teacher) What do you think you will enjoy most about the profession? Men on addi onal relevant experience of working with children such as teaching abroad, sports coaching or me spent as a play worker.
What kind of person are you? This is a sec on on extracurricular ac vi es, hobbies, work, academic achievements etc. How do you think these ac vi es enhance your applica on?
Conclusion Your key points including why you are looking forward to the course/university.
Page 33 Support Available from Local Universities 2020 ‐ 21 Resources Section
Thomas Rotherham College holds partnership agreements and par cipates in progression schemes with a number of universi es to support those who are facing barriers and are currently underrepresented in Higher Educa on. It is worth checking the eligibility criteria of those listed below to see if you are eligible.
University of Bradford PROGRESSION SCHEME Applicants from par cular groups will automa cally receive an offer which is the equivalent of one A Level grade (8 UCAS points) lower than the standard entry criteria upon fulfilling the criteria required. https://www.brad.ac.uk/applicants/progression‐scheme/
University of Huddersfield PARTNERSHIP SCHEME AND HEADSTART HUDDERSFIELD SCHEME TRC's partnership agreement with the University of Huddersfield guarantees an interview/audi on if applicable or condi onal offer if the student meets the published academic and nonacademic entry requirements. https://www.hud.ac.uk/undergraduate/schools‐and‐colleges‐liaison‐service/
Headstart Huddersfield is a scheme that offers eligible students, interested in applying to the University of Huddersfield, the opportunity to gain an extra 8 UCAS points and a guaranteed offer or interview https://www.hud.ac.uk/undergraduate/schools‐and‐colleges‐liaison‐service/headstart/
University of Hull SCHOOL LIAISON SUPPORT TRC's partnership agreement with the University of Hull guarantees an interview/audi on or offer if the student meets the published academic and nonacademic entry requirements. https://www.hull.ac.uk/work‐with‐us/more/schools‐and‐colleges/schools‐and‐colleges‐engagement
University of Leeds ACCESS TO LEEDS Access to Leeds is an alterna ve admissions scheme for anyone of Widening Par cipa on criteria OR who has experienced disrupted studies. https://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130588/access_to_leeds
Leeds Trinity University REWARD SCHEME This scheme is for students who have the talent and drive to go to university but might not be able to reflect their poten al in grades alone. The programme allows you to earn up to 8 addi onal UCAS points towards your applica on to Leeds Trinity, as well as giving you the chance to work with university lecturers in a higher educa on se ng to gain a real understanding of the university experience. https://www.leedstrinity.ac.uk/study/reward‐scheme‐residential/
Page 34 Support Available from Local Universities 2020 ‐ 21 Resources Section
Newcastle University THE PARTNERS PROGRAMME This offers a range of support and opportuni es to help young people make a successful applica on to Newcastle University. http://www.ncl.ac.uk/schools/partners//
University of Nottingham SUMMER SCHOOL The Su on Trust Summer School is an opportunity for Year 12 students from a Widening Par cipa on background to experience higher educa on and receive support for the applica on process. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/schoolsliaison/services/sutton‐trust‐summer‐school.aspx
Sheffield Hallam University SHU PROGRESS SCHEME The Progress Scheme is available to TRC students whose personal circumstances might mean that they face barriers to going to university. A range of opportuni es are available and addi onal considera on may be granted at the admission stage. https://www.shu.ac.uk/Current‐students/Student‐support/Care‐Leavers/shu‐progress
University of York ACCESS SCHEME The aim of The University of York Access Scheme is to improve access to the university for applicants who have faced challenges social, personal or educa onal which may have affected their performance in educa on. http://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/access‐scheme/
Page 35 After you apply Resources Section
What happens next? A er processing your applica on, UCAS will send you a Welcome Email containing your Personal ID, that confirms that your applica on has been sent off to your University choices. Please check the informa on carefully and let them know immediately if it is not correct by contac ng the Customer Service Unit on 0371 468 0468. If you haven't received your Welcome Email within 14 days from sending your applica on to UCAS please contact the Customer Service Unit.
You will be able to view your applica on in Track (www.ucas.com/students/track) using your Personal ID and the same password you used to apply. If you do not know your password, please contact Customer Service Unit. You will be asked to answer some security ques ons.
You can use Track to: Follow the progress of your applica on. If you click on the course code it will give details of your offer. It may also lead you to an electronic copy of a decision le er. Change your postal address, email address and/or telephone number Make addi onal choices of course (if you have not already made 5 choices) You can swap a choice for a different one within 14 days of the date of your Welcome email within 7 days via Track a er that by contac ng UCAS on the above telephone number Apply for other courses in Extra (see later note) Reply to your offers Withdraw your applica on See if you have been accepted, on Alevel Results Day
To login, enter your Personal ID number and password. Your password is case sensi ve. Your password is the same as you used when you made your applica on online. For security, your password is not printed on your Welcome Le er.
what happens next?
Page 36 UCAS unconditional offers ‐ friend or foe? Resources Section
Uncondi onal offers were made to around 40% of applicants in the UK in the 2020 applica on cycle. Govt. ministers have pledged to clamp down on them, but here's what you need to know.
Why is this happening? Un l recently, Higher Educa on ins tu ons had a cap on the numbers they could recruit. The government has now removed this cap, so ins tu ons are now in fiercer compe on for students. The number of students affects the funding they receive. Uncondi onal offers are a consequence of the free market that has been created. They are offered by every type of ins tu on.
What is an Unconditional Offer? An Uncondi onal Offer is usually made to an applicant who has a good GCSE record and is predicted to achieve at least the required grades for their chosen HE course. It has no condi ons a ached and the offer stands even if the applicant does not pass their examina ons.
Advantages Obviously, an Uncondi onal Offer is very a rac ve to students, as you don't need to make an Insurance choice and it's reassuring if you're doub ul of your final grades
HOWEVER, THERE ARE DISADVANTAGES WHICH YOU MUST CONSIDER
The main one of these is that you may be tempted to relax your efforts. This would be a big mistake for the following reasons: Occasionally things don't go to plan. For various reasons you may be unable to take up your offered place. You may start the course and find it isn't for you. In such circumstances you may need to apply for a change of course or, in excep onal cases, leave the university and reapply the following year for something else. If you don't have the grades you won't be able to do this. Your results will not reflect your true ability you will be 'behind' your peers at university, and will have wasted the efforts you have put in so far. At university you will need to 'hit the ground' fast. Most people will not have had an uncondi onal offer, and will se le into assignments, coursework and exams faster than you. As a new student you will have other things to think about than trying to catch up, and even a small gap in effort can make a huge difference to performance. Scholarships and bursaries offered to new students o en depend on your A level or BTEC grades. Clearing is not available if you are holding an uncondi onal offer. This ma ers even more to less confident students, because those who do be er than expected can 'trade up' to a more compe ve course or university a er the results come out. Work placements are offered by most universi es and can be invaluable in se ng you up for a graduate job later. When you apply to employers for these, the only indicator of your ability they will have is your A levels / BTEC results. Graduate jobs are based on your degree result, and this will eclipse your A level or BTEC results. However, in a number of professional areas and some larger organisa ons, Level 3 results or point scores are taken into account as well.
Page 37 UCAS unconditional offers ‐ friend or foe? Resources Section STOP!
Unconditional Offers should be considered very carefully Remember, there is no rush to decide on offers the final date for replying is usually in May.
Hold your nerve and see what happens with your other choices – who knows, you may get more than one uncondi onal offer! In any case, by April, you should be more confident of the grades you are likely to get and may not actually need the security of an uncondi onal offer.
Students who have been predicted good grades are likely to have their place confirmed anyway, even if they miss a grade (or more than one, in some cases). This is because a student who chose a course and impressed the university may be considered a be er prospect than someone who has the grades but applies late.
Points to consider If the offer was CONDITIONAL, would you s ll choose it? If so, go ahead and take it, but con nue to work hard to get the best grades you can. If you really would prefer to study elsewhere, don't choose it. Aim for what you really want, and take the uncondi onal offer as an Insurance offer, if that is allowed.
BE CAREFUL – some universi es offer an uncondi onal place only if you accept them as your first choice. If this is the case, think about the op ons you are giving up before accep ng it.
If need be, speak to the Careers Team before taking any ac on. Never allow your grades to drop because of an unconditional offer.
unconditional offers
Page 38 Replying to your UCAS offers Resources Section Very Important!
However tempting it is, DO NOT accept the first offer made to you, EVEN IF it is an unconditional offer! Wait to hear from ALL your choices.
UCAS will then give you an 'INDIVIDUAL REPLYBY DATE', by which you need to make your decision. This 'Reply by Date' will appear on your summary page on Track when you receive your final offer.
So, what do I do in the meantime? Try to a end an Open Day or an Applicant Day (same thing, but for those holding offers) or visit the ins tu on which has made you an offer yourself, before you decide, if you've not already done so. THINK VERY CAREFULLY before you decide which offers to accept because, once you accept an offer, including an insurance offer, you are commi ed to that course (or courses).
YOU MUST DISCUSS IT WITH YOUR PROGRESS TUTOR OR ONE OF THE CAREERS TEAM You can reply to offers without wai ng to hear back from all your choices. You can cancel all outstanding decisions and reply to the offers that you have received using Track. BUT this is NOT at all recommended as courses may be withdrawn during the year. Also you must be 100% certain about the offers you wish to accept, as once you have made your replies you will not be able to reverse any withdrawals. If you are replying to a joint condi onal offer, eg for a degree and HND, you are replying to the whole joint offer when your exam results are published, the university or college will decide which part of the offer is most suitable for you
Replying to your offers When the me comes, you reply to each offer in one of the following ways: Firm acceptance Insurance acceptance Decline
Firm acceptance Your firm acceptance is your preferred choice out of all the offers you have received. You can only have one firm acceptance. If your FIRM ACCEPTANCE is a condi onal offer you are agreeing that you will a end the course at that university or college if you meet the condi ons of the offer. ** You should then accept another offer as an Insurance choice (SEE BELOW) **
If your FIRM ACCEPTANCE is an uncondi onal offer (that's one where there are no requirements you have to meet), you are agreeing that you will a end the course at that university or college, so you must decline any other offers. ** UCAS will send you a le er explaining whether you need to do anything else **
replying to your offers
Page 39 Replying to your UCAS offers Resources Section
Insurance acceptance If your FIRM ACCEPTANCE is a condi onal offer, you can accept another offer as an insurance choice. Your insurance choice can be condi onal or uncondi onal and acts as a backup, so if you don't meet the condi ons for your firm choice but meet the condi ons for your insurance, you will be commi ed to the insurance choice. You can only have one insurance choice.
The Purpose of an Insurance Choice: Somewhere that you want to go to Requires lower entry grades and so can act as a backup, should you not get the grades required for your firm choice. Could be somewhere that has different GCSE requirements, if you are resi ng Maths/English GCSE or doing Numeracy/Literacy Level 2 qualifica ons.
Decline Once you have decided which offer to accept firmly and which to accept as an insurance, you must decline all other offers. If you don't want to accept any of the offers, you can decline them all. You may then be eligible to use Extra or Clearing, depending upon your circumstances – check with one of the Careers Advisers before you do this.
To Summarise How and when to reply to your offers: Use Track to reply to your offers. Your reply date will be displayed in Track. If you don't reply by the date given, your offers will be declined by UCAS. If this happens, call UCAS Customer Contact Centre immediately.
REMEMBER If you have a Conditional Offer as your Firm Choice, you need to have a lower Insurance Offer in place too!
IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, PLEASE ASK!
Page 40 UCAS ‘EXTRA’ Resources Section
What is 'EXTRA'? The Extra process is a way of applying to further universi es or colleges. If you have already made 5 choices, received decisions from all these choices and you have declined any offers you may have received, you can use the Extra process to apply for other courses that s ll have vacancies. You can only apply for one course at a me in Extra.
The Extra process operates from 25 February each year. Course Search will tell you which courses have vacancies in Extra.
You should also confirm with universi es and colleges that they can consider you before you apply. Most will allow you to email a more relevant Personal Statement to them, if you are changing subject area from that on your ini al applica on form.
You do not have to wait un l Clearing to apply for other courses.
You apply for courses in Extra using Track on the UCAS website.
Who is eligible? You will be eligible for Extra if: you have used all 5 of your choices AND you have had unsuccessful or withdrawal decisions for all your choices OR you have cancelled your outstanding choices and hold no offers OR you have received decisions from all 5 choices and have declined all offers made to you.
Finally for more informa on speak to one of the Careers Advisers or see the UCAS website www.ucas.com/ there are sec ons on 'Track Your Applica on', 'Types of Offers' and 'Replying to Offers' plus short video clips that you will find helpful.
Extra choices
Page 41 What to do on A Level results day Resources Section
BRING YOUR UCAS I/D NUMBER
TO COLLEGE WITH YOU
If you have not logged onto 'Track' via the UCAS website, do so now!
Possible outcomes You are accepted by your Firm choice If you are accepted, UCAS will send you a Confirma on le er in the post. This le er confirms that you will be a ending the university or college and will explain whether there is anything you need to do now.
You are accepted by your Firm choice AND you meet and exceed the condi ons of the offer If you meet and exceed the condi ons of your Condi onal Firm choice, you can apply through 'Adjustment', if you wish, to try and gain a place at an ins tu on whose higher entry points/grades you now meet. (See below).
You will, however, also receive a Confirma on le er in the post for your Firm choice. If you'd prefer to keep your Firm choice offer, you should follow the instruc ons on the le er. This le er confirms that you will be a ending the university or college and will explain whether there is anything you need to do now.
Adjustment To be eligible to use Adjustment: your results must have met AND exceeded the condi ons of your Condi onal Firm (CF) choice and you need to have paid the full applica on fee of £25 (you can pay the addi onal £5 if need be).
The Adjustment period Adjustment runs from 13 August to 31 August 2021. However, your individual Adjustment period starts on 13 August or when your Condi onal Firm (CF) choice changes to Uncondi onal Firm (UF), whichever is later. From this me, you have a maximum of five calendar days (including Saturdays and Sundays) to register and secure an alterna ve course, if you decide this is what you want to do. If you want to try to find an alterna ve course you must register to use Adjustment via Track so universi es and colleges can view your applica on. Further instruc ons are available on Track.
You receive a 'changed course' offer If you receive a changed course offer, it means that your university or college has been unable to confirm your place on the course you accepted because you have not met the original condi ons, but that they are willing to make an alterna ve offer. The change could be a change of course, start date or point of entry. You can reply to a changed course offer in Track and you will have five days to reply. A er five days, the offer will be declined automa cally.
Page 42 What to do on A Level results day Resources Section
You are declined by your Firm choice and are accepted by your Insurance choice If you are declined by your Firm choice and are accepted by your Insurance choice, it is assumed that you will be a ending that ins tu on and you will receive a Confirma on le er.
You are declined by your Firm choice and don't have an Insurance choice, or you are also declined by your Insurance choice If you are declined by your Firm choice (and Insurance choice, if you chose one), you will be entered into Clearing automa cally (see below). Log in to 'Track' to view your Clearing Number you can then start looking for another choice.
You are not holding any offers You may not have any offers because you were declined earlier in the year, you declined any offers received, or you applied a er 30 June. If you are not holding any offers, you will be entered into Clearing (see below) automa cally. Log in to 'Track' to view your Clearing Number as above you can then start looking for another choice. Clearing
Get some advice from the Careers Advisers, who will also be in college on Results Day, or your Progress Tutor.
Key points about Clearing: You can approach as many universi es and colleges as you wish during Clearing. Even those who may have rejected you when you made your ini al applica on may now be willing to reconsider you if they have vacancies. Once you have checked this out, you can get in touch with them. Telephone lines usually open at 6.00 am at each ins tu on and FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED! Think about the subjects you want to look for in Clearing: you can look for different ones if you want to and it may help to broaden your area of interest or to look at courses offering combina ons of subjects. Think carefully about where you want to study also you will be spending 3 or 4 years there, so it's really important that are you going to be happy there. Official vacancies are published on the UCAS website from Thursday 13 August onwards. Full instruc ons on how to officially proceed through Clearing are available via Track. Read these very carefully as there are strict deadlines to meet.
If you think you are likely to need to go through Clearing, start looking at possible courses and ins tu ons of interest before results day! and Clearing
Page 43 Thomas Rotherham College
Student Guide to
and Higher Education
Thomas Rotherham College Moorgate Road Rotherham S60 2BE 01709 300600 www.trc.ac.uk