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Undergraduate

Students with care experience: Three reasons to tick the box

Thu 22 October 2020 - 09:03

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Applying to university is a huge step for anyone but if you have been in care, you may have extra questions or concerns. Nicola Turner, Policy Executive at UCAS explains how – and why – you can tell universities about your care background.

When it comes to completing your UCAS application, you will notice a question asking if you have been in care. Maybe you already seen the question and feel worried about giving this information. Some students think it might affect their application, or just don’t want anyone to know about their past because they want a new start. Quite a few tell us they don’t know why we ask for this information, so prefer not to complete it.

All of these are completely understandable concerns, and I hope that the following will reassure you that ticking the box is a positive move.

Reason 1: Your chosen universities and colleges can tell you more about the support you are entitled to....

15 October deadline: applying on time

Thu 15 October 2020 - 12:52

By UCAS in UCAS advice

To begin with, let’s just clarify exactly what this deadline is for. The 15 October deadline is only for applications to most medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine/science courses, as well as all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Meeting the deadline means that your application will receive equal consideration from your chosen universities and colleges. You can still apply after the deadline, if the course has places available, but your application won't be guaranteed to get equal consideration.

So what counts as meeting the deadline? Well it’s pretty straightforward – we must receive your completed application before...

Sharing your needs on a UCAS application

Mon 28 September 2020 - 15:01

By Diversity and Ability in UCAS advice

When you’re filling out any kind of application form, whether it be for a new workplace or your university choices, you may be faced with the challenge of deciding if you should share whether you have any support needs. We understand that it can feel daunting to share this information, but when it comes to your UCAS application we want you to know that disclosure can be the start of your journey to getting some really amazing support throughout your studies.

What’s more, this information will only ever be used to help you access the best support, and it will never affect your chances of getting a place at your chosen universities. This is important because we know that you may have faced barriers to education in the past, and giving you the opportunity to share your support needs is intended to lift these barriers rather than create more of them.

Once you’ve made the first step of disclosure on your application you will be on the path to receiving Disabled Students...

Should I mention my care experience in my personal statement?

Tue 22 September 2020 - 08:11

By UCAS in UCAS advice

In this guest blog, Sam Turner from Become (with help from current and former care-experienced students) talks through the considerations for care leavers writing their personal statements. Become is the national charity for children in care and young care leavers and run the Propel website for care-experienced learners interested in higher education. 
 
Personal statements are exactly what they say on the tin – personal! The decision to mention your experiences in care is ultimately yours, and it’s all about what feels comfortable and what’s most important for you as an individual. Here’s some advice to help you with the decision. 
 
First of all, don’t worry!
We speak with lots of care-experienced applicants each year who are worried about feeling judged or stigmatised, especially if they’ve...

Personal statements: What universities want to know

Wed 23 September 2020 - 12:02

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Why you want to study the subject(s) you’re applying for? Remember - expand on your reasons and evidence this e.g. has a particular area/topic caught your attention? Have you undertaken work experience/placements/EPQs/tasters to broaden your knowledge and understanding? 

Why should universities choose you? What have you got to offer? Demonstrate your motivation and enthusiasm. Showcase your skillset. 

What else do you do? Part-time work/ Volunteering? Hobbies/interests? Responsibilities? Other achievements?

Tip: When reviewing your statement, ask yourself – why am I putting this information in my personal statement and what is it telling the person reading it?

Your personal circumstances
Your experience of estrangement may have had a massive impact on your studies. Pragmatically, there may be skills/experiences that you could draw on when talking about...

Going to university without support from your parents?

Tue 15 September 2020 - 09:00

By Stand Alone in UCAS advice

Applying to university is challenging and can feel pretty overwhelming. There is so much to think about when you are whittling down your choices to those universities and colleges that are the best fit for you.
 
You may be applying to higher education at university or college without the support from your parents and maybe also your wider family due to a permanent and irreconcilable breakdown in your relationship with them. Either you are already living independently without any contact with parents and maybe also other close family members, i.e. you are ‘estranged’ from family, or this is likely to be your situation once you leave school or college. If so, you may be wondering about things like: how to finance your studies, where you will live, how to make friends and fit in, as well as how to make sure you keep yourself safe from unwanted contact and interference from your parents/family, and how to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
 ...

Does class size matter?

Tue 18 August 2020 - 12:02

By UCAS in UCAS advice

What's the difference between class sizes at Uni? Simone, a student at The University of Buckingham, shares her experience. 

To be seen or not to be seen, that is the question when deciding between a university with small class sizes and a university with large class sizes 

Applying for university is an exciting time in any person’s life, however choosing the right university can be very daunting. There are so many factors to consider when choosing where to apply. Are you choosing for sports clubs, for social societies, or for small or large class sizes and being known by a name not a number?

I have had the opportunity to study at a big university with large class sizes (approximately 300 students per class) and I currently attend a smaller university with small classes (approximately 70 students per class). In all honesty, each of them has given me a different experience and should not...

Skills Development Scotland Results Helpline back for 2020

Mon 3 August 2020 - 08:05

By UCAS in UCAS advice

This has been a year like no other for young people receiving their results. As always, Skills Development Scotland’s Results Helpline will provide dedicated support when it opens on Tuesday 4th August. 
 
Our Results Helpline offers advice, information and guidance for young people and their parents and carers from 8am on Results day. 
 
Around 138,000 candidates across Scotland will receive their National, Higher and Advanced Higher results from SQA. SDS’s expert advisers will be on hand to discuss options and next steps including:
  • University and college courses
  • Confirmation and Clearing
  • Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships
  • Jobs
  • Volunteering
The number to call is 0808 100 8000 and the Helpline is open on August 4th and 5th from 8am to 8pm, August 6th and 7th from 9am-5pm and August 10th to 12th from 9am-5pm....

Exam Results Helpline is back for August 2020

Wed 22 July 2020 - 14:37

By National Careers Service in UCAS advice

We know that this year is different for those people receiving exam results so the National Careers Service’s Exam Results Helpline is available to help young people (and their parents or carers) that are receiving exam results in August. The helpline has professional careers advisers available to provide free, impartial advice and guidance on the different choices available which includes:

  • Skills, qualifications and subject choices
  • Re-sits and re-marks
  • Post-16 and Post-18 options, including gap years and re-sits/re-marks
  • Moving away from home...

Eight questions answered by unis and colleges offering degree apprenticeships

Fri 10 July 2020 - 12:58

By UCAS in UCAS advice

1. What are the key features and aptitudes of successful applicants? 

Willingness to work hard, because you will be studying and doing a full-time job, as well as confident and mature to handle their responsibilities in the workplace. Academically, they can have different types of qualifications. 

2. What are the biggest challenges for young people doing an Apprenticeship? 

Just making enough time to do everything in the day calls for great time management skills. 

3. What advice would you give to...

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