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UCAS advice

Oxbridge application tips

Fri 20 December 2019 - 10:41

By UCAS in UCAS advice

The early UCAS deadline for Oxbridge applications is fast approaching. For those of you who are considering applying to these universities, work will now be well underway regarding your personal statements, academic portfolio and finding suitable references. Representing yourself through so few words is one of the biggest challenges you will have faced throughout your sixth form experience so far, hence it is natural to feel overwhelmed and a little stressed by it all. Fear not – whilst the deadline is approaching, there is still more than enough time for you to complete everything necessary. It’s all in your approach.

As far as your personal statement goes, make sure that you have a clear structure as you read over everything. If...

Personal statements: quick-fire questions answered!

Mon 1 July 2019 - 09:56

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Got a question about writing your personal statement? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’re often asked about this section of the application, and chances are your question will be one we’ve heard from other students. Check out the answers to five of the most frequently asked questions below – they're all from admissions staff at universities and colleges (the people who spend their time reading personal statements!)

1. When should I start?
  • "As soon as you can! Give...

Five tips to avoid deadline day drama

Tue 29 October 2019 - 14:09

By UCAS in UCAS advice

The deadline for conservatoire music courses is 1 October 2019 at 18:00 (UK time). By this date your entire application, including referee details and payment, must be completed and sent to us. Make sure you don’t miss this deadline by following these five tips.

1. Know your logins
We’ll start with the basics, it’s important you know your username and password so you can complete your application. You don’t want to be struggling to login while trying to meet the deadline. If you’ve forgotten your username or password, recover your details online.

2. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the personal statement 
The personal statement may appear daunting but we’ve got plenty of advice to help...

Specialist careers advisors ready to help families on GCSE results day

Tue 6 November 2018 - 15:05

By Exam Results Helpline in UCAS advice

Teens and their parents waiting for GCSE exam results on Thursday (Aug 24, 2017) are being urged not to panic as the UK’s only specialist ‘pop-up’ exam helpline for students is open for them first thing on the morning of results day.

The Exam Results Helpline (0808 100 8000) is a specially-formed team of expert UK careers advisors who come together at the UCAS head office in Cheltenham once a year for the sole purpose of helping young people who receive unexpected exam results.

Created nearly three decades ago and funded by the Department for Education, the...

Thinking about postgraduate study?

Tue 26 March 2019 - 14:32

By UCAS in UCAS advice

According to the latest Graduate Careers Survey, an increasing number of 2017 graduates are intending to continue into postgraduate education rather than look for graduate employment. The survey of over 21,000 students shows that the number intending to remain at university to do a postgraduate course has risen to 26% - the first increase in postgraduate applications in over seven years. 

Why study postgraduate?

You may be one of the many students considering postgraduate study to help you stand out to potential employers. It’s a big...

The ultimate checklist for parents ahead of exam results

Fri 31 May 2019 - 11:37

By Exam Results Helpline in UCAS advice

While students across the country are nervously waiting their A Level results this Thursday (Aug 15) or GCSEs (Aug 22), a thought should be spared also for their equally anxious parents.

To help everyone going through the stresses and strains that inevitably come with this time of year, the Department for Education’s Exam Results Helpline opens at 07:30 on A Levels Day and will continue to be a lifeline of support and guidance until the end of the month.

Although students make the bulk of the calls, a quarter are from parents phoning to find out how best to help their youngsters take the next steps.

Here, Exam Results Helpline careers advisor Iwan Williams has outlined the ‘Ultimate Checklist’ for parents to ensure they can help their teenagers make the right decisions when the time comes.

So, what do parents really need to know?

1) The options: Having a solid understanding of the...

Unconditional changed course

Thu 21 March 2019 - 16:00

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Some providers may change your status to a changed course offer. If this happens, you’ll see something like this in Track.
 

If this happens, don’t panic! It means one of your choices has offered you a changed course offer.

This could be a change to the course, the start date, or the point of entry.

Why has my offer changed to an unconditional changed course?

The most likely reason is that you didn’t meet the conditions of your original choice but the university or college wants to offer you an alternative course.

If you have any questions or concerns about the change, you’d need to speak to the uni or college to find out why they’ve made this change.

How do I respond to the unconditional changed course offer?

...

How a UK Degree Can Boost Your Career Opportunities

Tue 6 November 2018 - 16:01

By UCAS in UCAS advice

The main reason for anyone attending university is to get one step further to achieving their desired career. It’s important to attend a university where you are not only taught skills for future jobs in your studies, but also to learn from new cultural experiences, friendships, social life, and the everyday independency that may be new to you. Studying abroad allows you to learn these skills on another level, and why not do that in the country that is home to top English-...

Six things you didn’t know about an apprenticeship

Thu 10 January 2019 - 16:16

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Thinking about an apprenticeship? Take a look at these six reasons why it’s such a great option.
 
1)    You won’t have to pay fees
Worried about the long-term cost of uni? As an apprentice, you’ll graduate debt-free! Apprenticeship fees are paid by the government and employers.
 
2)    Higher and degree apprenticeships are assessed by employers
Apprentices study for a national vocational qualification (NVQ). You’ll get tested on practical, work-...

Making the most of your time now you’ve accepted an offer

Tue 2 July 2019 - 12:21

By UCAS in UCAS advice

The wait to find out if you’ve met the conditions of your offer can seem like it goes on forever. To take your mind off it, here are three things you can be doing right now.

1. Check your status in Track – find out when you’re likely to hear back, what your status means, and what you should do next. It may change over the coming months, so make sure you keep an eye on Track.

2. Familiarise yourself with Clearing and Adjustment – if you’re waiting for results, they may be better than expected, or they might not be quite what you were...

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