And all that Jazz

To support you in applying to University

To give guidelines about writing personal statements and essays

By the end of this session you will:

Be aware of any key application deadlines for UK/US

Revisit considerations for choosing a university

Have a list of useful websitesKnow what is expected re: personal

statement/essay

Up to 5 choices - BUT(4 - Medicine or 1 College only – Oxbridge + 4 others)

Register on UCAS website 15th October

(Medicine/Vet Science/Vet Medicine/Oxbridge)

DEADLINE = 15th January(except some Art and Design courses = 24th March)

www.ucas.ac.uk

Choose about 8 Universities

SATs / ACTs / IELTS/ TOEFL

Common Application? 414 members

Individual requirements

Form + exam scores + essay or PS + reports/exam results + recommendations + fee

Before January 2011

Your sales document for University admission

About YOU

About your interests

About your skills

About why YOU are the right person for the University to admit to the course

Competition

Ability to get the most from University

Vocational success

Course tutor + Admissions Tutor

Enthusiasm

Commitment

Variety of skills and interests

Ability to communicate

Evidence of skills

Care and attention

Achievements

Special attributes

Future plans/goals

Present and past experience

School

Sports

Out of school

Work experience

Life experience

Career aspirations

USP

What you Do/Did?

What Opportunities have opened up?

What Skills have you used developed?

How is it relevant to your application?

Spending two weeks in a local office last summer raised my commercial awareness. I learnt about the company’s suppliers and competitors and how important customer care is to any business. The experience brought my studies to life and I am now more keen than ever to learn more………………..

More individual – how you think

More controversial – reasoned and subtle

Humour but with care

Honesty

Concise

Tell us:

why you have chosen us

About yourself and what makes you who you are

Someone who has had an influence on you and why

I remember sitting on my grandmothers knee listening to stories about her childhood. More than anything else she fed my enthusiasm and interest in learning. It wasn’t just learning though, she took me with her out into the community and got me involved. I remember feeling helpless when……

It’s all your own work

Spelling is perfect

It flows wellJustification –

so what?

Positive language/active words

Balance Care with

different subjectsDifferent

Universities

1. Mind map or worksheet

2. Initial draft

3. Review by Form Tutor/Mrs Baker

4. Modifications

5. Review…review…review…

6. Final draft

DON’T FORGET TO ASK IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING

ResearchWhat are you looking for?Helpful websites

Decide and double check requirements

Start to gather papers/forms etc together

HAPPY WRITING