Applying to University
All applications to University in the UK are made through a service called UCAS. Applications can be made from 1st September for the following academic year and there are various deadlines which have to be adhered to depending on the course/institution being applied for.
The UCAS application comprises personal and education details and additionally a personal statement. Many students find they need to dedicate time and research in ensuring they write a statement which makes their application stand out and give them the best possibility of receiving offers from Universities.
Guidance and Support
St Mary’s Sixth Form cycle of guidance and support for applications to University begins more formally in June of Year 12. These are the events which take place:
Higher Education Conference – this takes place in June at the University of Liverpool. Representatives from Universities across the country provide information about courses and students have the opportunity to attend seminars. Representatives from The Armed Forces, Apprenticeships, Gap Year and Businesses are also present.
UCAS Information Evening – an opportunity for parents/carers and students to find out about the University application process.
Enrichment Week – visits to a range of Universities as well as support from University ambassadors with the application process takes place.
There will be a series of regular assemblies and Form time dedicated to supporting students with their applications. Individual assistance with guidance on courses, personal statements and completing the application will be ongoing from June through to January from Form Tutors, subject staff and the Sixth Form Team.
Useful Websites
There are a number of websites which can help with different aspects of applying to University, here are a few which have particular features which are useful.
UCAS website – this offers a full range of information from browsing the courses available and their entry criteria to a template to help write a personal statement. www.ucas.com University and College Websites – these have course specific details, information about the University and its location. Each University also produces a prospectus which is a brochure of all their courses; these are available in the study base in college.
Comparison Website – The official website for comparing UK higher education course data. This includes official data for undergraduate courses on each university and college's satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey, jobs and salaries after study and other key information for prospective students. https://unistats.direct.gov.uk/
Open Days Website - The University and College open day directory. This allows you to see when Universities have open days. These are really valuable as they give you the opportunity to experience being in the University and often the departments where you would be studying. Parents/carers are also usually able to attend. www.opendays.com
Student Finance – This is the government website which has all the relevant information about applying for student finance. https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
Personal Statements
UCAS Website – each year the information is updated by UCAS on their website and they offer good advice regarding the personal statement. They have a template to follow which can be really useful. https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/apply-track/writing-personal-statement
Applying to University: Key Dates
UCAS has specific deadlines for various courses and institutions and these can be found on their website.
The dates below are our college key dates:
Deadline for Medicine/Veterinary/Dentistry/Oxbridge applications 15th October
Deadline for all other applications 15th January
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