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Applying to University: A Parent’s GuideThe University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Why Go?
Opens the door to a number of careers / professions
Wide variety of employers now look for graduates in ANY subject
Makes you more employable: improves core skills which employers value
Higher average starting salaries and lifetime earnings for graduates
The University of Edinburgh
“The Social Life”
Independence - chance to live away from home for first time
Meet people from all over the world
Opportunity to try new sports or gain new outside interests
Students’ Association: run by students & organises events for students
Which University?
Accommodation
Academic, social and sports facilities
Student support & welfare
Consider University facilities:
Scholarships or bursaries available?
The University of Edinburgh
Admission Requirements?
Check entrance requirements:
• Subject Specific requirements? • Any changes if Highers taken
over 2 sittings? • General entrance requirements?• Work experience?• Additional tests? E.g. UKCAT
(for Medicine) or LNAT (for Law)• Interviews?
If in doubt – check with University directly before applying.
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
The UCAS System
Application system for degree (and HNC/D) courses at any UK University or Higher Education college (including Art & Design and Nursing)
One application for up to five courses (four for Dentistry, Medicine & Vet Medicine)
Application to be completed by 15 January of the year of entry, except for:Dentistry, Medicine & Vet Medicine applications or applications to Oxford or Cambridge, where the deadline is 15 October the year before entry.
Some Art & Design applications where deadline is 24 March year of entry or some Fine Art courses e.g. University of Edinburgh deadline is 1 December
The University of Edinburgh
The UCAS Application
Apply electronically via school using ucasapply system (paper applications not normally accepted)
Information required:
• Personal Information – name, address, email etc
• Year of entry• Educational history and
qualifications• Employment History• Subject & University choices• Personal Statement• School Reference
The University of Edinburgh
UCAS: The Next Step
UCAS: distributes it to universities and monitors application.
Students can monitor progress of application through ‘UCAS Track’
The University Response:
• Unsuccessful Application
• Conditional Offer
• Unconditional Offer
Up to five offers could be received
The University of Edinburgh
The Student’s Decision
Wait for all offers to come in - only have to respond once all offers have been made and not before
Can hold onto a maximum of 2 conditional offers (firm or insurance)
Much thought required before responding to offers – insurance choice should be realistic
A student may also decline all offers received and enter UCAS extra or Clearing
Personal Statement: Why is it important?
Large numbers of students applying through UCAS – impossible to interview for all courses
May be competing with other students from across UK for small number of places – personal statement could make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful application!
Admissions staff want to see evidence that students are enthusiastic, well-prepared and have the right skills to do well at university.
The University of Edinburgh
Getting Started: Subject Choice
Explain why you want to study the courses you have applied for.
Show commitment and motivation!
Demonstrate a clear understanding of what the subject entails. (Especially when you have not studied the subject before).
How do your current studies relate to your choices?
The University of Edinburgh
Mechanical Engineering
”
I have chosen a degree in Engineering because I enjoy working out problems and finding out how mechanical and electrical things work. Throughout school I have particularly enjoyed physics and maths and I feel these are important subjects I would like to explore more through Engineering. I am currently studying Maths to AH level which I am finding very enjoyable and which I hope will provide me with experience for University study.
“
The University of Edinburgh
Work Experience &
Core Skills
Provide evidence that you understand the career implications of your choice.
Detail any employment placements or work experience.
What knowledge, skills or understanding did you gain from the experience?
Emphasise the core skills you gained or developed.
Avoid using lists!
The University of Edinburgh
Personal Qualities and Achievements
Demonstrate that you are an all-round achiever with the ability to contribute to university life
Describe any additional achievements or qualifications gained and identify positions of leadership or responsibility you have held.
Relate your achievements to how they will contribute to your success on the course.
The University of Edinburgh
You can only write one personal statement for all 5 choices
Don’t just list achievements / skills
Make sure it reads well (do a spell check!)
Demonstrate that you are an all-round achiever with the ability to contribute to university life
If possible relate your achievements / experiences/ courses studied back to your application – a focused and relevant statement is very effective.
Personal Statement: Remember…
The University of Edinburgh
Open Days
The University of Edinburgh
Friday 19th June, Monday 7th & Saturday 26th
September 2009
Booking required at:www.sra.ed.ac.uk/openday
Any Questions?
Monday 6th & Saturday 25th
September 2010
Open Days
The University of Edinburgh
Booking required at:www.sra.ed.ac.uk/openday
