Choosing Your University and then Successfully Applying to It

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• Choosing Your University and then Successfully
  Applying to It!
• Dr Abigail Harrison Moore, Deputy Head of School
  School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural
  Studies
• Sep 2009

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• In order to develop the best application possible
  you need to have researched and clearly decided
  on the best courses for you.
• In order then to get a place on the best courses
  for you, you need to have the best application
  possible

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• The aim of my presentation
• To get you to think about how to choose the best
  course and institution for you and then to be
  able to maximise your chances of receiving an
  offer.

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• CHOICES

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• Decide your subject area
• Decide the type of university
• Do your research

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• Choosing your subject
• Think about what you enjoy
• Think about where you want your degree to take
  you
• Be aware that the same subject can be understood
  and taught very differently at different
  institutions. Never assume a the same title mans
  its the same course.

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Subject choice

• Subject choice
• Medicine, Law, English, Management, Psychology,
  Education, Media, Art, Computing
• For these subjects it is essential that you plan
  carefully as particular skills or work experience
  may be needed
• The personal statement will play an important
  role in your application
• Typical offers
• Check whether there are additional assessment
  tests, interviews etc.

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• Once you have decided on subject, think about the
  type of institution that would suit you.
• City or rural
• Large or small
• Sports facilities
• Music/theatre
• Local region
• Nightlife

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• Benefits of moving outside of the region vs
  benefits of remaining close to home
• The mother/washing debate..

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• Research
• Fairs
• UCAS website
• Specialist websites RSC, GMC
• Prospectus
• Open days
• Campus tours
• Speak to staff, students and employers

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• RESEARCH Questions to ask
• What are the entry requirements for the course?
• What makes the course you offer different to that
  of others?
• Are there any opportunities for field trips or
  study/work abroad?
• What are the career opportunities after I
  graduate?
• Does it provide a professional qualification?

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• Different types of institution
• academic vocational
• traditional modern
• research intensive teaching focused
• competitive?

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• Russell Group 1994 Group

• University of Bath
• Birkbeck University of London
• Durham University
• University of East Anglia
• University of Essex
• University of Exeter
• Goldsmiths University of London
• Royal Holloway University of London
• Lancaster University
• University of Leicester
• Loughborough University
• Queen Mary University of London
• University of Reading
• University of St. Andrews
• School of Oriental and African Studies
• University of Surrey
• University of Sussex
• University of Warwick
• University of York

• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• University of Cambridge
• Cardiff University
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Glasgow
• Imperial College London
• Kings College London
• University of Leeds
• University of Liverpool
• London School of Economics Political Science
• University of Manchester
• Newcastle University
• University of Nottingham
• Queens University Belfast
• University of Oxford
• University of Sheffield
• University of Southampton
• University College London

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• 2010 entry
• All electronic
• 5 applications
• You will be asked two additional optional
  questions
• 1) Have you been in care?
• 2) Do any of your parents have any higher
  education qualifications such as a degree,
  diploma or certificate of HE ?
• Apply early

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• Things to think about when completing your
  application.

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• Addresses
• Criminal convictions
• Predicted grades
• Tutors reference
• Personal statement
• Additional information that may assist an
  admissions tutor in their decision

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• Why the personal statement is so important.

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Advice only

• Remember a personal statement is personal BUT you
  must seek advice and carry out detailed research
  before starting to write.

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Presentation

• Presentation
• Be clear and concise
• Focus on the detail tell me more about less.
• Spelling
• Use paragraphs
• Repetition and the use of humour
• PROOF IT, PROOF IT and PROOF IT AGAIN!

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Content

• Content
• Motivation
• Activities
• Credibility
• Avoid repetition
• MAKE IT YOUR OWN

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• Timing of application
• ITS VITAL TO NOT ONLY MEET DEADLINES BUT ALSO TO
  SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AS SOON AS IT IS READY.

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• What going to university will offer you.
• Independence
• A chance to try new things not just in terms of
  study
• A chance to focus on subjects that you love
• A chance to develop as a person
• A moment of reflection between school and the
  workplace.
• A chance to learn..

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• Any Questions?