Information for Current Students
So you’re thinking of going to university/college……..
There’s a lot to think about if you’re considering going into higher education. Apart from deciding what to do and where to go, you have to think about the financial implications and career prospects, not to mention, for many people, family circumstances and employment commitments. It can seem overwhelming! Don’t despair.
With careful planning and preparation you can help yourself achieve your goal without too much anguish! This document is designed to help you with aspects of just one of the tasks that you face – the university/ college application process.
The Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) is responsible for managing applications for admission to higher education courses in the UK. You can apply via the UCAS online application system to five different institutions by completing just one set of forms. Please note though that you can only submit one application in each year’s application cycle.
Before completing your UCAS application, you need to decide on the course you wish to study as well as a choice of five places where you would like to apply for admission. These are very important decisions to make and you should research your options well in advance, preferably before enrolling on the HEFC. You don’t want to find, halfway through your HEFC programme, that the modules you’re studying are not right for your chosen degree or diploma course.
The UCAS website www.ucas.co.uk is a great resource and you should check it out as soon as you start thinking about going to university or college. It provides lots of information on how to choose a university/college and course that’s right for you, tells you when and how to apply, and what happens to your application after submission. Your HEFC college or school will also support you through the application process and will give be happy to give you advice and help where needed.
YOUR UCAS APPLICATION
1.
General points
 When completing your UCAS application, please ensure that you list all schools and colleges attended since the age of 11 and list all qualifications obtained and grades achieved, where applicable.
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Check very carefully the entrance requirements of your chosen undergraduate course. If you’re asked for specific subjects or grades at GCSE, for example, make sure that you can meet these requirements already, or are on target to do so through the HEFC.
 The admissions’ staff who read your application aren’t mind readers, so make sure you include everything you need to – don’t assume, just because you’re doing the HEFC, that you don’t need to mention other qualifications that you may have obtained already.
2.
Personal statement
This section of your application is crucial because it is the only opportunity you get to explain to admissions officers why you are interested in the degree course(s) you have chosen. You need to think very carefully about what exactly it is you want to say in the limited space provided, 47 lines or 4000 characters.
What are the admissions tutors looking for?
The admissions tutors will want to know about:

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Your career aspirations
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Your reasons for choosing the course(s)
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Relevant experience, which may include work experience, attendance on courses, practical activity in, for example, music or theatre, time abroad etc.
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Any interests you may have, for example, Duke of Edinburgh’s award, charity fundraising, positions of responsibility. These all help to give an impression of you as a person
Your personal statement will convey more about you than just these facts; the way you present them will give valuable clues about other qualities such as communication skills and critical thinking.
Analytical Skills: Admissions tutors are usually looking for students who can analyse their current experience and can link it to what they hope to get from Higher Education.
Communication Skills: The text and presentation of your statement provides the admissions tutor with an indication of your communication skills – both in terms of basic grammar and spelling and of your ability to express information clearly.
Maturity: A good personal statement provides evidence of maturity of thought and a sense of responsibility and it is important that you show these attributes as they indicate that you will be likely to adapt well to the university environment.
TOP TIPS
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Impression: think about the impression you want to give – you need to make yourself sound interesting, bright and eager to learn.
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Structure: organise what you want to say into a logical structure and make sure everything you say is clear and concise.
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Length: don’t try to pack too much in – it can get confusing. Give the reader your main points and don’t worry about filling up all 47 lines – rambling simply to use all the space can be counterproductive.
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Relevance: you should explain why each point you mention is relevant.
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Honesty: it is imperative that you be honest and specific – claiming too much is not always a good idea.
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Accuracy: check spelling – it is recommended that you word process your statement and spellcheck it first before cutting and pasting it into the relevant area. Get someone else to read it through too as it’s sometimes hard to spot your own mistakes.
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Placing ‘leads’: Admissions tutors are likely to use your personal statement as a source of questions if they call you for interview. You should therefore only mention things you are prepared to talk about at an interview. If there’s something you would particularly like to be asked to discuss then mention it in your statement.
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Finally: read through everything you have written critically. You might also find it useful to work with friends, read each other’s drafts – you may be surprised how often a friend will say ‘… but haven’t you forgotten ….’
UNIVERSITY INTERVIEWS
Many universities call potential students for interview before making an offer of a place. Interviews can be nerve wracking but if you are invited to attend one then there are lots of things you can do to get the most from the experience.

Preparation
There’s lots you can do to prepare, from having a mock interview to arming yourself with information about the University and the course you have applied for.
Top Tips
 Make sure you know where you need to be and when and make any necessary travel arrangements in advance. Visit the University’s website for maps and directions and make sure you know exactly where on campus you need to be and what documents you need to take with you.
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Be sure to read the prospectus and look on the University’s website – the more you know about it and the course you want to take the keener you will seem and the better prepared you will be.
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Make a list of questions you’d like to ask, perhaps things the prospectus doesn’t tell you.
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Make sure you’re familiar with what you put in your application – this is all your interviewer knows about you so he or she will probably ask you about things you’ve mentioned.
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Be familiar with ‘hot topics’ in your subject area as you may be asked about them. Don’t forget to read the newspapers too because interviewers often ask for your views on issues of the day.
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A mock interview might be a good idea. Typical things you might be asked include; why did you choose this course; what do you enjoy most on the course you are currently studying and why did you choose this University. Tutors will often be willing to run through a mock interview with you.
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Get a good night’s sleep, you won’t perform at your best without one.
At the interview
Be yourself, be enthusiastic and be sure to tell the interviewer what you have to offer as a student on your chosen course. Interviewers are looking for students who show an interest, who can think independently and consider new ideas, who will thrive on their course and enjoy an academic life alongside their outside interests.
Top Tips
 Dress appropriately: although you probably won’t need to wear a suit you should show your interviewer you are taking things seriously by dressing smartly.
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Arrive in good time: take a University contact number just in case the worst happens and you get delayed on the way to your interview.
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Body language: be aware of your body language, don’t slouch or yawn, sit up and look alert, make sure you’re giving off the right signals.
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Stumped?: if you don’t understand a question ask for it to be repeated or rephrased. Try to relate your answer to something you know something about.
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Expect the unexpected: while interviewers are not trying to trick you, some will want to see how you react under pressure. A surprise test or exercise isn’t unheard of so stay calm and think clearly.
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Ask questions: while your interviewer needs to find out about you by asking lots of questions, you’ll come across as enthusiastic and interested if you ask questions too. Use the interview as a chance to find out answers to your questions that weren’t answered on the website or in the prospectus.
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Switch off your mobile!

Studential.com (2011) Available at: http://www.studential.com/applying/mature_students (Accessed: 4
October 2011)
UCAS (2011) Adviser Guide – For entry to University or College in 2012
Universities and Colleges Admission Service (2011) Available at: http://www.ucas.co.uk/students/offers/interviews (Accessed: 4 October 2011)