UCAS Application
Session 2013-14
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Applying to University
• Choices
• How to apply and personal statement
• What happens next
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UCAS: www.ucas.com
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Choices
Use…
• SWAP Progression routes
• UCAS Course Search
• University info
– Web pages
– Prospectus
– Admissions contacts, helpdesks etc.
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Progression routes
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Example progression routes
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UCAS course search
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University info
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Deadlines
• The deadline is: 15th January 2014
– Your college will be sooner so they can complete
references (Nov-Dec 2013)
• UCAS Guide in Prep for HE materials
– Download from SWAP website
• Help and videos on UCAS web site.
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Register
http://www.ucas.com/apply
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Register
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How are you applying
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SWAPWest Buzzword
Buzzword is: swapwest2014
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Select tutor group – your college
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Welcome page
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Sections
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Personal details
Personal Details…
• Some filled in automatically
• Provide other details, e.g. fee code usually 02 – UK
• Declare any relevant criminal convictions (not spent).
Additional Information…
• E.g. Nationality
• If you have been in care
• Your family’s education background.
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Personal Details
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Student Finance
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Choices
• Enter the courses you would like to study and where
• Use all 5 choices
• Select from lists provided
• Start date: Sep 2014 (can also apply for deferred place)
• For year 1 as point of entry, UCAS advises to leave box this
box blank.
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Choices
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Education
• Centre name : Scottish Wider Access Programme (not listed)
• Centre number: 78792
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Education
• Click on add qualifications then National Units – Scotland
• Enter your unit titles with codes, qualification date, awarding
body (SQA), level (Higher etc.) and result.
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Employment
• Can add up to five employers
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Personal Statement
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Personal Statement
• Use UCAS guides and SWAPWest guides
• Prepare as a word document and copy and paste into form.
– Express motivation, commitment, suitability and why you want
to study your subject
– Mention SWAP and academic skills as well as experience and
transferable skills
– Use good language, correct spelling and punctuation
– Be clear and concise, have logical structure, use short
paragraphs
– Proofread, proofread, proofread; it may take you many drafts!
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Personal Statement mind map
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Declaration, payment and sending your application
Declaration
• When finished, agree to the declaration.
Payment and referee
• Pay using a credit or debit card
• Application is then sent to referee
• Form is then sent to chosen universities.
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After sending your application
• Universities have until early May to respond
• Use Track at: www.ucas.ac.uk/students/track/
• Four possible responses are:
Response
What it means
Unconditional Offer
University offer a place with no conditions
Conditional Offer
University offer a place on condition, e.g. on
successful completion of SWAP programme
Withdrawn
If you don’t respond to offers or attend interview
Unsuccessful
University will not offer you a place
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Replying to offers
You reply to your offers in three ways:
accept firm, accept insurance, and decline
There are four combinations of replying:
1. Accept unconditional firm only
2. Accept conditional firm only
3. Accept conditional firm + conditional insurance
4. Accept conditional firm + unconditional insurance
Decline all other choices
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I have been unsuccessful - what can I do?
• Contact the SWAP office; we can help!
• Extra and Clearing are available
• If you don’t feel ready for university, HNC/D (apply!!!)
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Further assistance
Good luck!
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