Applying to University: A Parent

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Applying to University A Parents Guide
The University of Edinburgh
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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
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To Learn More
Allows you to develop key skills which will make
you more employable e.g communication skills, IT
skills, organisational skills Gain self
confidence Opportunity to try a completely new
subject or to specialise in a particular area
The University of Edinburgh
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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
The University of Edinburgh
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Which Subject?
Wide range of subjects available
School related Vocational Something completely
new
Explore all options and choose something you
enjoy!
The University of Edinburgh
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Which University?
Consider University facilities
Accommodation Academic, social and sports
facilities Student support welfare
Scholarships or bursaries available?
The University of Edinburgh
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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
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UCAS Getting Started

• Check entrance requirements
• Subject Specific?
• General requirements?
• Work experience?
• Two-sittings?
• Additional tests? E.g. UKCAT
• Interviews?
• If in doubt check with University directly
  before applying.
• Entrance tests not part of the UCAS system and
  have different, sometimes earlier, deadlines.

The University of Edinburgh
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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
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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
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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
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The Students 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

The University of Edinburgh
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The Personal Statement
The University of Edinburgh
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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
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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
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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
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Law

From a very early age I have been interested in the legal system of our country, as it is a vital part of our society. I have visited local and national law courts and have been intrigued by watching barristers and solicitors in action. Consequently I reached the decision that the degree I wish to study is Law based on research and visits to universities. I am in the process of organising placements at local law firms and at the Procurator Fiscal Service where I hope to gain further insight into the responsibilities of lawyers at various levels.

The University of Edinburgh
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History Politics

I want to combine History with Politics, because
I find the political aspects of history
especially interesting. Indeed as a career after
University I would like to undertake work in the
media involving the analysis of political events,
and the analytical and research skills gained
through studying for such a degree would be of
great benefit in a career of this kind.

The University of Edinburgh
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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
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Work Experience (Vet Med)

I have had a weekend job at a local kennels for
three and a half years. In this time, the kennels
have expanded and are now double the size and
cater for other animals such as rabbits and
guinea pigs. I am mainly involved in the
feeding, cleaning and general care of the
animals, but I also spend time dealing with the
customers, something which I feel demonstrates my
good communication skills and responsibility.
Over the last three years I have spent nine
weeks seeing practice at five different
veterinary surgeries. I have seen a multitude of
cases, from routine cat spays and canine
parvovirus vaccinations, to more complex problems
including a cat with an intussusception, a dog
with Lupus and megaoesophagus and a bull
suffering from light sensitisation. One of my
weeks seeing practice was spent in Ireland. This
was an especially interesting experience as it
showed me how differently people view their
animals over there. I am presently attending my
local vets one afternoon a week. Whilst at one of
the surgeries, I was allowed to watch an
acupuncture clinic for cats and dogs with
arthritis or other problems. Along with my visit
to an equine hydrotherapy centre, I feel I gained
an insight into some of the benefits of
alternative veterinary care. This summer I spent
a week on a dairy farm in Ayrshire. The hands-on
experience with the cattle and sheep was
fantastic and further increased my confidence
with large animals, previously developed through
my earlier horse riding experience. Besides
helping with the milking, I was involved in,
amongst other things, feeding calves, dosing
sheep, dehorning calves and moving cattle. In
addition to this, I have spent three weekends
assisting with lambing at a smallholding in
Cumbria with about 120 sheep.I recently
participated in an afternoon's lesson in Falconry
where I was taught the basics in handling and
caring for birds of prey, an experience which I
thoroughly enjoyed. 


The University of Edinburgh
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Work Experience (Medicine)

Working with St Johns Ambulance for 2 years has
provided me with challenging situations involving
real casualties, requiring me to remain calm in a
frenzied atmosphere. Friday night experiences
such as treating assault victims or persuading an
intoxicated pregnant teenager to attend hospital
for medical attention have developed my
interpersonal and first aid skills. Further
teamwork in a residential home for the elderly
over the past 15 months has increased my caring
skills. Aiding residents and families with
personal grief and acceptance of death, giving
reassurance and ensuring personal dignity and
confidentiality are fundamental skills which I
have learned.

The University of Edinburgh
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Work Experience (General)

My part time job as a waiter has provided me with
the opportunity to meet and work with new people.
As I have worked in the same job for two years, I
have to help train new members of staff, which
has helped my leadership skills. I really enjoy
the contact with the public which is part of this
job. Although this can be challenging, I feel it
has given me more confidence and improved my
communication skills.

The University of Edinburgh
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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
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Extracurricular Activities/ Responsibilities


During this past year at school I have taken on
various responsibilities, all of which I feel
have added to my skills. I am a buddy to the
first years and every week I have to do their
registration which has improved my public
speaking skills as well as my inter-personal
skills with those younger than me. I do paired
reading with a younger pupil twice a week which I
find very rewarding as I am able to watch him
gain confidence in his reading. Finally, I am a
co-editor of the school magazine. I am finding
this to be quite challenging, especially to fit
in with all my schoolwork, but it is proving to
be very enjoyable and a test to my organisation
abilities.

The University of Edinburgh
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Outside Interest (Sport)

Playing rugby from a very early age has given me
great self-motivation. I continue to play at a
high standard and recently won an international
tournament with my current club. I have also
played for the district team. I also swim, play
football and badminton. My sporting experiences
have given me self-confidence and a desire to
succeed at whatever I do. I really hope to
continue to play sports while attending
university and ideally would like to become
involved in the University rugby club.

The University of Edinburgh
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Personal Statement Remember
You can only write one personal statement for all
5 choices Dont 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.
The University of Edinburgh
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The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Open Days
Open Days
Monday 6th Saturday 25th September 2010
Friday 19th June, Monday 7th Saturday 26th
September 2009
Booking required at www.sra.ed.ac.uk/openday
Booking required at www.sra.ed.ac.uk/openday
Any Questions?