When do Uni applications get sent (Y12 orY13)

[MEgirl]

Is it the end of Year 12 or beginning or Year 13. We're looking at open days for various unis and trying to work out whether the DCs need to go this year (currently in Year 11) or next year.

[VegasIsBest]

Have a look at the UCAS website and there is loads of info for pupils and for parents. Applications get sent in Upper sixth. Deadlines can be affected by type of course and university (eg medicine and oxford & Cambridge are earlier).

[ImperialBlether]

They have to be received by UCAS in the January of their A2 year. However, most schools will start on the application either at the start of the A2 year or at the end of the AS year.

As Vegas said, applications for some courses eg Medicine, or Oxbridge entries, are different but the above applies for everything else.

As far as Open Days are concerned, I think going to a few in the AS year is a good idea as often the universities have them after the UCAS closing date.

[MEgirl]

Thanks. There are a few coming up this June. I though that would be a good time to start as they are for London University campuses and we are in North London. Nothing like starting close to home.

[BackforGood]

Agree with everyone else - usually sent off in Autumn of U6th (Yr13) final date is mid-January. I think (but am not knowledgeable in this area) that Oxbridge is a bit different if that is an option for you.

Ye 11 is a bit keen.
You can view in Autumn Term of Yr 12, Summer Term of Yr 12, Autumn Term of Yr 13.

[RaspberryLemonPavlova]

We have found summer of Y11 a good time to start. DS1 did an Oxford open day trip at the end of Y11 with school which set him thinking. He was away with school in July or we would have started then, but he did one in August and a couple in September/October.

School held a My Futures evening in February of Y11 as A level choices were being made, with a roadshow of a variety of unis and colleges which was also helpful.

[Bonsoir]

UCAS applications are submitted online between September and mid-January of Y13.

Best to start researching universities/courses in Autumn of Y12.

[gobbin]

This year the Oxbridge deadline was the beginning of October in Y13 which means most started preparing at the end of Yr12, as did the Medicine people and anyone else needing to do the entrance tests. For the rest the deadline was January 15th of Yr13.

However, in DS's college non Oxbridge/Medicine had to have their Personal Statement done by October 24th so that the college could do their bits (Reference, predicted grades etc) and get everyone's application finished before Christmas. DS's finally went on Dec 8th but he'd delayed making changes to his PS that college had recommended. (His college is huge, other institutions might not take so long).

No harm in attending open days during Yr 12, although majority go in Yr13.

[gobbin]

And never underestimate how long it will take them to do a Personal Statement that a) fits the strict 47 line/4000 character limit whilst b) fitting in everything that needs to go in. It is massively helpful if they are applying for the same (or similar) course across each uni.

[catsharingmychair]

It's also worth noting that personal statements these days can need to show evidence of work experience (for some courses) to prove student interest in the subject (and for oversubscribed courses this can be pretty critical).

And as many schools and colleges no longer offer Year 10 or other year work experience..... this work experience may need to be identified and organised by each student. So I'd start this process (if you have to go it alone) well in advance of personal statement writing...Year 12 definitely yes. I'd say from Year 11 summer holidays actually. Moreover, if they love the area they are considering as their career- then this is the perfect opportunity to experience working/shadowing in the field and double checking it is the right direction for them.

[catsharingmychair]

Can I also mention it may be also worth considering the many, many, fantastic L6 apprenticeships (up to degree level and just recently up to postgraduate-L7 ) that young people can apply for. Your schools and colleges should hold information on these too- but may not....

For example, BAE Systems in Portsmouth offers apprenticeships in Project Management where you complete a full degree over the course of your five year apprenticeship (no tuition fees there then) ..(I believe they also do this for some engineering areas - but would need to double check). So they are paid, they have no tuition fees, they are day release to university or are trained in house to the right level, and they have a top employer on their CV for a five year period- they often are then offered a full job as the company has invested so much in them.

There are plenty of large firms that offer this type of L6 apprenticeship - particularly in engineering....some in accountancy....even law is starting to offer Legal Exec apprenticeships and I heard word of expanding this to support a full degree level..so this area is constantly changing and you may find your son/daughter's preferred subject/career area now has (or will have by the time your child is ready) an apprenticeship option to degree level.

Of course, some young people wish to go to University for the cultural experience, chance to live away from home, learn to degree level and just have a brilliant time -which is perfectly reasonable! Apprenticeships are incredibly hard work - you are working and doing homework at night, so they won't suit all...and they are competitive to get on to. It is not the easier ride at all.

Don't forget you can try to gain financial sponsorship with major firms through university - particularly city careers and engineering - this is often linked to having done work experience through college with them - you need to get on these firms' radar early - particularly for the top ten finance firms. These firms tour the sixth form colleges and give presentations on their apprenticeship programmes ....your college again should tell you about these opportunities and invite these firms to present. If they don't - you might wish to gate-crash another college's presentation.

Please note L6 apprenticeships are not advertised very often on the national apprenticeship website so you have to look on company websites.

p.s I do not work for BAE, or the apprenticeship service - I'm a Careers Adviser.

[CrazyTights]

We're year 11 at the moment, DS wants to do a medical related course but doesn't have any work experience as yet since his school doesn't offer it until year 13. He has a chance for a job as a life guard - would that be considered useful perhaps?

O

[catsharingmychair]

Yes - as this would probably include First Aid training. It would count more if he was volunteering but if paid, the FA would be good experience and knowledge. What you are looking for is anything community focused or linked to helping people and showing commitment. Best options are NHS work experience, St John's Youth Cadets, Red Cross Youth Volunteering, Princes Trust work experience options, D of E. I'd also try to get some experience in a medical setting - I appreciate this is difficult but there are numerous NHS work experience schemes - see link far below (last one) think Care homes etc..

Info for you: (sorry a bit all over the place as I'm not at work with usual resources!)..

First link shows what med schools look for in work experience:

www.medschools.ac.uk/Students/howtoapply/Pages/Work-experience.aspx

Second link shows more info on relevant work experience:

www.sheffield.ac.uk/medicine/prospective_ug/applying/workexperience

Third link is FAQ's for medical students:

www.gmc-uk.org/education/undergraduate/undergraduate_faqs.asp

Fourth link is how to gain volunteering opportunities:
Register with below and put in your postcode and really local opportunities come up.

do-it.org/news/welcome

St John's Ambulance is a great option:
www.sja.org.uk/sja/young-people/cadets.aspx

Ditto Red Cross:

www.redcross.org.uk/en/Get-involved/Volunteer/Volunteering-for-young-people/Inspired-Action

Also Duke of Edinburgh is a really good way to show community spirit and tenacity - both really important for careers in medicine. And Princes Trust..

Finally - NHS work experience website
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-who-you-are/teachers-and-careers-advisers/work-experience/


Hope these help! Most importantly ask your whole family network who works in Care, Medicine, Youth work and see if your son could work shadow- it all counts.

[gobbin]

We're year 11 at the moment, DS wants to do a medical related course but doesn't have any work experience as yet since his school doesn't offer it until year 13

Don't wait for school to organise anything. My DS has applied for Radiography and before starting Yr 13 had already spent 3 days in two different hospitals, self-arranged, and followed me through a gamma scan (official and above board!)

For his course you absolutely MUST have spent time in a radiology dept, the more the better, and you have to write up your experience using the forms sent by the uni. Many hospital-based careers demand similar.

[titchy]

Agree - would be medics need to be seriously proactive, anyone who waits for their school to organise something isn't anywhere near committed enough.