Change to Uni Applications Process Proposals

[Sventon]

Posting in AIBU for traffic - also posted in Higher Education. Question -
Does anyone understand the benefit of the new proposals relating to changing the University Application process??
I don’t see any benefit in these proposals. DD is applying for uni this year so won’t impact her but DS applies in 4 years so may impact him. I genuinely can’t see how these proposals are better for anyone. Any help in understanding this would be appreciated.

YANBU - This is change for change sake
YABU - The changes suggested will benefit students.

Thanks!

@uggbooted, how does it work though, what’s their process and how do you manage getting the student loan and accommodation in time for your child to start uni?

Think it's a much better idea. Though perhaps exams should be earlier to get results earlier to enable students to start in say October. Just think how much more streamline the uni application process.

Kind of like Clearing/Adjustment for all students at once. Sounds like a bit of a logistical nightmare tbh.

Op we did exams at the end of year 12 and ready to start university in Feb. So same summer holiday period as here to get organised.

I admit feel more confused by moving to Jan. So school would be Jan to Dec and university start in Sept? That feels like overkill with a lot of downsides and reorganisation

It will also stop unconditional offers which were the worst thing to happen to the sector. Seeing very bright students getting an unconditional offer meant a lot of them then stopped working and didn't bother revising for exams etc.... as they were guaranteed a place, it was so disheartening to see. Not all students but a vast majority that I worked with.

In Scotland we have two years of exams, so you can sit five Highers in fifth year and another five in sixth year. University entry requirements generally state 4-5 Highers in a single sitting or 6 across the two years.

I worked in undergraduate admissions and we received so many applications that only 10% were offered places. The overwhelming majority of offers went to students in sixth year who had already sat one round of Highers, rather than fifth year pupils applying with only predicted grades. Predicted grades can be very wrong so it makes sense to offer based on achieved grades.

I can't see how it would work given the current timings of exam results August, start in Sept but moving academic year to start in Jan for Uni would work. Year 13 is hard enough without the pressure of deciding and visiting uni's, completing personal statement etc etc. It must be an administrative ball ache currently for both schools and uni's. So much admin time will be cut out as a result of applying with grades, I would think it would save a fortune. The whole process could be streamlined if everything was done post results. Students could use the time between results and a Jan start working so they start uni with extra funds whilst still having a post A Level experience between the end of exams and results day. There would obviously be some kinks in the system the year things change but after a couple of years I think it could be the best thing.

@Sventon
Exams in November
Results end of December
University applications centralised as they are here (but different process obviously)
Accommodation applications to the universities just like here before results available.

University offers released by the centralised body 2nd week in January. If you have applied for accommodation at that university you get offered a room.

Freshers week late February.

Here would obviously be running from May to September. Same amount of time available, much more efficient - pupils concentrate on the final year assessments not worry about personal statements, teachers teach instead of predicting grades and writing references. No longer any need to every university in the country to staff large teams in every discipline considering applications from students who will never go there.

From what I have read on the recommendations it would be

Institutions release grades required for courses.

Year 13 Sept-June students apply for up to 3 courses/institutions they want, the institutions would then hold interviews and any tests etc.... during this time.

Year 13 June ucas would close for applications.

Year 13 August - Beginning on August institutions get embargoed (no different to now) results so they can put in place offers that will be going out.

Results Day - if students have the correct results they choose which institution/course they want to attend and confirm. If haven't made the grades then there will be clearing as normal.

End of Sept/beginning of October term starts for all students.