Ok uni, I have no clue, DD is now kinda interested in it!

[BobsTaintedLeftLeg]

Hi

DD is nearly 18, and at college doing art and design.
She did level 1 (I think?) last year, a one year course, and is now doing the next one, which is two years.

They college took them to our local (ish) uni and now she is very interested in going, wasn't ever fussed, classic doesn't know what she wants to do really!

So I have no clue about any of the uni stuff, so in simple steps/language, when/how do you start applying, what do you need etc.
The basics I suppose?!

Thank you.

I can't quite remember but think applications start in the next few months then some Uni's hold interviews. Places are then offered assuming they get certain grades. From memory the applicant has to do a personal statement about themselves. I'd imagine that for an arty type course some samples of work might be required at some point but that's not definite! I think there's also a few to pay. After the results are out if they haven't got the place at their chosen Uni (or if they've not previously applied) they can go through clearing where places on courses are advertised and you contact the Uni directly. That's how I did it. You save the fee but you're going in blind if it's a Uni you've not visited etc. Your best bet is to look on the UCAS website as that should have all the information you need. Good luck!

Thank you,
she has another year yet of this course, so I'd guess that would be summer 2016 to start all the uni stuff?

Everything Thevirginmummy1 said plus some college courses are recognised as access courses to certain university courses. So eg if your DD decided to apply for an art and design course at uni then the time she has spent at college could mean that she can start the uni course in year 2.

Different courses have different fees. There are usually some scholarships/grants/funding available but you usually need to apply for them early.

The college your DD currently attends should be able to offer advice on portfolios; funding; scholarships; access courses.

Oh good, because I've just looked at the ucas site and it's like a foreign language to me

Thank you both.

She will be going in September 2016 wouldnt she if she has just started a 2 year course, then she needs to applications in by January 2016.

The college should have an advisor who can help her. She should ask them.

Leaving it til the summer of the year she wants to go is far too late.

She should ask for the prospectus of the uni she's interested in.

They will probably have open days next autumn/winter.

You need to make sure the course she is currently doing is enough to get her to university. I imagine it'll be a level 3 course, not a level 2, which should be ok - is it a BTEC extended diploma by any chance? If so then that's enough, with her portfolio is she wants to to art and design.

Applications for September 2016 open this September and the first round closes in January 2016. Open days will start this summer so she needs to start planning visits soon.

She applies through UCAS - costs about £25 I think, college adds their predictions to her application and once she's applied she sits back and waits for interviews or offers. Or declines of course. She gets to pick up to five choices.

Assuming she gets more than one offer she has to decide on one firm, and one backup (insurance) choice. Then she meets the conditions, ie 3 merits, and off she goes.

In the meantime you try to get to grips with student finance...... She'll get loans for the fees, and loans for basic living costs, the amount of the latter depending on your household income. You will probably need to subsidise her, or get her used to thee idea if getting a job cos the maintenance loan won't cover all her costs.

Her college will help, lots!

The main thing with applying for art and design will be the portfolio. Her existing college should know all about this and if it possible to get from her course straight onto a degree without doing a foundation degree. Parents don't apply so encourage your DD to find all this out for herself with help from her college. She also applies for the funding so again she needs to familiarise herself with what is needed. Don't be tempted to do everything for her. It's not you who wants to go.

Thank you, all of you.

I have an idea now of what needs doing and when.

She hadn't even contemplated uni before the visit last week, and loved it, and I never did uni actually don't think I know anyone bar on FB who did?? so didn't have the first clue about anything.

If there is anyone from previous courses at her college who have gone on to university perhaps the college could help her contact them for advice.

It's likely there will be multiple people on her course applying to uni, and the college will guide them through the process. At the moment, the most important thing is for her to think about what she wants to study and where- I am guessing she wants to do art, so she needs to think about her interests within art, and find unis where their syllabus matches her interest. She may want to attend open days, which she can do this summer, or autumn- this will help her narrow down where she wants to study.

In your position, I would let all of this be driven by her. Let her research open day dates, and by all means go with her, but let her do the running and organising.

You may need to provide supporting evidence for her student finance application, but parents don't have any input into the UCAS application (except possibly paying for it). Her college will need to have input, but they will be used to this, and will support and guide her through the process.

If you want to help, perhaps look at some university websites together- these will give you lots of detail about the courses, entry requirements and student life at that university, and think about what she wants from the university and course.