UCAS

All students applying for third-level undergraduate courses in Northern Ireland use the UCAS system – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. This is a centralised service that deals with over two million applications a year on behalf of all the universities and colleges in the UK.

The UCAS system takes into account the student’s capabilities and personality, but it is not involved in choosing students, instead it assists colleges or universities with their decisions.

All UCAS applications are now submitted online through the UCAS web site. This is a much more convenient system than the old paper-based process, and allows students to track their application over the Internet.

A very important element of the UCAS system is the student’s personal statement. Your personal statement is a chance to explain to the university why you have chosen your course, and to persuade them to pick you as a student. This is a vital part of the process, and you should take the time to compose a statement that demonstrates your strengths. More information and advice on writing a personal statement is available on the UCAS web site.

The UCAS system also requires a reference, which is usually written by a teacher from your present school. This teacher (usually your careers teacher or one who teaches the class related to your desired college course) will also oversee your application. When you have entered all your information, they check it’s correct and add their reference. Mature students, or those whose school is not involved in helping them with their application, may decide to choose a referee who is not a current teacher. Again, more information on how to do this (which is only advisable in unusual cases) is available on the UCAS web site. You also can give information on your work experience, disabilities and special needs.

When your UCAS application is processed, your chosen university might make you a conditional offer before you sit the A-levels; this offer is dependent on you getting certain grades in your exams. This means you have a better idea in advance of the exams of what grades you will need to achieve to secure your place.

The deadline for UCAS applications from students who wish to be guaranteed equal academic consideration is January 15th 2008. For some courses, including all programmes at Cambridge and Oxford Universities, you must submit your application by the previous October. Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary applications also have an earlier closing date. Check with your chosen college or university or with UCAS well in advance to make sure you have the right date. Late entries are accepted, but are less likely to receive their first choice.

The UCAS system also includes a ‘Clearing’ process, which is a second chance to secure a place on a course. Clearing takes place in late August and early September when most college places have already been taken, but there are still a remainder of places to be filled. Information on which colleges and courses have places available appears on the UCAS site, on the college’s web sites and in the press. If you have already entered a UCAS application, they will send you an official Clearing form; however, first you must ring the college directly to apply for the free places.

The UCAS system involves quite a bit of work with the submission of material with your application and the option of a second chance through Clearing. However, it is a very fair system, and offers students an excellent chance of finding a course that is right for them.
Visit www.ucas.com for full details.