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Overseas Applications for BRITISH Universities & Colleges (Undergrad) - and Tips!Jul 31 '01 (Updated Aug 05 '01) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Get ahead of other overseas students by understanding UCAS and the application process. UCAS's website (and my epinion, of course!) at www.ucas.co.uk is the best place to get started. Applying for universities in the United Kingdom is not such a daunting task, if you have a clear understanding of the British application process. Unlike the American system, it takes significantly less effort to apply for UK universities, thanks to UCAS (pronounced 'you-cass'), short for The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. It is important that you understand the differences between UK and American universities: - Higher education, in most cases, is much cheaper in the UK, even when applying as an overseas student. It is even cheaper if you are a British citizen or a EU member. You can apply for scholarship schemes or hardship funds, though terms and conditions will vary depending on the individual university. - Most UK courses take 3 years to complete. However, Scottish universities (such as University of Edinburgh) and certain Science courses (especially Medicine and Architecture) take 4 to 5 years. - UK is more course specific. For example, if you decide to study Economics, then your whole 3-year course will focus specifically on this subject. (This may explain why studying in America takes 4 years instead of 3.) - UK universities base their decisions mainly on academic achievements. However, sporting abilities, community service, extra-curricular activities, and any positions in the school community should most definitely be included in the UCAS application form. The admissions officers may use this extra information to distinguish between students who have almost equal academic ability. The smallest detail may get you the place! - They usually base their offer on GCSE results and predicted A-level results. SATs are not required. For overseas students, they will look at IB results and any country's standard educational qualifications (for example: GCE results for Hong Kong). - Proof will be needed to show that your standard of English is adequate (e.g. TOEFL, UCLES, and IELTS). What's so special about UCAS? According to their website at www.ucas.ac.uk, UCAS is the "UK central organisation through which applications are processed for entry to full-time first degrees, HNDs and university diplomas. The mission of UCAS is to promote a partnership between prospective students and universities and colleges. ... All colleges and universities that are in the UCAS scheme are recognised by the UK Government or offer courses that are validated by UK Government-recognised universities." In other words, UCAS acts as the middleman between you and the universities. In order to apply to any UK university, you must apply through UCAS. The greatest advantage is that the application process is less time-consuming, as you are required to complete only one application form for up to six different courses*. UCAS then sends copies of your completed application form to your chosen universities. Any main correspondence between you and your universities is done via UCAS; they will notify you when a university has offered a place or declined your application. Apart from all this, UCAS also provides advice and information, through paper publications and electronic media on all aspects of access to higher education in the UK. Their mailing service is extremely efficient, and once your application form has been processed, UCAS will constantly contact you with extra, helpful information which will help you prepare for university life. Recently, they have introduced an online service at its official website, where you can log in and check for any replies from your chosen universities. UCAS Application Form Copies of the application form can be obtained in a number of ways: - Ask your school or college for a copy. - Get one from your local British Council office. - Order it online at http://search1.ucas.co.uk/packreq/index.html The form requires you to fill in personal information, like past qualifications and financial status. You will also have to include a personal statement (commonly referred to as 'Section 10') and a statement from a referee (usually teacher or principal). The Downside of UCAS - You can only apply to six courses, so choose carefully. - These are not 'blind' applications; therefore, any one of your universities will know what other five courses you have chosen and at which universities. Discrimination may happen, though it is unlikely. - You can apply to either Oxford or Cambridge, but not both. (For reasons of rivalry and prestige.) There have been rumours that UCAS will be reforming its policy, and that universities will no longer be able to see what other courses the student have chosen. So far, these claims are unfounded - but it may change - so always check their website: www.ucas.ac.uk *Note: Individual universities may require you to submit work, fill in an extra application form, or answer questions, depending on the course and university. This is especially the case for Oxford and Cambridge. Universities may also contact you for interviews if you are in the UK. In some cases, they may send interviewers to conduct interviewing days in certain countries. ~TIPS~ - Always check application deadlines at the UCAS website! Better apply earlier than later. - Application form: when filling in data, always write BIG and in CAPS. Use a black felt-tip pen for better visibility. - Personal statement: small font is not recommended (Times New Roman, font size 11/12, is the smallest you should go). This is because universities will be receiving considerably shrunk copies of your application form - about half the size of an A4. You CAN type your personal statement onto the space provided, so use this to your advantage. Personal tip: to squeeze in more words into the Personal Statement box, try narrow fonts that are easily legible, even at font size 10! - Choose your universities and courses carefully, since you only have six choices per application! Personal tip: the internet is a great way to find information on universities, so always visit their websites. Don't forget to email for free prospectuses, or even better, try and get hold of alternative prospectuses wherever possible, as they are written by university students. There are detailed, textbook-sized guides to UK universities, which are extremely helpful. They can be bought from most large online stores at reasonable prices (e.g. www.amazon.co.uk and www.whsmith.co.uk ). These are the guides that I found particularly useful: - Virgin Alternative Guide to British Universities; Dudgeon, Piers Paperback - 'The Times' Good University Guide 200-; O'Leary, John Paperback - Push Guide to Which University 200-; Letts Educational **ALWAYS CHECK THE OFFICIAL UCAS WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILED, UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION AT www.ucas.ac.uk! IT ALSO PROVIDES SOME VERY USEFUL ADVICE, COURSE INFORMATION, NEWS, AND LINKS!** IMPORTANT NOTE: The application process is much different for Art courses. Please check UCAS for details.  |
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