Parents information - How to apply
How to apply
For students, the journey to higher education can be long – starting with deciding what to do and then taking all of the necessary steps until they are actually doing it. Your encouragement, guidance and support throughout the application process will prove invaluable.
When and how does my son/daughter apply for a university course?
Your son/daughter must apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com|
Where can I get more information if I want to help my son/daughter with their application?
The UCAS website (www.ucas.com|) has lots more information on the application process as well as useful tips and guidance on completing the forms.
What is a 'personal statement'?
The personal statement is a student's opportunity to promote him/herself and to tell the university or college about their suitability for a particular course. The personal statement should demonstrate what your son/daughter will bring to the course and may include academic strengths, skills and relevant interests and experiences
What if my son/daughter is taking a gap year/deferring entry?
Each year thousands of applicants opt to defer entry to university or college. Taking a gap year gives students a rare opportunity to enjoy new experiences and learn new skills. If your son/daughter wants to take a year out before starting their course, check with universities and colleges that they will accept a deferred entry application. If your son/daughter applies for deferred entry in 2010 (to start 2011), they must still apply by the relevant UCAS application deadline, and meet the conditions of any offers by late August 2010.
Are students interviewed for a place on a course at SSU?
Each of our courses has its own criteria for selecting candidates – for some courses it is usual to interview all shortlisted applicants, while other courses offer places without interview. In general, applicants without standard qualifications should be prepared to attend an interview.
When will my son/daughter hear back from universities?
Universities and colleges aim to send decisions on all applications received by the January deadline before 31 March.
What happens if my son/daughter does not meet the academic requirement of an offer?
If your son/daughter has no offers, has declined all their offers, or the university or college has turned them down, they can apply for a different choice through UCAS 'Extra', which runs from the end of February though to the end of June.
If your son/daughter does not get an offer through Extra, don't panic, they will still be able to apply through the UCAS 'Clearing' process, which runs from early July to late September. This is the process whereby an institution will make all their places on available courses open to applicants who have not already been accepted elsewhere.
Some universities offer courses through Clearing with slightly lower grade requirements, so your son/daughter may be able to shop around. However, they should be aware that all courses are operated on a first-come, first-served basis – so they'll need to make a quick decision!
For more information on Extra and Clearing visit www.ucas.com|