How to choose a course

There are over 37,000 courses listed in our search tool. Quite a daunting statement if you haven’t made your mind up yet about what you want to apply for, right? It doesn’t have to be though, after all every year there are hundreds of thousands of people in exactly the same situation as you’re in now, and they all manage to choose. So wouldn’t it be great if you could ask how they did it? How they narrowed down 37,000 to five course choices, and then ultimately just one? Well that’s exactly what we did.

We asked those of you on Facebook who already know what you’re going to study, or what you plan to apply for, how you decided that your course was right for you. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories, we had heaps of responses. Reading through them all, I could see that most people chose their course through one of five ways, so here they are in a nutshell.


Some people just know
There’s a group of people out there who, for one reason or other, have always known what they wanted to study. Perhaps they were inspired at a young age by their favourite TV character or by a family member they looked up to. However it came about, they’ve been focussed for as long as they can remember on a particular career, and this is guiding their studies. You might think they’re a lucky bunch, because for them the decision never really had to be made – but spare a thought for those who were inspired by Bananaman...

Start with your heart

Looking at what you enjoy – what makes you tick – is a good way to kick-off your research. If you love writing for example, courses with plenty of written assessments are a good starting point. Moving on to your broader interest, you might be able to find courses that reflect your hobbies and extracurricular activities, as well as subjects you know you’re good at. If you can do this then you’ll probably find writing your personal statement a piece of a cake, as you’ve got heaps of evidence to support why you’re genuinely interested in the course you’re applying for.

Work experience works
Work experience, both paid and unpaid, can help you narrow down what you like doing, and – as importantly – what you don’t. If you’ve already got some experience then think about the tasks involved and also the industry it was in, to determine whether these are areas you can see yourself learning more about. If you haven’t got any work experience, then arranging to work shadow someone in a career you’re interested in is a great opportunity to find out whether you want to study a course which could lead to something similar. Although having your sights set on a job isn’t the only reason you’d choose to go to uni (this video explains lots of other motivations) it’s one that we know is important to some people.

Speak to those in the know

Although no one knows you quite as well as you know yourself, there are other people who can help you choose a course. Current and past teachers can give you insight in to where your strengths lie academically, and therefore what types of course you could be well suited to. If you have a particular career in mind then speak to people who work in that profession already – it’s a great way to find out which courses might help you to pursue it.

No idea? No boundaries!
Sometimes not knowing what you want to study can seem like you’re in the dark, but try to see it instead as having an open mind. Look at as many different avenues as possible, and do as much research as you can. Attending open days and UCAS conventions gives you the chance to find out about lots of different courses, some of which you might never have considered (or heard of). Take the opportunity to speak to staff from universities and colleges on these days – they’ll be able to give you far more information than could possibly be crammed in to a prospectus!

Watch our UCAStv video guide to choosing courses for even more great advice.

                                         

Have you checked...?

So you’ve worked away at your UCAS application for weeks, adding fact after fact about yourself. You’ve trawled through GCSE certificates and alike to find the precise details needed for each section, not to mention the hours you’ve spent writing and re-writing your personal statement, only to scrap it all and start again from scratch with a completely different approach.

At last you feel ready to hit send, but don't be too hasty in completing this final step. It’s really important that you check and double check your application, to make sure it’s all tip-top and typo-free. Here’s our checklist of what to look out for:

Have you definitely completed everything? Lots of people think they’re done and dusted with their application, and then they find they can’t click ‘pay/send’. This is usually because one or more of the sections are still in progress. When your application’s ready to go, the checklist on the left-hand side will look like this.

If you’re applying through your school or college, the reference box won’t be displayed. Your tutor will complete it after you send it to them.

Have you included all your qualifications? Remember, you’ve got to add all those you’re taking in the coming year, which includes English proficiency tests, aptitude and admissions tests such as UKCAT and LNAT, as well as A levels (read our blog on how to add these correctly), BTECs and anything else you’re studying for. Make sure all the grades you’ve already got are included and that the dates and results are the same as on your certificates.

Proofread your personal statement! This is where mistakes are most likely to lurk. You might think you’ve read through it hundreds of times, but it always pays to check it again. Tim Wiltshire is Web Editor at UCAS, and with responsibility for everything that’s written on ucas.com, he knows a thing or two about proofreading. Here are his three top tips:

Tim Wiltshire, Web Editor

"Make sure you have time to 

proofread it a few times. It won’t be nearly as good if you’ve 

forgotten to correct any errors.

When you’re checking through, read it out loud or ask someone else to read it to you. It might seem a weird thing to do, but it makes it much easier to hear bad punctuation, overlong sentences or messy wording.

Then see if you can get your family, teachers or advisers to check it too – they might notice something you’ve missed."

Are your contact details correct? We rely on the information in the personal details section when we send your welcome letter, as well as emails about the status of your application. The universities and colleges will also use it to get in touch with you about interviews, offers and so on, so take a few moments to make sure they’re up-to-date and error-free. If you’re applying independently, remember to check your referee’s contact details too – a wrong phone number or email address here could hold your application up if admissions staff have to get in touch with you to get the correct info.

Have you selected the right course and institution codes in the choices section? It seems simple but make sure this section definitely reflects what you want to apply for. Easy-to-make mistakes include selecting the wrong institution where there are two in a particular town or city, and adding the wrong degree type where there’s a choice, i.e. BA and BSc etc.
Once you’ve been through each section carefully, ask someone you trust to read through it for you too. It’s amazing what a fresh pair of eyes will spot. And don't forget to send your application before the deadline for your course!

GCSE results – what next?

The Exam Results Helpline 0808 100 8000

Nick Hynes, Exam Results Helpline adviser

By Nick Hynes, Exam Results Helpline careers adviser.

Congratulations in advance to all of you who receive the GCSE results you want on Thursday, and also to those of you who do even better than expected – well done!

We are here at the Exam Results Helpline to offer free, impartial and expert advice about your options and next steps. Simply call us on 0808 100 8000 to speak to a careers adviser. Lines are open daily until Saturday 24 August and calls are free from a landline. But in the meantime, here are our top tips to help you with your next steps:

Stay calm!
First off, if you don’t get the grades you want or need for university or college – don’t panic. You have LOTS of options so stay calm and seek advice.

Contact the university or college directly
If your grades are lower than you needed for university or college, take a few deep breaths and contact them to explain your situation. There’s still a chance that they’ll be willing to accept you or offer you a different course. Make sure you have a list of reasons to hand about why you would be a good candidate for the course.

Clearing
If you’re unsuccessful, take some time to think about your next steps. You could try Clearing to find a course somewhere else – that’s what Ollie did, you can hear his story in our previous blog post.

Re-sits
Core subjects such as maths, English and science are important, and universities and colleges often require at least a grade ‘C’ in each.  If you haven’t reached this grade in these subjects, you may want to look at why and explore re-sitting your exams with your school or college, so that you can reapply to university or college next year.

Gap years
If you decide that re-sits are for you, waiting another year before starting a course may seem like a set-back but it is also a fantastic opportunity for you to gain extra skills and confidence to help you when you do reach higher education or employment. This is how Tanya approached her gap year and she didn’t regret it – hear what she has to say.

If you would like to speak to someone about the above options, plus anything else that might be worrying you about your future and next steps, call the Exam Results Helpline for free independent and expert careers advice on 0808 100 8000.

We are happy to speak to students and families!

www.ucas.com/examresultshelpline 

Clearing: making the call

If you’re reading this blog, chances are your status in Track says “You are in Clearing”. If not then maybe you’re preparing for every eventuality. Whether you’re expecting to use Clearing or not, the steps you need to follow to get a place on a course are the same: use the Clearing vacancy search at ucas.com to find courses, contact unis to ask if they’ll consider your application and then if you’re offered a place, add it as your Clearing choice in Track.

Sounds pretty straightforward, right? I mean, if you find a course that’s right for you on results day, and you make a good impression on the phone, then the uni offers you a place, you could be done with Clearing by mid-afternoon. But that depends on a few ifs, a few unknowns. So right now we’re going to tackle how you can make a good impression, and the key to this is being prepared.

Here, six universities and colleges tell you what you can expect from your conversations with them in Clearing – what they’ll want you to know, the types of questions they’ll ask, and equally as important – what you should ask them. Use their advice to make notes to keep with you before you pick up the phone and dial, and you’ll feel more confident when you come to tell them why you’d make a great student for their course.

Alix Delany – Assistant Head of Admissions, University of East Anglia 

Alix Delany, University of East Anglia

I’ve taken part in many results days whilst working in admissions at the University of East Anglia.  I get a huge sense of satisfaction when a student secures a place through clearing. I enjoy getting to talk to the student on the phone and I know that I will be meeting them in a month’s time, when they join the university.

If you are in clearing on results day, start with a positive attitude.

Most universities will have vacancies showing on ucas.com and on their own websites. Check both to see what’s on offer and how the university wants to be contacted. For us, it’s best to call.

Remember, the people at the end of the phone line want to help you. Typically you will be asked for your UCAS Personal ID and your results.  You may also be asked for certain GCSE subjects and grades, so it’s worth having details of them to hand.  The person you are talking to will take you through some questions about the subjects you studied and the grades achieved. If you need something repeated or you have questions don’t be rushed, take your time.

If you are offered a place, ask how long the offer is guaranteed for and what happens next.   For example, at UEA we send an email confirming our offer with accommodation details and how you can visit if you want to see us before you make your final decision.

If you put the phone down and realise you forgot to ask something, don’t panic, call back.
 

Emma Dermott – Social Media Officer, University for the Creative Arts

    

Emma Dermott,
University for the Creative Arts

Don’t be afraid to speak to university admissions teams in advance, they are there to help you and are the best source of information. Introduce yourself and talk through your individual circumstances. There is a lot they can do to help students leading up to results day.

We recommend you ask as many questions as you need to, including concerns with your grades, whether you’ve changed your mind about a course, student loans, entry requirements or fees. The bottom line is: don’t be afraid to ask.

When you call, have your UCAS ID, your Clearing number, the codes of the courses you’re interested in as well as your email address and telephone number close to hand.

Admissions teams will ask you what you want to do, what grades you received and what expectations you have of university. This is to ensure they give you the best possible advice.

Top tips we firmly believe in are:

1. Don’t wait! If you’ve already received your results then call us now – we are ready to speak to you about your options.
2. Prepare and research your options – be proactive and identify your interests in advance.
3. Have details of your qualifications in front of you when you call. 
4. And finally, we’re happy to speak to your mum/dad/guardian afterwards, but we need to speak to you first! 

Our short video about the Clearing process also contains lots of advice to help you.

Bernard Strutt - Head of UK/EU Recruitment at The University of Manchester

    

Bernard Strutt,
The University of Manchester

Information you should have to hand 
If you're exploring opportunities though clearing you should have your clearing number and exam results to hand. Remember to check UCAS Track - your eligibility for Clearing and your designated Clearing number will be shown in your account. It's also a good idea to have a pen and paper to hand to take down any details. If you’ve already signed up to have email updates about potential Clearing vacancies at Manchester then make sure you’ve noted down the course you’re interested in
  
Making the most of your phone call
We recognise that clearing can be a little daunting and we encourage you to call on the support of parents, teachers and advisors. But don't be afraid to pick up the phone yourself. Our team at The University of Manchester need to speak to you, not your parents or teachers. We want to understand your motivations and your aspirations and to make an assessment about whether you'll be a good fit for the course. 

Whilst some students forget to keep essential information to hand, the most common mistake I see is students being too quick to pick up the phone. We appreciate you'll be keen to speak to universities to avoid missing out on the best places, but don't rush. Even a couple of minutes preparation can make all the difference in helping make a good first impression and demonstrating that you're a credible candidate. Take the time to understand your options and research the right university for you. 
  
Questions you can expect to be asked
Whilst admissions staff can see your full application, expect to be asked to confirm the qualifications you've taken and the results you've received. Remember you may be speaking directly to an academic admissions tutor, so it's important that you convey some understanding of the subject and express your motivations clearly. You may also be asked about extracurricular activities and experiences. Think back to your personal statement and how your skills and experiences relate to the course that you're applying to.
  
Questions you should ask
Think about the questions you asked when you first made your application. What and how will you be taught, and how will you be assessed? Ask about course variants –  re you interested in studying abroad or gaining some industry experience as part of the course?

Stacy Lloyd – Admissions Manager, York St John University

   

York St John University

Here at York St John University we understand how daunting the Clearing process can be, however, if you fully prepare, we can make it as stress-free as possible! Here are our top tips to help you:

First of all, we can’t speak to family members on your behalf – we need to speak to you as it’s you who will be applying to the university.

Make sure you have your Personal ID and your Clearing number ready – we can’t log you on to our systems without it and you will be flustered trying to find it whilst on the phone to us. 

Remember to have your results close by – sounds simple but this helps speed the process up.
There are several standard questions that we will ask:  what recent study do you have and does it meet the minimum institution requirements (A Levels and GCSE)? Do you need accommodation? Do you need to speak to someone in disability services?

You can ask questions too! Write some key questions down before you call us and use them as a prompt throughout the conversation. Good questions are: what support is available? Will I get accommodation? What financial support will I receive? If you are given an offer, don’t be side-tracked!  If you still have questions, make sure you ask them.

Finally, we know it is a lot to take in but it is really important that you pay attention to what you are told on the phone. There may be things you need to do and you need to be aware of what they are.
  

Lydia Wakefield – Senior Partnership & Recruitment Officer, Kaplan Holborn College

If you didn’t quite get the results you were hoping for, DON’T panic. If you’re going to use Clearing, the list of courses is available in The Telegraph, at www.ucas.com and on university and college websites. 55,700 students accepted places through clearing in 2012, so you certainly won’t be alone!

Lydia Wakefield,
Kaplan Holborn College

Here’s our advice to help you before and during your phone calls in Clearing.

Before you pick up the phone, remember…

• Have your UCAS ID number ready, it will be one of the first things you are asked for.
• Make sure your phone is charged and call from a quiet place (you don’t want it to cut out just as you’re about to be made an offer!).
• Ask admissions staff lots of questions about the university and courses. 
• Make notes – this will help you make an informed decision if you are offered a place. 

What questions do we ask?

• “What is your UCAS ID?”
• “Are you already holding an offer?” If you are you will not be eligible to apply through Clearing – if you know you haven’t met the conditions of your offer you’ll become eligible if this changes to unsuccessful.
• Personal details – so have your contact info close by.
• "What are your qualifications?” Have these on hand when you call. 
• “Why are you interested in the university and course?”

You don’t need to accept the first offer you get – most institutions will hold a place for you for an agreed period. But when you are accepted on to a course that is right for you, the university or college will issue you with an unconditional offer. Your university or college will send you details on what you need to do next. Read it carefully in case there is anything you need to do before your start.

Check out Kaplan Holborn College’s website for more advice from us about Clearing.

Bhavesh Varsani – Admissions Process Adviser, University of Westminster

  
Don't panic
If you do need to call, getting through to universities on results day can be quite stressful. Persist and eventually you will get through. At the University of Westminster we have 70 team members in our Clearing Enquiry Team to assist you. 

University of Westminster

Be prepared
Make sure you have enough credit and battery on your phone. Our 0800 027 9777 number can save you from a huge phone bill, however some mobile phone operators will charge.

Keep your UCAS Personal ID to hand. Some universities will also give you a reference number specific to them – we give applicants an eight digit Westminster ID number, so if you get one of these make sure you write it down. Often we will ask you to speak to the admissions office or an academic for a final decision.  It’s a good idea to take their name and number before you are put through, just in case you get cut off and you need to call them back.

If you have retaken your GCSEs you may be asked to wait for your results before a final offer can be made to you. It’s still worth calling on the day, as we’d still be happy to talk to you.

If you got your results last year we may ask you what you have been doing since then, so be prepared to answer such questions.

Be available
Some of our courses, such as Electronic Engineering, will want to interview applicants before making an offer. Other universities and colleges may differ, and it’s a good idea to ask about this in case you need to change your plans so that you’re available.

You should be contactable all day on results day, so make sure you have access to your emails, as we will email you to confirm any offers we make to you. Remember to regularly check your junk email folders too and add westminster.ac.uk to your safe senders domain list. If you can, provide us with two telephone numbers just in case we need to call you. Good luck!

BTEC results and what happens with them...

It's that time of year again when results for the different BTEC qualifications start rolling in. There can sometimes be confusion about who handles your results and what happens with them, so this should make things a bit clearer!

Each week we receive a batch of results from the exam board EDEXCEL, right up until September. We match your results to your application and send them to your uni choices. Once they've got them, we'd expect the unis to update your application with their decisions within a few days. Your Track status will change when this has happened – if you're unsure what your status means you can find out on our 'What your results mean' page. 

If you get your results before the university receives them from us, you could get in touch with them to ask if you can pass them on yourself. The uni might ask you to send a copy of your transcript by post or email, or they might say they'll wait until they receive your grades from UCAS before they update your application.

Providing you've got the grades the university set out in the conditions of your offer, you can assume you've got in and your place will be confirmed once they've received your results from us. That said, remember there might be additional requirements you need to complete, such as health checks or sending proof of your past qualifications, so make sure read all the conditions carefully. 

If you know you haven't met the conditions for your firm and insurance choice, but they're waiting for your results to be confirmed or for the results of other qualifications to be published before they make a decision, it's a good idea to be prepared and look in to Clearing. 

Get advice on the next steps after results.