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Transcript of Applying to Higher Education podcast

Applying to Higher Education can seem a bit daunting, this podcast gives useful information and some key dates for the application process.

So what should you do to prepare for applying to Higher Education?

Well you should do as much research as possible, speak to your Careers Adviser and teachers to ensure you are making the right course choices, you could look at prospectuses and University/College websites. Why not go along to open days or Higher Education Conventions. You can find dates of all of these on the Careers Scotland Events Calendar.

So how do you actually apply to Universities or Colleges?

Well, for university applications are made via UCAS, you can list up to five course choices on your UCAS form and you must return your form to UCAS by the 15th January 2008. There are a few exceptions - applications to Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine have a closing date of 15th October 2007. All the information you need for entry to university can be found at ucas.com. For colleges applications are made direct to each individual college.

A lot of people have heard of UCAT but they are not too sure what that is?

Well the UCAT is a clinical aptitude test used as part of the selection process for entry to medicine and dentistry. Anyone applying for entry in 2008, or deferred entry, will have to take the UCAT.

Some people get a bit confused about entry to Art & Design?

Yes, there are actually two ways to apply for Art & Design courses, there is Route A and Route B. Courses are identified in prospectuses and the UCAS Guide. For courses using Route A you can list up to five choices and applications must be received by the 15th January 2008. For courses using Route B you can list up to three choices, applications must be received by 24th March 2008, but remember it does no harm to get your application in even earlier.

Of course a lot of people choose to go to college and then on to university?

Yes, that's right you can do a stand alone qualification such as an HNC or and HND at college. You can then use your college qualification as a stepping stone to articulate to a university course. Whatever you do though, you have to choose the level of course that is most suitable for you, your Careers Adviser will be happy to talk through your options.