Parents Guide to UCAS

The university admission process can be overwhelming for both students and parents, but it doesn’t have to be. Our parent’s guide to UCAS, university applications, portfolio guidance, and more is available here.

What is the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) and How does it Work?

UCAS is a non-profit organisation that provides admissions information, counselling, and services. It is a UK-based organisation that oversees the application process for British universities. It was founded in 1992 when the old university admissions system UCCA and the former polytechnic admissions system PCAS merged to become an independent nonprofit that is supported by fees imposed on candidates and universities, as well as advertising revenue.

This is a simple method of sharing your application with multiple universities in the UK through a single process, rather than applying for each course separately at each university. Before applying, students can look up different subjects, courses, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and other information on the UCAS website.

The application procedure for undergraduates and postgraduates at UK universities differs somewhat. Undergraduates can apply via the UCAS website, whereas postgraduates must apply directly through the university’s website.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Applying

Below mentioned are some important things to keep in mind for the parents guide to UCAS-

• Examine Your Child’s College Prospects

Students may only apply for a maximum of five courses on their UCAS application, so it’s critical that they pick intelligently. Those five courses might be given at the same university or at five different colleges.

• Examine the Available Programmes

It’s possible that two courses with the same name at two separate colleges have entirely different objectives. One may be more theoretical in nature, while the other may have a heavy vocational component. As a result, it’s critical to thoroughly examine each course and its content.

• Virtual Open Days or Virtual Tours

We propose that you urge your children to attend an information session at a university. since these first introductions will have a lasting effect on them (and you, if you desire to join them). They will also provide you with useful information about the culture and facilities.

Suggested: The majority of undergraduate courses begin in September or October, and many colleges need you to apply a year in advance, so planning ahead is essential.

Eligibility Criteria

• A minimum GPA is sometimes needed
• A test of English language proficiency

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Application Process for Bachelors in the UK via UCAS

When your child has completed their research and has a better understanding of the course or disciplines they want to follow, it is time to start the application process. Let’s look at how Indian students and other overseas students can get into undergraduate or bachelor’s degree at a UK university via the UCAS website, using these simple steps:

Registration at UCAS

Register with UCAS and answer all questions on how to apply for undergraduate studies in the UK. 

Complete Your Details

Your child must fill out all of his/her personal information accurately and as specified in the official paperwork.

Choices

This is where your kid will list the five courses for which he/she has decided to apply. Only UCAS can see the order of preference, thus your child will not be treated differently if he/she did not select a university as his/her top choice.

Education

In this section, your kid must mention all of the qualifications they have obtained via school and other courses.

Employment 

They should also include any prior or present job, especially if it is related to the course for which they are applying. It makes no difference if your youngster has nothing to offer to this part. It will not be taken negatively if the information provided here is minimal.

Personal Statement

Personal statement is the most crucial element of the application and your child’s greatest chance to explain why they should be admitted to the programme. Encourage your kid to consider their personal reasons for applying to the programme and work with them to deliberately and systematically build the statement. Academic and personal accomplishments should be highlighted. It’s also a chance to show off your personality. Including a human aspect in a personal statement can assist ensure that it sticks out and highlights all of your child’s wonderful traits.

LOR, Application Cost, and Submit Your Application to UCAS

Your child must get a reference or a Letter of Recommendation from a professor, adviser, or a professional who is familiar with their academic achievements. Unless your child has permission from the preferred universities and colleges, everyone needs a reference. Before an application is forwarded to UCAS, it must have a completed reference.

The application price is £22 (INR 2141) for one choice and £26.50 (INR 2500) for multiple choices.

Clearing 

They can utilise clearing if they meet the following criteria:

• They received no offers (or none they wanted to accept)
• They failed to meet the terms of their offering.
• They’ve paid the £25 (INR 2400) application fee for multiple-choice questions.
• They’ve declined any offers by clicking the ‘reject my spot’ button in Track.

How to Monitor Your UCAS Application?

The tracking procedure is pretty simple after you have applied through UCAS. The following is a step-by-step breakdown of the UCAS tracking process:

• Make sure you’re logged in to your account.
• To see if your application has been received, click ‘track’, or to apply for the backup, click ‘apply’.

UCAS Mobile App

All candidates enrolling for postgraduate programmes in the UK can now use the UCAS Mobile App. The UCAS app is a multi-language mobile app that shows students an overview of courses, institutions, and their separate application processes as they scroll down their screens. Download the UCAS mobile app by clicking here!

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