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UCAS Higher Education Conventions get underway
Now that exam results have been fully digested, it is time for people to start thinking about what they want to study and where. In Scotland in particular, the process is getting into full swing as they can apply for 2012 entry already knowing the grades they have are enough.
If you are thinking about applying to universities next year, there are a range of services to help you make what is going to be a life-changing decision. And while it might seem like a long way before you have to get your application in, it is never too early to start researching all the various ins and outs of higher education.
From mid-September, UCAS will start accepting applications for 2012 - though you can already start working on it now. The deadline for applications to Oxford and Cambridge and for medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine/science courses is October 15th. Most courses allow you to submit until January 15th 2012, but it is worth checking this to confirm.
To get a better idea of which subjects and institutions are suitable for them, Scottish students will have the opportunity this September to visit any one of several UCAS higher education conventions. These are a network of roughly 50 events held throughout the UK each year.
The conventions bring around 100 universities and colleges within the UCAS scheme face-to-face with pre-applicant university and college students to help them navigate the choices and options open to them. Conventions are aimed at 16-year-old and 17-year-old students - Year 12, Lower Sixth or Scottish Higher students in Scotland.
Major conventions are organised by UCAS Media with the help of universities, Careers Services and the Higher Education Liaison Officers Association (HELOA). Regional events are run by Connexions, Careers Services, universities and HELOA.
One convention has already been taking place in the Borders, while September will see events happening in Dumfries and Galloway, Argyll and Bute, Tayside, Lanarkshire, Moray, Highlands, Fife, Aberdeen, the West of Scotland, Ayrshire and the Forth Valley. You can find out the dates of each of these and more throughout the UK on the UCAS higher education conventions webpage.
These are a great opportunity to talk to admissions officers directly about what they expect from applicants and issues such as finance and accommodation.
But before setting out, check out the Entry Profiles section on the UCAS website as well as an institution's own website. This will give you a good overview of what to expect and allow you the chance to arm yourself with a few questions for the day.
The conventions do more than just provide information about higher education, however. Exhibitors also include further education colleges, Connexions, gap year organisations, student support services, professional bodies, student travel firms, student finance and more. Many provide an extensive seminar programme on topics like student finance and applying through UCAS.
Events are free of charge and a ticket is not required. Schools and colleges in the region are normally invited to attend one near them. If your school is not going, you are welcome to turn up as an individual without any prior booking.