Helping students to navigate the UCAS application process
Most students who want to carry on their educational journey after the age of 18 will be involved with UCAS and the application process. This will involve them looking to go onto undergraduate/postgraduate degrees, or higher level apprenticeships.
The application process
The UCAS application process can be a very stressful time for applicants. Among other things, it involves them gathering information, keeping to deadlines, and introspective reflection. During the process there will be a lot of questions that applicants will need to ask both externally and internally to gather required information to help them make a very impactful decision that can set up and give direction to their future careers.
However, a lot guidance is available to help students navigate the process. In general, the UCAS website is a brilliant source of information with multiple threads and sub sections around all things application based. There are sections focused on core parts of the application such as the registration, choosing courses/universities, writing personal statements, and additional processes like clearing.
The less spoken about part of UCAS application
Making an informed choice is an aspect of application that is less thought about. Go Higher West Yorkshire (GHWY) can support young people to choose the correct course. We have a range of resources that raise awareness of all Higher Education (HE) opportunities, how to make the most of Open Days, and how to ask useful questions, among other topics. Explore our resources.
For many applicants, the decision to start the UCAS application will be a tentative one. It may be something they are exploring more and are learning about. It is unlikely that when they start the process they will know exactly what/where the outcome will be. This is why our resources are useful to help students start to piece together this puzzle and build up their decision.
As well as the journey to HE, we also support young people to prepare and be aware of what it all looks/feels like once they are there with a selection of podcasts and webinars. These feature learner voice and encompass a diverse range of backgrounds to highlight how their individual journey may be from application to attendance.
These resources are accessible at any time and learners can peruse them at their own pace and discretion. This allows them to take ownership of this choice and collate the infomation in their own time.
Luke Hart, GHWY Uni Connect Outreach Officer
