Ester Hill Outreach Officer

2. Which Subjects Can You Study? A subject specific to a career Subjects already being studied at school or college New subjects Subjects of interest and for your enjoyment 68% of graduate careers will accept a degree in any subject Start by doing a course search on www.ucas.com or try the Stamford Test

3. Choosing Subjects What subjects do you enjoy? What are you good at? What skills and personal attributes do you have? What are you interested in? Do you want to challenge yourself intellectually and go for a subject that you have never done before?

4. Choosing a university Course content Teaching and assessment methods Graduate destinations; check these out on www.unistats.com Facilities Location Cost

5. What is itAdmissionsTutors look for?

6. They have to decide between many well qualified applicants Subject Applications Accepts Biological Sciences 603 247 Business Management 1,442 226 Civil Engineering 772 79 English 819 205 Law 1,268 225 Medicine 2,551 451 Physics 601 96

7. What do admissions tutors look for? Academic qualifications including specific grade requirements at GCSE and A Level? Admissions tests such as LNAT or UKCAT An interesting personal statement demonstrating particular skills The reference Work experience may be required Interview performance in some subjects

8. Research, research, research! Prospectuses University websites www�..ac.uk Visits and Open Days Talking to people League tables Alternative prospectuses UCAS Entry Profiles

9. Personal Statements- Comments from Admissions tutors

10. Skills for University

11. Skills required for the course�Medicine Sound academic background Physical stamina Manual dexterity Communication skills IT skills Study skills Team working Self-motivation

12. Skills required for the course�Law Ability to write good essays Able to extract and manipulate information Ability to analyse written material Communication skills Enjoy arguing, listening, debating and negotiating Logical approach to factual situations Ability to think under pressure Awareness of the political scene

13. Sport and Exercise Science Interest in science Enthusiasm for sport Computer literate Interpersonal skills Communication skills Learning skills Numerate

14. Avoid SILLY mistakes�

15. Some real examples from Personal Statements- How NOT to do it �I enjoy the theatre and used to go a couple of times a year� (Drama) �My interest in medicine stems from my enjoyment of TV programmes such as Casualty and other related TV series� (Medicine) �The world is becoming increasingly global� (Economics) �I would like to study a degree in physiotherapy in order to become a physiotherapist� (Physiotherapy) �To be or not to be, that is the question�. It was this quote from Shakespeare�s Macbeth that persuaded me to study English (Physiotherapy)

16. A good opening paragraph�? �My interest in business sprang from my personal experiences with my father�s company. The complexity of managing people, the production process, distribution and manufacturing of a product fascinate me and my choice of Business Studies at degree level is a natural one.� (Business Studies- Joint Honours with Language)

17. Highlight your interest in the subject �The English dramatist Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote that, �The pen is mightier than the sword.� The written words power is precisely the reason why I wish to study English Literature at university. I have always been fascinated by the effect good writing can have on a reader.� (English)

18. Be careful not to be too clever! �If I should be accepted for a place at your university I would wish to pursue my chosen field of study, psychology, for one basic reason: I want to rule the world. I�m not talking about your normal run of the mill big company, or being a Prime Minister, no, I am talking about Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, King Tutankhamen type of ruling the world except, succeeding where they have failed, because quite simply they lacked the basic understanding of human psychology.�

19. Showcase your skills �My decision to study medicine has been reaffirmed over the last year after undertaking work experience placements in various parts of the health service�these enabled me to gain an insight into the working life of a doctor and showed the need for good teamworking, communication and interpersonal skills.��

20. Extra Curricular skills �As captain of the cricket team I have gained good communication skills with my team and this has helped me understand how important teamwork is for achieving success. I write for the school�s monthly newsletter which has improved my literacy and editorial skills while developing my creativity. This has given me much more confidence and has led me to express my ideas clearly.�

21. Evidence of work experience is useful �During my work experience at Honeywell I joined a team of chemical engineers and was able to observe them on a project at a petrochemical plant. This not only gave me an insight into their work , but also allowed me to gain an insight into the petrochemical industry.� (Chemical Engineering)

22. If you�ve done well�tell us! �I was commended for my voluntary work at a ceremony in the Town Hall by the Lord Mayor of the City.� �My interest in maths has supported my study in biology: I especially enjoyed the statistics module (mark 97/100) which helped me with the health statistics I studied in biology module 2.�

23. Personal Statements Checklist Reasons for choosing the course or subject What you enjoy in any related subjects now Career goals Interests and hobbies School/ college experience � positions of responsibility Work experience and employment Skills relevant to the course Gap year information if applicable Motivation � Enthusiasm - Commitment

24. Final Tips for Personal Statements Over 75% of the statement should concentrate on subject issues Be specific Be positive Be original Don�t start every sentence with �I� Analyse your experiences Get someone else to read it Check spelling and grammar thoroughly Ask yourself, �Would I want me on this course?�

25. Timescale Now to October: decide on the 5 choices October to December: complete UCAS online application March to June: make decisions on offers, apply for accommodation and funding If you receive no offers or completely change your mind and reject all your offers, you can make one last choice via UCAS Extra If you don�t make the grades for either of your offers, apply via Clearing for other courses with vacancies

26. FINANCE Non-repayable maintenance grant Maximum �2,835 if income below �25,000 Amount depends on household income Assessed via application through www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk Apply for loans at the same time Paid in 3 instalments Apply by the end of June in year of application You need to plan out how much your university career might cost. Will you live at home or in student accom? Will you be able to have p/t job to help out? Will there be the time in your studies? Maintenance Grant (half of new students are likely to be eligible for a full or partial grant. You do not need to pay them back. With a household income of over �33.000 you will not receive a grant. With a household income of between �15,001 and �33,000 you will receive a partial grant With a household income of under �15,000 you will receive the full �2,700 pa Student loans for maintenance amount depends on if you live at home and outside London but all students are eligible for 75% of award and the other 25% depends on household income. Loans range from �5,050 for someone living away from home in London who is eligible for full loan to �3,240pa for someone who is living at home whilst studying Repayments of loan start the April after you leave ann only once you earn over �15,000. Interest is only at the level of inflation and is repayable at 9% of your earnings abouve �15,000 University support For those who are eligible for a partial or full maintenance grant i.e. household income less than �33,000 you will automaticslly receive �800pa. No need to apply for this Birmingham Scholarship Recognises the achievement of students from low-income backgrounds who perform extremely well in their A levels or equiv. For those who meet criteria for a Bham grant and achieve a min of 340 tariff points in their best A levels they will get an annual scholarship of �1,200 making a potential total of support from the University of �2000pa Some courses offer scholarships � go onto department website or ring directly. Music and sports scholarships � info directly from the university (for sports have to have reached international level) Most students have a part time job whilst studying. The University job zone has on average 3000 jobs available to students at any one time. Work available at Clothes Show and other high profile events Does the course you want to do attract an NHS bursary such as Nursing, Physio, Dietician? What about the Armed forces sponsopship, A local Business, such as engineering? Look on websites. Tecahing �s shortage subjects are promising to pay off your tuition fees and loan. Final year teaching trainees get a �6,000 salary. All these can make a difference . You need to plan out how much your university career might cost. Will you live at home or in student accom? Will you be able to have p/t job to help out? Will there be the time in your studies? Maintenance Grant (half of new students are likely to be eligible for a full or partial grant. You do not need to pay them back. With a household income of over �33.000 you will not receive a grant. With a household income of between �15,001 and �33,000 you will receive a partial grant With a household income of under �15,000 you will receive the full �2,700 pa Student loans for maintenance amount depends on if you live at home and outside London but all students are eligible for 75% of award and the other 25% depends on household income. Loans range from �5,050 for someone living away from home in London who is eligible for full loan to �3,240pa for someone who is living at home whilst studying Repayments of loan start the April after you leave ann only once you earn over �15,000. Interest is only at the level of inflation and is repayable at 9% of your earnings abouve �15,000 University support For those who are eligible for a partial or full maintenance grant i.e. household income less than �33,000 you will automaticslly receive �800pa. No need to apply for this Birmingham Scholarship Recognises the achievement of students from low-income backgrounds who perform extremely well in their A levels or equiv. For those who meet criteria for a Bham grant and achieve a min of 340 tariff points in their best A levels they will get an annual scholarship of �1,200 making a potential total of support from the University of �2000pa Some courses offer scholarships � go onto department website or ring directly. Music and sports scholarships � info directly from the university (for sports have to have reached international level) Most students have a part time job whilst studying. The University job zone has on average 3000 jobs available to students at any one time. Work available at Clothes Show and other high profile events Does the course you want to do attract an NHS bursary such as Nursing, Physio, Dietician? What about the Armed forces sponsopship, A local Business, such as engineering? Look on websites. Tecahing �s shortage subjects are promising to pay off your tuition fees and loan. Final year teaching trainees get a �6,000 salary. All these can make a difference .

27. Birmingham Grant and Scholarships The Birmingham Grant of �840 if income below �34,600 and Birmingham Scholarship if eligible for Birmingham Grant and achieve AAB at A level or DDD in BTEC Scholarships e.g. Physics, Computer Science Access for Learning Fund Music and Sports Scholarships Wages from a part time job You need to plan out how much your university career might cost. Will you live at home or in student accom? Will you be able to have p/t job to help out? Will there be the time in your studies? Maintenance Grant (half of new students are likely to be eligible for a full or partial grant. You do not need to pay them back. With a household income of over �33.000 you will not receive a grant. With a household income of between �15,001 and �33,000 you will receive a partial grant With a household income of under �15,000 you will receive the full �2,700 pa Student loans for maintenance amount depends on if you live at home and outside London but all students are eligible for 75% of award and the other 25% depends on household income. Loans range from �5,050 for someone living away from home in London who is eligible for full loan to �3,240pa for someone who is living at home whilst studying Repayments of loan start the April after you leave ann only once you earn over �15,000. Interest is only at the level of inflation and is repayable at 9% of your earnings abouve �15,000 University support For those who are eligible for a partial or full maintenance grant i.e. household income less than �33,000 you will automaticslly receive �800pa. No need to apply for this Birmingham Scholarship Recognises the achievement of students from low-income backgrounds who perform extremely well in their A levels or equiv. For those who meet criteria for a Bham grant and achieve a min of 340 tariff points in their best A levels they will get an annual scholarship of �1,200 making a potential total of support from the University of �2000pa Some courses offer scholarships � go onto department website or ring directly. Music and sports scholarships � info directly from the university (for sports have to have reached international level) Most students have a part time job whilst studying. The University job zone has on average 3000 jobs available to students at any one time. Work available at Clothes Show and other high profile events Does the course you want to do attract an NHS bursary such as Nursing, Physio, Dietician? What about the Armed forces sponsopship, A local Business, such as engineering? Look on websites. Tecahing �s shortage subjects are promising to pay off your tuition fees and loan. Final year teaching trainees get a �6,000 salary. All these can make a difference . You need to plan out how much your university career might cost. Will you live at home or in student accom? Will you be able to have p/t job to help out? Will there be the time in your studies? Maintenance Grant (half of new students are likely to be eligible for a full or partial grant. You do not need to pay them back. With a household income of over �33.000 you will not receive a grant. With a household income of between �15,001 and �33,000 you will receive a partial grant With a household income of under �15,000 you will receive the full �2,700 pa Student loans for maintenance amount depends on if you live at home and outside London but all students are eligible for 75% of award and the other 25% depends on household income. Loans range from �5,050 for someone living away from home in London who is eligible for full loan to �3,240pa for someone who is living at home whilst studying Repayments of loan start the April after you leave ann only once you earn over �15,000. Interest is only at the level of inflation and is repayable at 9% of your earnings abouve �15,000 University support For those who are eligible for a partial or full maintenance grant i.e. household income less than �33,000 you will automaticslly receive �800pa. No need to apply for this Birmingham Scholarship Recognises the achievement of students from low-income backgrounds who perform extremely well in their A levels or equiv. For those who meet criteria for a Bham grant and achieve a min of 340 tariff points in their best A levels they will get an annual scholarship of �1,200 making a potential total of support from the University of �2000pa Some courses offer scholarships � go onto department website or ring directly. Music and sports scholarships � info directly from the university (for sports have to have reached international level) Most students have a part time job whilst studying. The University job zone has on average 3000 jobs available to students at any one time. Work available at Clothes Show and other high profile events Does the course you want to do attract an NHS bursary such as Nursing, Physio, Dietician? What about the Armed forces sponsopship, A local Business, such as engineering? Look on websites. Tecahing �s shortage subjects are promising to pay off your tuition fees and loan. Final year teaching trainees get a �6,000 salary. All these can make a difference .

28. Any questions?

30. A2B is for you if�. You are in the first generation in your family to go to university. You are from a state school and your teacher recommends you. Your parents are not in a professional occupation, for example, teachers, doctors or solicitors. Personal circumstances have led to serious disruption in your education or you have a recognised disability.

31. What are the advantages of A2B? In many cases an entrance offer lower than the standard prospectus offer. Special consideration for your individual circumstances. An experience of university life before you arrive.

32. Aims of the Scheme To encourage applications from able students who might not otherwise consider a very competitive university. To continue to develop the diverse student community at Birmingham. To ensure access for all under-represented groups in society.

33. Example of entrance requirements

34. Medicine All students for Medicine need to be predicted AAA at A Level but may receive an offer of AAB. Under the A2B scheme the prospectus GCSE requirements may not apply. All A2B Medicine applicants are asked to attend a mock interview. Your A2B application form must meet the UCAS deadline for Medicine.

35. Higher Education Learning Module Study skills module with an online test to prove your academic potential. A student shadowing experience. An essay or assignment set by the department you apply to.

37. Academic Enrichment Programme Year 12 Summer Residential funded by The Sutton Trust and Goldman Sachs Foundation Year 13 study support sessions E-mentoring Exemption from shadow day and online module Scholarships for students who start their degrees with the university who attended the Academic Enrichment Programme �I had a wonderful week I feel really motivated to do well in my A levels to get to Uni, it somehow feels more realistic now� AEP STUDENT 2007

38. Scholarships Linked to A2B If you successfully complete the HELM and achieve the requirements of your standard entry offer you can receive a scholarship worth �1,200 per year of study You will need to achieve 75% or more in the online test to be eligible for the scholarship

39. Enhanced Induction A2B students receive a special induction before starting University.

40. Commitment to Birmingham When accepting your A2B offer you must make the University of Birmingham your first choice. If Birmingham is your second choice the standard prospectus offer will apply.

41. FINANCE Tuition fees �3,145 per year Tuition fee loan Re-payable only when earning �15,000 Taken from earnings at same time as tax Rate of inflation charged not commercial rate of interest Cost of living loan dependent on household income and whether student is living at home, in halls or in London You need to plan out how much your university career might cost. Will you live at home or in student accom? Will you be able to have p/t job to help out? Will there be the time in your studies? Maintenance Grant (half of new students are likely to be eligible for a full or partial grant. You do not need to pay them back. With a household income of over �33.000 you will not receive a grant. With a household income of between �15,001 and �33,000 you will receive a partial grant With a household income of under �15,000 you will receive the full �2,700 pa Student loans for maintenance amount depends on if you live at home and outside London but all students are eligible for 75% of award and the other 25% depends on household income. Loans range from �5,050 for someone living away from home in London who is eligible for full loan to �3,240pa for someone who is living at home whilst studying Repayments of loan start the April after you leave ann only once you earn over �15,000. Interest is only at the level of inflation and is repayable at 9% of your earnings abouve �15,000 University support For those who are eligible for a partial or full maintenance grant i.e. household income less than �33,000 you will automaticslly receive �800pa. No need to apply for this Birmingham Scholarship Recognises the achievement of students from low-income backgrounds who perform extremely well in their A levels or equiv. For those who meet criteria for a Bham grant and achieve a min of 340 tariff points in their best A levels they will get an annual scholarship of �1,200 making a potential total of support from the University of �2000pa Some courses offer scholarships � go onto department website or ring directly. Music and sports scholarships � info directly from the university (for sports have to have reached international level) Most students have a part time job whilst studying. The University job zone has on average 3000 jobs available to students at any one time. Work available at Clothes Show and other high profile events Does the course you want to do attract an NHS bursary such as Nursing, Physio, Dietician? What about the Armed forces sponsopship, A local Business, such as engineering? Look on websites. Tecahing �s shortage subjects are promising to pay off your tuition fees and loan. Final year teaching trainees get a �6,000 salary. All these can make a difference . You need to plan out how much your university career might cost. Will you live at home or in student accom? Will you be able to have p/t job to help out? Will there be the time in your studies? Maintenance Grant (half of new students are likely to be eligible for a full or partial grant. You do not need to pay them back. With a household income of over �33.000 you will not receive a grant. With a household income of between �15,001 and �33,000 you will receive a partial grant With a household income of under �15,000 you will receive the full �2,700 pa Student loans for maintenance amount depends on if you live at home and outside London but all students are eligible for 75% of award and the other 25% depends on household income. Loans range from �5,050 for someone living away from home in London who is eligible for full loan to �3,240pa for someone who is living at home whilst studying Repayments of loan start the April after you leave ann only once you earn over �15,000. Interest is only at the level of inflation and is repayable at 9% of your earnings abouve �15,000 University support For those who are eligible for a partial or full maintenance grant i.e. household income less than �33,000 you will automaticslly receive �800pa. No need to apply for this Birmingham Scholarship Recognises the achievement of students from low-income backgrounds who perform extremely well in their A levels or equiv. For those who meet criteria for a Bham grant and achieve a min of 340 tariff points in their best A levels they will get an annual scholarship of �1,200 making a potential total of support from the University of �2000pa Some courses offer scholarships � go onto department website or ring directly. Music and sports scholarships � info directly from the university (for sports have to have reached international level) Most students have a part time job whilst studying. The University job zone has on average 3000 jobs available to students at any one time. Work available at Clothes Show and other high profile events Does the course you want to do attract an NHS bursary such as Nursing, Physio, Dietician? What about the Armed forces sponsopship, A local Business, such as engineering? Look on websites. Tecahing �s shortage subjects are promising to pay off your tuition fees and loan. Final year teaching trainees get a �6,000 salary. All these can make a difference .

42. How do I apply? Ask the A2B co-ordinator in your school. Fill in the Supplementary Application Form Don�t be afraid to give personal details to support your case for special consideration. Enter A2B under further details on your UCAS form.

43. Is there a deadline? Make sure you apply for A2B before 30 November in Year 13. The University is not obliged to consider your application through A2B after this date. Your A2B form should arrive at the University at the same time as your UCAS form. The earlier you apply the better.

44. Not an easy option The A2B is only for people who genuinely meet the criteria. You must be committed to completing the Higher Education Learning Module. Be realistic about the grades you are likely to achieve. For your A2B offer to apply Birmingham must be your first choice.

45. What do Admissions Tutors look for? Evidence that you are committed to their course. Academic potential. Proof that you meet the A2B criteria. Detailed and honest reasons about why you are applying through A2B.

46. Admissions Tutor Comment �The Access to Birmingham scheme has ensured that many local students have successfully entered the degree programme in Psychology, who would otherwise not have had the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to succeed on our course.�

47. Student Comment �A2B is why I came to the University of Birmingham. The student experience inspires and delivers and that�s why I�m here now.� Gary Hughes, President of the Guild of Students

48. Further information Ask the A2B co-ordinator in your school/college. Read the student leaflet Visit www.prospectus.bham.ac.uk/a2b

49. Be open minded Do the course YOU want to do Apply to the places YOU like Take advantage of all the information and help available to you ENJOY IT! In Conclusion