Career Guidance

• Useful Links (Third Level Colleges, Study Skills websites, etc)
• Important Dates and Events (C.A.O, U.C.A.S Admissions)

Important Dates for Applications:

U.C.A.S - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UK version of CAO)

• Closing date for Oxford, Cambridge Universities and for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary courses: 15 October ( make sure you apply for Medical Aptitude tests early, ideally the end of 5th year)
• Advisory closing date for other applications: 15 January
• Closing date for Art and Design courses: 5 March
• Late closing date: 30 June
• Last date for clearing applications: 20 September
• Standard Application Fee: see website
• Contact Details: UCAS, Applications Requests, Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3LZ, UK
• Phone No: 0044-1242-227788
• Fax: 0044-1242-544961
• Website: http://www.ucas.com

C.A.O. - Central Applications Office - Important Information

• Normal closing date: 1 February 5.15 pm Fee €40.00
• Early closing date online discounted: 20 January 5.15 pm Fee €30.00
• Late closing date: 1 May 5.15 pm Fee €60.00
• Last date for change of mind: 1 July 5.15 pm Fee € Nil
• ContactDetails:CAO,TowerHouse,EglintonStreet,Galway
• E-mail through the "CONTACT US" facility on http://www.cao.ie
• PhoneNo:091-509800
• Fax:091-562344]
• Website: http://www.cao.ie

• Languages and Irish Universities - FAQs

  category: 3rd level requirements, cao frequently asked questionsno comments

  What does the third language requirement mean?

  A: It means that you must present a language in addition to Irish and English as one of your six Leaving Certificate subjects. If you are exempt from Irish, you must present a language other than English. All languages provided in the Leaving Certificate are acceptable. Classical Studies and Hebrew Studies are not considered as language subjects.

  For students from outside the European Union who are presenting the Leaving Certificate, certification in their mother tongue or in another language may be acceptable. (See Matriculation Regulations 6.3 p.19.)

   

  Does the third language requirement apply for all courses?

  There are some exceptions to the third language requirement. Students applying for Engineering and Science are not required to have a third language. Students applying for Nursing are not required to have a third language. Students applying to NCAD may present Art instead of the third language.

   

  What is the position of students with dyslexia with regard to exemption from Irish?

  A: There are special provisions for students whose dyslexia constitutes a significant learning difficulty.  A student who has been granted an exemption from Irish at school on the grounds of dyslexia, having been assessed by a professional psychologist, should complete Section A and Section D of the Exemption Application form and return it to NUI.  You should enclose a copy of the Psychologist’s Report together with a copy of the Department of Education and Skills Certificate of Exemption. In these cases NUI will grant an exemption from Irish and also from the third language requirement.

  Sometimes students are diagnosed late as having dyslexia and have not come to the attention of the National Educational Psychological Service . In these cases, NUI will accept certification from a professional psychologist accompanied by a recent (no more than 3 years old) report from the psychologist.
  Students should complete Section A and Section E of the Exemption Application Form and return it to NUI enclosing a copy of the Psychologist’s Report and the NUI certification form signed by the Psychologist.  Copies of these forms are available from http://www.nui.ie/college/entry-requirements.asp.

  The position of students with dyslexia is complex. Exemptions are not automatic and are granted only on the basis of professional evidence.  However, NUI is sympathetic to students who can provide professional evidence of the effect of dyslexia on their language abilities.

  Rationale
  Where a student applies on the basis of dyslexia, only for an exemption from Irish, but intends to present a third language in the Leaving Certificate, the student must explain why he/she is applying for an exemption from Irish while continuing to study another language. (NUI finds it surprising that a student with serious dyslexia would continue to study a language.  However, we appreciate that there may be special circumstances to justify this and we are prepared to consider such applications).

  What is the position of students with dyslexia with regard to exemption from the Third Language?

  A: The provisions set out in Q17 in relation to exemption from Irish apply also in the case of students applying for exemption from the third language requirement.  Students applying for exemption from a third language on the basis of dyslexia need to complete Section A and D or E of the Exemption Application Form. http://www.nui.ie/college/entry-requirements.asp. The position of students with dyslexia is complex and exemptions are not automatic. However, NUI is sympathetic to students who can provide professional evidence of the effect of dyslexia on their language abilities.

  Rationale
  Where a student applies on the basis of dyslexia, only for an exemption from Irish, but intends to present a third language in the Leaving Certificate, the student must explain why he/she is applying for an exemption from Irish while continuing to study another language. (NUI finds it surprising that a student with serious dyslexia would continue to study a language.  However, we appreciate that there may be special circumstances to justify this and we are prepared to consider such applications).

   

  How do I apply to NUI for an exemption?

  A: You need to complete the Exemption Application Form available from NUI.  It can be downloaded at http://www.nui.ie/college/entry-requirements.asp.   There are five sections in the form. Applicantsmust complete Section A and then the section relevant to them.

   

  Source: http://www.nui.ie/college/entry-requirements-faqs.asp

  Deferring

  category: cao frequently asked questionsno comments

  All you need to know about deferring a place

   

  All Irish universities and other third-level institutions will allow students to defer accepting a place they have been offered, and the college will hold the place for them until the following year, regardless of whether or not the points go up.

  CAO applicants will find all details on page four of the CAO's handbook of a common deferral procedure which is used by those colleges who permit deferral. It is emphasised that permission is not guaranteed, and is totally at the discretion of the higher education institution in question.

  All Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) will consider applications for deferred entry. Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) will only grant permission under exceptional circumstances for deferred entry to any of its courses.

  University College Cork (UCC) will only consider applications for deferral under exceptional circumstances in respect of its medical, dental, pharmacy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy courses (CK701,CK702, CK703, CK704, CK705).

  Students wishing to defer accepting a place are instructed on page four of the handbook as follows. On receipt of the offer notice:

  1. Do not accept the offer in the manner shown on the Offer Notice.

  2. Write immediately to the Admissions Office of the appropriate higher education institution setting out the reason(s) for the request. Mark “DEFERRED ENTRY” clearly on the envelope.

  3. The appropriate part of the Offer Notice must be attached to the letter, i.e that part of the notice which shows the offer you wish to be deferred.

  4. The letter must arrive in the Admissions Office at least two days before the “Reply Date” shown on the offer notice.

  5. The HEI will communicate the decision to the applicant. If the deferral is not granted, you may still accept the offer for the current year.

  6. All communications about deferral must go to the Admissions Offices and not to CAO.

  In order to take up the deferred place, the applicant must reapply through the CAO in the succeeding year, paying the appropriate application fee, and placing the deferred course as the only preference on the Application Form.

  When reapplying the following year you must complete an application fully. In other words, you must include again any documentation, if any were needed, which you provided with the original application.

  This is an extremely important point. If students apply for and are given permission to defer accepting a place, they will still be offered any higher preference courses to which they are entitled in any later round this year.

  They will be free to accept any higher preference offer, or to seek permission to defer accepting that offer, if they want to. If you accept a later offer, the deferred place lapses, just as any later round acceptance cancels and supersedes an earlier acceptance.

  It is not possible to accept one offer and to seek permission to defer another place on another course just in case you do not like the course you are on.

  A deferral is a postponed acceptance so, generally speaking, a college will not allow students to defer a place in one college, and take up another college place in the same year. Some colleges are not sympathetic to deferral if the applicant plans to repeat the Leaving Certificate.

  There is usually no problem, however, with taking a place on a Post Leaving Certificate course (PLC) during a deferral year because a PLC course is not allocated through the CAO system, and is regarded as further education rather than as higher education.

  College admissions officers notice that not all students who defer accepting a college place actually take it up the following year. A significant number of them either let the offer lapse, or reapply for another college course.

  During the intervening year they may have realised that they did not really want the college course that they deferred accepting. But there is no problem if applicants reach that decision. They are perfectly entitled to apply for a new set of preferences to CAO.

  They may even include the course they have deferred in a lower order of preference if they wish. The only difference is that they will not be automatically entitled to it if the points have increased.

  They will be competing along with all other applicants for courses on the points levels of the year in question. It is worth reminding students that the points they gain in any year are like a currency which remains valuable into the future.

  A student may apply to college for years to come on the basis of the points they gained in the year of their Leaving Certificate.

  Source: http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/education/features/all-you-need-to-know-about-deferring-a-place-1459543.html

   

  Exemption from Irish - Leaving Cert

  category: cao frequently asked questionsno comments

   

  The Department of Education and Skills allows students in Ireland to apply to be excused from studying Irish in primary and post-primary school.

  The circumstances in which a student will be given this exemption are very limited. Where a student has lived abroad or does not speak English, they may be exempted. Students with certain disabilities may also be exempted. Information about primary school is in Circular 12/96 Revision of Circular 18/79 on Exemption from the Study of Irish and about secondary school in Circular M10/94.

  Where entry to a third-level course requires a student to have a certain mark in Irish at the Leaving Certificate examination, students who have been exempted from the study of Irish may also be exempted from this requirement. This is a matter for each individual college. Generally, if a student has had an exemption during post-primary education, he/she is likely to be exempted from Irish as a college entry requirement. The student applying for a third-level course through the Central Applications Office (CAO) should send a copy of the exemption certificate with his/her CAO application form.

  These are the categories of student who may apply to be exempted from the study of Irish:

  • Students whose primary education up to 11 years of age was received in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland
  • Students who were enrolled in a primary or post-primary school and who are now enrolling again after having been abroad. The student must have been abroad for at least three years. The student must be at least 11 years of age when re-enrolling.
  • Students who function at an average or above-average level of ability, but who have a specific learning difficulty that is so severe that they cannot reach expected levels of attainment in their mother tongue.
  • Students who have a general learning disability due to a serious intellectual impairment and who are not acquiring basic language skills in their mother tongue.
  • Students who have a general learning disability on account of a serious sensory impairment, and who are not learning basic language skills in their mother tongue

  Students from abroad who have no understanding of English, when enrolled, would only be required to study one language, either English or Irish.

  The application for exemption is made by the parent or guardian to the school principal. The application should state the reasons why the exemption is being sought.

  The parent/guardian must attach documentary evidence of the student’s age, and previous schooling if it is relevant to the reason for the exemption being sought.

  The school authorities then prepare a full report on the student.

  Where the exemption is sought on the grounds of a disability, the parent or guardian must supply reports from a qualified psychologist or from an appropriate medical specialist.

  Where an exemption is granted, a certificate of exemption is sent to the school. This signed by the school principal. It is the responsibility of the school principal to tell the parent/student about the result of the application.

  Source: http://www.caocourses.ie/exemption-from-irish-leaving-cert/

  Bonus Points for Maths Explained

  category: cao frequently asked questionsno comments

  
  

  Implementation of Bonus Points for Higher Level Mathematics by the Universities, DIT & Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

  Points awarded:

  A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade D3 or above in higher level (HL) mathematics.  This means that the maximum cumulative LC points total will increase from 600 to 625 (existing maximum points plus bonus points).

  Time scale:

  The scheme is to be introduced for a four year pilot period commencing leaving certificate 2012 and will be reviewed in 2014.

  Formula:

  • All students presenting HD3 or above in HL mathematics will have 25 points added to their score for mathematics
  • The six highest subject points scores will then be counted to achieve a cumulative points score, as is normal practice

  The bonus points will only be relevant in cases where the subject HL mathematics (including bonus points) is scored as one of the candidate’s six best subjects for points purposes. Consequently, if HL mathematics (cumulative points score) is not among these six subjects, the bonus points will not be included in the total points score.

  Date of examination:

  Bonus points will be awarded during the 4 year pilot period irrespective of the year in which the examinations were taken.

  Medicine:

  The maximum possible adjusted points score for applicants to Medicine will increase from 560 to 565. (For all scores over 550, each 5 point band equals one extra point.) The baseline score of 480 points will still apply but can include the bonus points if HL mathematics (cumulative points) is among the best six subjects.

  EU other than Irish examinations:

  All EU students presenting for admission to an Irish university with a clear equivalent to HL Mathematics as one of their EU school leaving subjects will be awarded bonus points. A scoring system for GCE, International Baccalauréat and European Baccalauréat examinations will be prepared as a matter of urgency.

  The table below illustrates the impact of the bonus points.

  Table:

  % Range	LC Grade	Points for HL Maths, including 25 bonus points	Existing points for  HL subjects inc maths	Points for Ordinary Level subjects
  90 – 100	A1	125	100	60
  85 – 89.99	A2	115	90	50
  80 – 84.99	B1	110	85	45
  75 – 79.99	B2	105	80	40
  70 – 74.99	B3	100	75	35
  65 – 69.99	C1	95	70	30
  60 – 64.99	C2	90	65	25
  55 – 59.99	C3	85	60	20
  50 – 54.99	D1	80	55	15
  45 – 49.99	D2	75	50	10
  40 – 44.99	D3	70	45	5
  25 – 39.99	E	0	0	0
  10 – 24.99	F	0	0	0
  0 – 9.99	NG	0	0	0

   

  CAO Admissions

  category: cao frequently asked questionsno comments

  Can students repeating Leaving Certificate submit point scores from different Leaving Certificate Years for the purpose of points calculation?
  Entry requirements can be taken from any number of Leaving Certificates but only the best six subjects in any one year can be used for scoring purposes. The exception is Medicine.  Students seeking to enter Medicine must satisfy the minimum entry requirements in the same sitting. Students are advised to refer to The College of Medicine Brochure.

  Can students combine the results of the Leaving Certificate Exam taken in different years for admission? 
  An applicant may combine the results of Leaving Certificate examinations obtained in different years for Matriculation purposes. (This concession applies to Matriculation only; it does not apply to point’s calculation). Moreover, it should be noted that students seeking to enter Medicine must satisfy the minimum entry requirements in the same sitting. Students are advised to refer to  The College of Medicine Brochure

  How do I apply for deferral?

  See CAO Handbook page 5. ( Requests for deferral should be sent to the Admissions Office, NOT to CAO.)

   

  I do not want the course I have been offered. Can I get a place in another course which is lower in my order of preference than the one offered, or in a course for which I have not applied at all ?

  Only if vacancies are advertised in those course(s) on the CAO website, www.cao.ie, See CAO Handbook page 22.

   

  Key dates for CAO applications for 2011/2012

  category: cao frequently asked questionsno comments

  3 November 2010 - online applications opened at 12 noon

  20 January 2011 - Closing date for online applications at discounted fee.

  1 February – Closing date for applications

  April – Interviews and portfolio presentations for most of restricted courses*

  1 May – Closing date for late applications

  1 July – Final date for changing your mind about course selections on your previously submitted CAO form

  Early August – Round Zero offers are made by the CAO (for mature candidates, candidates who deferred places, reserved places etc.)

  17 August – Leaving Certificate results come out

  22 August – Round One offers are made by the CAO

  29 August – Closing date for acceptance of Round One offers

  1 September – Round Two offers are made by the CAO

  7 September – Closing date for acceptance of Round Two offers

  Up to October – offers will be issued as necessary to fill any vacancies

  *Some courses are restricted application courses. Such courses have early assessment procedures (sometimes as early as February) and must be mentioned in your CAO application in time for the relevant higher education institution (HEI) to arrange the procedure. This means that you cannot apply for such courses in a late application. The CAO publishes a calendar of these tests and interviews (pdf).

   

   

  What does the third language requirement mean?

  A: It means that you must present a language in addition to Irish and English as one of your six Leaving Certificate subjects. If you are exempt from Irish, you must present a language other than English. All languages provided in the Leaving Certificate are acceptable. Classical Studies and Hebrew Studies are not considered as language subjects.

  For students from outside the European Union who are presenting the Leaving Certificate, certification in their mother tongue or in another language may be acceptable. (See Matriculation Regulations 6.3 p.19.)

   

  Does the third language requirement apply for all courses?

  There are some exceptions to the third language requirement. Students applying for Engineering and Science are not required to have a third language. Students applying for Nursing are not required to have a third language. Students applying to NCAD may present Art instead of the third language.

   

  What is the position of students with dyslexia with regard to exemption from Irish?

  A: There are special provisions for students whose dyslexia constitutes a significant learning difficulty.  A student who has been granted an exemption from Irish at school on the grounds of dyslexia, having been assessed by a professional psychologist, should complete Section A and Section D of the Exemption Application form and return it to NUI.  You should enclose a copy of the Psychologist’s Report together with a copy of the Department of Education and Skills Certificate of Exemption. In these cases NUI will grant an exemption from Irish and also from the third language requirement.

  Sometimes students are diagnosed late as having dyslexia and have not come to the attention of the National Educational Psychological Service . In these cases, NUI will accept certification from a professional psychologist accompanied by a recent (no more than 3 years old) report from the psychologist.
  Students should complete Section A and Section E of the Exemption Application Form and return it to NUI enclosing a copy of the Psychologist’s Report and the NUI certification form signed by the Psychologist.  Copies of these forms are available from http://www.nui.ie/college/entry-requirements.asp.

  The position of students with dyslexia is complex. Exemptions are not automatic and are granted only on the basis of professional evidence.  However, NUI is sympathetic to students who can provide professional evidence of the effect of dyslexia on their language abilities.

  Rationale
  Where a student applies on the basis of dyslexia, only for an exemption from Irish, but intends to present a third language in the Leaving Certificate, the student must explain why he/she is applying for an exemption from Irish while continuing to study another language. (NUI finds it surprising that a student with serious dyslexia would continue to study a language.  However, we appreciate that there may be special circumstances to justify this and we are prepared to consider such applications).

  What is the position of students with dyslexia with regard to exemption from the Third Language?

  A: The provisions set out in Q17 in relation to exemption from Irish apply also in the case of students applying for exemption from the third language requirement.  Students applying for exemption from a third language on the basis of dyslexia need to complete Section A and D or E of the Exemption Application Form. http://www.nui.ie/college/entry-requirements.asp. The position of students with dyslexia is complex and exemptions are not automatic. However, NUI is sympathetic to students who can provide professional evidence of the effect of dyslexia on their language abilities.

  Rationale
  Where a student applies on the basis of dyslexia, only for an exemption from Irish, but intends to present a third language in the Leaving Certificate, the student must explain why he/she is applying for an exemption from Irish while continuing to study another language. (NUI finds it surprising that a student with serious dyslexia would continue to study a language.  However, we appreciate that there may be special circumstances to justify this and we are prepared to consider such applications).

   

  How do I apply to NUI for an exemption?

  A: You need to complete the Exemption Application Form available from NUI.  It can be downloaded at http://www.nui.ie/college/entry-requirements.asp.   There are five sections in the form. Applicantsmust complete Section A and then the section relevant to them.

   

  Source: http://www.nui.ie/college/entry-requirements-faqs.asp

  Parents guide to the CAO.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC-1CFUCLr0

  DARE Clinics

   

  

  18th October 2011  6-8 pm

  8th November 2011 6-8 pm

  15th November 2011 6-8 pm

  29th November 2011  6-8 pm

   

  All clinics will be held in Western Gateway Room G08

   

  All welcome, please contact the DSS @ 021-4902985 to register and find out more information.

   

  http://www.ucc.ie/en/dss/dareclinics/

  Reduced Points - Are you eligible for HEAR?

  category: dare/hearno comments

  Apply online to CAO by 17:15 on 1st February 2012 at www.cao.ie

  What is the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)?
  HEAR is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Eligible students compete for a quota of reduced points places in the colleges that run the scheme.
  

  Who is HEAR for?
  School leavers who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education and who come from socio-economic groups in Irish society that are underrepresented in third level.
  

  Why was HEAR set up?
  To tackle educational disadvantage. Socio-economic disadvantage negatively impacts on educational attainment at school and affects progression by some second level students to third level. Research in Ireland shows that for example, the son/daughter of an unskilled manual worker (e.g. factory worker) is less likely to progress to higher education than the son/daughter of a higher professional (e.g. doctor).
  

  What does "reduced points" mean? 
  Applicants eligible for HEAR may gain entry to college courses on less than the full CAO points. For example, a course that is 450 points through CAO may be offered to a HEAR student with 410 Leaving Certificate points. All HEAR students must however meet college matriculation and specific course entry requirements where they apply.

  back to top

  Which colleges run HEAR?
  Dublin City University
  Dublin Institute of Technology
  NUI Galway
  NUI Maynooth
  Trinity College Dublin,
  University College Dublin,
  University College Cork,
  University of Limerick,
  Colaiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of Education,
  Church of Ireland College of Education,
  Mary Immaculate College, Limerick,
  Mater Dei Institute of Education,
  National College of Ireland
  Pontifical University, Maynooth
  St. Angela’s College, Sligo,
  St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra.

  This means students can apply through HEAR for the quota of places in any of these colleges.
  

  How many places are there for HEAR students each year?
  Each of the colleges set aside a quota of places for HEAR students each year. In 2009, 871 students accepted places in the participating colleges through HEAR. For further information on the number of places available in particular institutions or courses, please contact the access office in the college of your choice.
  

  How can you tell if someone is from an underrepresented group or not?
  Each HEAR applicant is assessed in relation to six indicators (criteria). Each applicant must meet at least three of the indicators in order to be eligible for the scheme. Only certain combinations of the indicators make an applicant eligible. Every applicant must meet Indicator 1 in order to be considered. The indicators are:

  Indicator 1	Low Income - Is the household income below the HEAR Income threshold (in the relevant year)?
  Indicator 2	Social Welfare – Is the applicant’s mother/father/guardian in receipt of a means-tested social welfare payment (for a minimum of 26 weeks in the relevant year)?
  Indicator 3	Medical Card - Is the applicant or his/her mother/father/guardian in receipt of a medical card (in date on 31st December 2010)?
  Indicator 4	Socio-Economic Grouping (based on occupation and employment status) – Is the applicant a member of a group underrepresented in higher education?
  Indicator 5	DEIS School – Did the applicant attend a school part of the Department of Education & Science “DEIS” scheme (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) for the duration of their second level education?
  Indicator 6	Geographical Area – Does the applicant live in an area of concentrated disadvantage?

  The combinations for eligibility are:

  INDICATOR 1 plus 2 plus 4 or 5 or 6
  INDICATOR 1 plus 3 plus 4 or 5 or 6
  INDICATOR 1 plus 4 plus 5 or 6
  INDICATOR 1 plus 5 plus 6

  If you think that you meet Indicator 1 plus any other two indicators then you may be part of an underrepresented group and you should apply.

   

  Further Information: www.accesscollege.ie/

  Reduced Points - Are you Eligible for DARE?

  category: dare/hearno comments

  Find out if you are eligible for getting places on courses with reduced points.

  To apply for DARE you must indicate that you have a disability or specific learning difficulty on your Central Applications Office (CAO) application form by Tuesday, 1 March 2011. You must also complete Section A of a separate Supplementary Information Form by 1 March 2011

  DAREcriteria

  All students with a disability, irrespective of whether they come through DARE or not, are offered a variety of academic, personal and social supports while studying at third level. Individual institutions will determine the nature and delivery of such supports in accordance with their own policies and practices and subject to the availability of resources.

  The following are examples of the types of supports available:

  • An orientation programme to introduce students to university/college
  • Study skills, extra tuition if required and exam support
  • Access to assistive technology and training
  • One-to-one meetings with support staff, social gatherings and mentoring

  Source: http://www.accesscollege.ie/dare/benefits.php

   

   

   

  UCAS - Interviews

  category: ucasno comments

  Interviews

  

  

  Many universities and colleges (particularly popular ones, running competitive courses) want to meet you and find out whether you'd cope with the demands of your chosen course before making you an offer. More and more are calling potential students to interview before making a conditional or unconditional offer of a place.

  Policies vary greatly and some universities interview only selected or borderline applicants and some do not interview at all. If you are invited to interview, there are lots of things you can do before, during and after interviews to get the most from the experience.

  If you have been offered an interview through Track, take a look at the types of offer page to see what you need to do next.

  Preparation

  There's lots you can do to prepare for the big day - from having a mock interview to arming yourself with information about the university and the course.

  Top tips:

  The when's and where's: Make sure you know where you need to be and when, and make any necessary travel and accommodation arrangements in advance. Visit the universitiy's or college's website for maps and directions and make sure you know exactly where on campus you need to be. If you need more information get in touch with the university or college.

  Knowledge is power: Be sure to read the prospectus and look on the university's or college's website - the more you know about it and the course you have applied for, the keener you'll seem. Make a list of questions you'd like to ask, perhaps the kind of things the prospectus doesn't tell you.

  Know your application: Make sure you're familiar with what you put in your application - this is all your interviewer knows about you so far so he or she will probably ask you about some of the things you've mentioned.

  Be familiar with 'hot topics' in your subject area: You may well be asked about them, and don't forget to read the newspapers too. Interviewers commonly ask for your views on the issues of the day.

  Practice makes perfect: A mock interview might be a good idea. Why did you choose this course; what do you enjoy most on the course you are currently studying and why did you choose this university are typical things you might be asked. Ask a teacher or careers adviser to run through a mock interview with you.

  Get a good night's sleep: You won't perform your best without one!

  At interview

  Interviews are always nerve-wracking as you don't know what you're going to be asked. Just be yourself, be enthusiastic and be sure to 'sell' what you have to offer as a student on your chosen course.

  Interviewers are looking for students who show an interest, who can think independently and consider new ideas.

  They are looking for students who will thrive well on their course and enjoy a varied academic life alongside their outside interests.

  Top tips:

  Dress appropriately: Although you probably won't need to wear a suit to interview, show your interviewer you are taking things seriously by dressing smartly (smart trousers and a shirt or blouse will do the trick).

  Arrive in good time: Take any contact numbers just in case the worst happens and you get delayed on the way to your interview.

  Body language: Be aware of your body language in the interview room - don't slouch or yawn; sit up and look alert. Make sure you are giving off all the right signals.

  Stumped?: If you don't understand a question ask for it to be repeated or rephrased. Make good guesses or relate your answer to something you do know something about.

  Expect the unexpected: While interviewers aren't trying to trick you, some will want to see how you react under pressure. A surprise test or exercise isn't unheard of so stay calm and think clearly.

  Ask questions: While your interviewer needs to find out about you by asking lots of questions, you'll come across as enthusiastic if you ask appropriate questions too. Use the interview as a chance to find out answers to your questions that weren't answered on the website or in the prospectus.

  Next steps

  An interview is as much a chance for you to check out a university or college, as it is for them to check you out so take some time to reflect and improve.

  Top tips:

  Make notes: While the questions and your answers are still fresh in your mind, make some notes. If you're going to other interviews similar questions may crop up and it will be useful to compare responses.

  Self-appraise: Think about what went well and what you can improve on. Start thinking about what you felt comfortable answering and what left you struggling. Come up with some answers that you are confident in, should similar topics crop up next time.

  Sit back and wait: Once we've heard from the university or college, we'll let you know in Track if you were successful or not. If you receive an offer it may be conditional on you receiving certain grades.

  Nobody likes interviews, but with a bit of preparation, 'selling yourself' and showing knowledge and enthusiasm in your answers will become second nature, landing you a place on the higher education course that's right for you.

   

  UCAS Interview Questions

   

  There is no standard format or structure to university interviews:

  some are group based, others individual; some are formal while others are more relaxed and quite informal.

   

  • Questions asked include :

   

  1. Tell us about yourself.
  2. Why do you want to do this course ? or What is it about this subject that interests you ?
  3. Why do you want to study at this institution ? or Why do you want to come here ?
  4. Why should we offer you a place ?
  5. What do you do in your spare time ? or What are your extra curricular interests ?
  6. What are your strengths and weaknesses ?
  7. What skills / qualities do you have that will allow you to succeed in a higher education environment ?
  8. What are your special areas of interest ( in your studies ) ?
  9. What skills have you gained from your work placements / jobs ? How do these   relate to your studies ?
  10. What has your current course of study taught you ?
  11. How will Higher Education help your development ?
  12. Where do you see yourself in 5-7yrs time ?

   

   

  • Some institutions expect the students to ask them questions !

   

  • Be prepared for course / subject specific questions eg

   

  Recent developments in the NHS/ National Curriculum / Science etc…

  Your views on ….

  Some universities have conducted conversations in the language students apply to study.

  Certain institutions have asked students to read something and then questioned them about it.

   

  • Other examples of questions relate to the career aspirations of students eg

   

  Why do you want to be a teacher ?

  What do you need to be a good doctor ?

  What skills do you need to acquire to help you become a ….?

   

   

  Some universities have also put students into groups, set them a task and observe interaction etc.. and carried out group interviews.