In Airdrie Academy you will be fully supported in your application for university. Mrs L Baird, PT Pupil Support, is the UCAS Coordinator and will be available throughout the process. PTs Pupil Support will monitor the application progress, provide advice and write the Educational References. We work closely with GCU and run workshops for students in September and October. Drop-in sessions will be offered to students to help with Personal Statements.

The UCAS website has lots of advice and videos to guide you through each stage of the process.

Explore your options

Check university websites for detailed information about the courses available.
Go to Open Days – we will give you permission to attend 2 Open Days in school time but universities have Open Days on Saturdays and evenings too.
thestudentsurvey.com This website gives student opinions on courses, social life and other aspects of university life.
See what you need to apply for a course – e.g. entry requirements or Tariff points you’ll need.

Apply

You make your application in the UCAS online system
Deadlines for most courses are in January, but some are in October (notably medicine, vet medicine and dentistry as well as Oxford / Cambridge) or March
You can apply for up to five courses at the same time (unless early entry) (£25)

The Personal Statement is your chance to show course providers why you want to study the course and why you’d make a great student.

NOTE: You can only submit one personal statement and this cannot be changed after your application has been sent.

Click here for more information on how to write your personal statement.

UCAS Applications for 2020 Entry Timeline

This is a ‘no later than’ timeline and can be adjusted if required.

Sometimes pupils are anxious about their applications – ‘friends in other schools have had replies from UCAS, my application isn’t sent yet.’ Note that UCAS has a ‘gathered field’ policy, ie no institutions are allowed to have a first come, first served system. However, applications are passed on by UCAS as they are received, and some universities will arrange batches of interviews as soon as they can (usually the case with Primary Teaching). All applications received by UCAS on time – 15 January – have equal consideration. Late applications may be at a disadvantage.

Tues 27 August: GCU Speed networking event
Tues 3 September: UCAS presentation
Tues 1 October: GCU Personal Statement workshop
Tues 15 October: Early Applicants’ submission deadline
Friday 1 November: 1st draft Personal Statements to PT Pupil Support
Friday 22 November: Students submit completed UCAS application electronically to PT PS
Friday 13 December: Completed References are sent to Coordinator
Thursday 19 December: All applications submitted to UCAS