HIGHER EDUCATION & FURTHER STUDY
WHO’S INVOLVED?
The Guidance Team
M. Manville (Head of Careers - UK & EU),
L. Crumplin (HOY 13 - US & Canada),
G. Bates, D. Brown,
J Williams, D. Chorley, K. Gorman (HO6th)
Also: N Hammond, S Pettifer
AIMS OF THIS EVENING
• Outline ‘the BSP context’; where do our students go?
• Outline our contribution; what does the school do?
• FAQs regarding university applications
• North American applications
• Q & A.
WHERE DO OUR STUDENTS GO?
Applications made academic year 2022 - 23 (current Y13)
• 86% of students applied to study at universities in the UK (including Oxford, Cambridge, Exeter, Bristol, Manchester, St Andrews, Durham, Imperial...)
• 54% of students applying to study in universities outside the UK (including Netherlands, Spain, US, Canada, France, Italy, Ireland) with majority making applications through more than one system (including ESSEC, Ecole Polytechnique, Maastricht…)
• Huge range of different courses being applied for (including Architecture, Veterinary Medicine, Graphic Design, Sports and Exercise Science, Film Production….)
• Y14: 2 students applying/re-applying through BSP.
• Our role is to support applications. This continues until students are established on a suitable pathway.
WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL DO?
YEAR 11 TIMELINE
• Sept - Easter: Careers as element of PSHE course
• Sept: Profiling interviews for all Y11 students (from profile test taken end Year 10)
• Feb: Parents’ Information Evening & A Level Options Evening.
WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL DO?
YEAR 12 TIMELINE
• Profile testing/interviews for new Y12 students
• Oct onwards: University visits to the BSP
• Feb: ‘launch’ of Post-18 Decisions guidance (with elements for ‘fast-track’, university and non-university pathways)
• End June: ‘What’s Next?’ course
• (Plus information evenings, university road-show, external speakers, Frog, events held in local schools, work experience support…)
WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL DO?
YEAR 13 TIMELINE
• Sept: ‘Introduction to Year 13’ course
• From Sept: PSHE Careers programme & applications
• Oct onwards: University visits to the BSP. Deadline for ‘fasttrack’ applications UK
• Dec/Jan: Mock interviews. Deadline for majority of applications
• Feb – May: Exams!
• August: Results & Clearing
• Ongoing support for ex-students.
EG: WHAT’S NEXT - JUNE 2022
• Two day programme
• Tailored workshops
• Topics included ‘Making the right Decision’, ‘Studying in the US’, ‘Studying in the EU’, ‘Writing a Personal Statement’ and ‘Starting your Application’
• 7 members of staff, 5 ex-students.
• Up to date and interactive.
OUR EXPERIENCE 2022
• Very successful for graduating BSP students: 90% first choice.
• Demanding offers: eg Imperial –
A*AA
A*A*AA / A*A*A; Bath – A*AA; Southampton –
• Increasing numbers of students making multiple applications, generally UK plus another.
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Points to note for 2023 onwards..UK
• Brexit: major change is the fees and visa status for EU nationals. For all UK universities, EU nationals are now classed as ‘international students’ and higher tuition fees can apply. Tuition fee loans are no longer available. Many universities offering scholarship schemes.
• Home Fees students have access to tuition fee AND maintenance loans.
• EU nationals will need visas – initial cost of £350
• EU nationals will also face ‘Health Surcharge’ of £470 per year.
• Changes coming related to the writing of references and personal statements…
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FAQS
General Support:
• It’s their life! Please guide, take an interest and support, but allow them to take decisions about what and where they study.
• It’s their application. Please take an active interest, but let your son or daughter complete it in their words. Universities will not discuss the details of applications with anyone other than the student concerned – they must therefore take early responsibility.
• Students should select course first, please be open-minded about institution. Don’t chase brand names as this can lead to disappointment.
• Encourage your son or daughter to stick to deadlines – adjustments take time. They should drive the process, no matter the application system. Early applications often get early decisions.
• Please remain positive. This can be an emotional process, with a lot of time and effort invested. A positive, constructive approach is essential, particularly in relations with the school. Bear in mind the school communicates with students about options and applications, not parents.
FAQS
Predicted Grades:
• Our predicted grade policy is on the school’s website. Please read it.
• Choices should reflect predicted grades, rather than the other way round. 2 – 2 – 1 approach.
Profile:
• Students taking more than 3 A Levels are the exception – French SO, Further Maths, EPQ… (MUCH better to gain fewer high grades)
• Non-academic is less important, BUT enrichment such as summer courses, work experience, reading, and a sustained participation in a small number of activities extremely useful for overall profile – please encourage a broad enthusiasm for subject
• Be open-minded about gap years: these can be VERY beneficial (Business, Medicine, Vets, Languages...)
FAQs
EU and beyond:
• A levels are acceptable ‘currency’ for applications around the world, and are often advantageous.
• We do support ALL applications – although we have much less visibility for non-UK systems. Students must drive process.
• We recommend a maximum of two separate application systems.
Fast-Track (Oxbridge, Dentistry, Medicine, Vets, other highly selective universities)
• School should be aware EARLY to support – before summer of Year 12 (our programme of support starts in February Y12)
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IMPORTANT FOR UK APPLICATIONS
NON-UNIVERSITY
Frog
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BEST CAREERS ADVICE EVER!
LUCY CRUMPLIN
HEAD OF YEAR 13
HIGHER EDUCATION IN NORTH AMERICA
WHY DO BSP STUDENTS CHOOSE TO STUDY IN CANADA AND THE USA?
• Huge range of institutions
• The draw of US Ivy League level institutions
• Variety of courses: Liberal Arts in the US
• Excellent Canadian Universities
• Personal ‘fit’
• Adventure!
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APPLICATIONS TO STUDY IN THE USA
DIFFERENCES WHEN COMPARED TO UK APPLICATIONS
• Huge choice of Institutions – over 4,500 colleges
• Greater emphasis placed at admission on extra-curricular activities and rounded understanding of each candidate
• Applications process far less centralised.
STUDY IN CANADA
Applications are made to individual institutions or province
Requirements and method of application vary so students need to research these carefully
SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THE SCHOOL
• Group guidance sessions for Sixth Formers during Year 12
• Individualised guidance in Year 12 and 13
• Applications through the Common App. led by Ms Crumplin
• The School provides letters of recommendation, some guidance on applications and administrative support
• Applications are student led - students need to conduct research into the institutions they wish to apply to.
• Additional support is available from specialised organisations such as Fulbright.
Q & A
