University Pathway
The Application Process
This cycle begins again in May 2021, but you don't have to wait until then to look at Universities and courses.
In the UK pupils apply via UCAS and can choose up to 5 universities to apply to. Once you have received offers you then select a FIRM and an INSURANCE University. So in the end you reduce your choice from 5 to 2.
There are lots of things to consider when applying to university- these pages on firefly will get you thinking if you have not yet started your research
UCAS web page: https://www.ucas.com
UCAS Subject guides: https://www.ucas.com/explore
Useful Firefly pages:
https://warminsterschool.fireflycloud.net/sixth-form/university-applications
UCAS Discovery Days
https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/introducing-ucasdiscovery
These have been put in place instead of the UCAS conventions of previous years. Although the Southwest event was before Easter you can join any of the UCAS discovery days at any time. Sign up via the link above!
Personal Statements
This is a key part of your UCAS application. This section is where you personalise your application by illustrating your passions, experiences and reasons for applying. This takes time to prepare and will need to be simply "brilliant" there are a number of resources available to support you and your tutors have LOTS of experience in writing these. Look at this page on personal statement to begin with
OXBRIDGE, MEDICINE, DENTISTRY, VETERINARY SCIENCE
If you are interested in pursuing any of these areas please make sure you let your tutor and myself know. You have an earlier Deadline and extra exams that must be taken to support your application.
Study outside UK?
The world is your oyster as the saying goes...why continue your studies in the UK when you could study anywhere in the world!
Check out these pages for info on study abroad:
Study in the USA
Study in Europe
Non University Pathway
Apprenticeship
University is not the only destination post sixth form, although you'll be never be fully free from learning new skills...!
Apprenticeships exist at all levels and involve you being paid to train and study.
More information on these can be found on this page in the careers area.
You can register for Apprenticeship notifications from the government website
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Apprenticeships can be advertised at anytime in the academic year so if this is a route for you you need to be on almost a constant look out for these!
Following businesses on Social Media and subscribing to vacancy pages on business websites is the best way of getting this information early!
Week beginning 8th Feb was National Apprenticeship week...find out more here
www.ucas.com/understanding-apprenticeships/discover-apprenticeships
Employment
Getting your first job can be scary but it's also the best feeling ever!
Securing a job takes effort from:
- looking for a vacancy
- to applying
- to attending an interview
A starting point on this route is creating your CV- help and support is available by checking out the employment area of the careers firefly section.
Other information sources
Follow Warminster Careers- Pathways & Creative Curriculum on twitter @ws_careeers
Also regularly check the careers notice board on Firefly