Really easy to use site (UCAS - any good?)

Member Name: sficentre

Product:	UCAS - any good?
Date:	18/08/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Tutorial vidoes make it easy

Disadvantages: Process can be a bit long, some bits not explained well

I found the UCAS pricess "Apply" relatively easy - although it is fairly long. You need to have the following to hand:

All your personal details (address, schools atteneded atc)
All your qualifications
What uni's you want to go, and their course cofes

Also you need to write a personal statement. To do this, it is best to use Word, then you can edit it until you are happy with it. Then just paste it into the box on UCAS, since you only get 35 minutes to write the personal statement on UCAS itself, after this time it times-out. The process is not too bad, you just need all the stuff to hand (you don't want to end up applying for the wrong course!).

After this, your teacher needs to write your reference. After this, the application needs to be "checked" by your co-ordinator. I'm not sure if this can be the same person who does your reference, for me it wasn't. Only then will your application be sent. This whole process, for me, took about 2 months. I never needed to call a UCAS helpline or anything as they have these videos explaining how to do things. It's good if you can include some hobbies/interests relevant to your course. If you have got certificates/qualifications that aren't relevant then I would still include them, it shows you're a rounded person. But for your personal statement try to include a reason why this is supporting your application for the course i.e. team-work etc.

After that you can use Track - it shows you if any uni's have replied. You need to wait for all of them to reply before you can make a choice - this is what is not explained well on the site. If you really can't wait, then you need to cancel your application to any uni's that haven't yet replied. You can choose a firm and insurance choice - insurance being for if you don't get the grades. If you already have the required grades then I'm not sure if you can choose an insurance, I don't think you can since you know that you are in!

Hope this helps - the UCAS process isn't as scary as it looks! It's applying for student finance, and the uni interviews (if needed for your course/uni) that are the hard parts! And then of course getting the grades to get in!

Please note all this is relevant for those who applied for September 2009, or September 2010 if they chose to defer the year. Next year could be slightly different.

Summary: You won't have any problems