The numbers speak for themselves. Fewer students from the Republic are applying for college places in Britain and Northern Ireland. In 1997, the British central applications body, UCAS, received 11,213 applications, in 1998, 8,144 and in 1999 there are 6,797 applicants to date.
Paul McClure, head of UCAS's operations department, says this State is still the largest non-British market. The reasons for the drop in applications include the introduction of fees in British colleges, the abolition of fees here and the increase in the number of college places available here.
There are some 35,000 first-year college places available, through the CAO, in the Republic. Contrast that with 320,217 acceptances of first year places through UCAS so far (figures as of September 22nd). Of these, 278,243 places were accepted through the main scheme and a further 41,974 were accepted through the clearing process where vacant places are advertised. McClure expects the total acceptances to reach the 330,000 mark, so another 10,000 places may still be allocated through clearing this year.
If you are thinking of going to a college in Britain or Northern Ireland next year, McClure says, "the main thing for the student to understand is that the UCAS application process is a very different system to the CAO". Students can apply for a maximum of six choices on one application form, he explains, and a copy of this form is then sent to each of the relevant colleges. Remember, if you choose six disparate courses, it may be more difficult to convince course tutors as to your real interest in all of them. You will have an opportunity to explain your choices in your personal statement, which accompanies your UCAS application.
Applicants may then be made conditional offers, based on their attainment in the Leaving Certificate. For instance, a college might offer you a place if you get a minimum of three B3s and three C3s in the Leaving Certificate. You now have to narrow down your choices. You can choose one "firm acceptance" offer and one "insurance" offer. This allows you two bites at the cherry, say McClure.
The closing date for applications to UCAS is December 15th but you are advised to apply as early as possible. Expect to receive decisions by the end of March and you must make your choice by the the beginning of July. If you achieve the minimum standard set down in your firm choice, the college is obliged to make you an offer. The insurance choice is usually just that, requiring lower grades
McClure asks students who are taking up a CAO offer to let UCAS know as soon as possible so as to free up that place for another applicant. Students who do not get an offer from UCAS or who fail to meet the conditions of their offers are automatically eligible for the clearing process.
UCAS website
UCAS has a website which is free, up-to-date, and open 24 hours. This website helps potential students in their search for a course and college and provides information on all courses available through UCAS. You search by subject area, course level, location and other criteria. Results give information on courses, colleges and entry requirements. There is also a calendar of events listing higher education fairs and conventions. In August and September, this site shows the complete, official list of un-filled college places. This list is updated on a daily basis. UCAS can be found at www.ucas.ac.uk
Filling out the form
First, photocopy that form, so you can make mistakes at your leisure, without worrying about tippex or erasers. The first section asks for your personal details - name, correspondence address, main contact number.
Section two asks for further information such as your age on September 30th 2000; whether you have a disability (and many colleges go to great lengths to help students with disabilities so do not leave this blank for fear it might prejudice your application); fee code and residential category. This is all explained, in detail, in the UCAS booklet Instructions for the completion of the application form.
The problem is that many students make silly mistakes on the form through nerves. It's a good idea to have someone (friend, parent, teacher, guidance counsellor) to check over the form before you send it in.
In section three, you enter your choices in the order in which they appear in the UCAS handbook NOT as in the CAO, in the order of preference. Section four asks for details of secondary education while section five does not apply to students from the Republic. Section six is used for statistical purposes only and does not affect your application.
The next three sections deal with qualifications, special needs, and details of paid employment to date. Section ten asks students to make a personal statement, something which is not required in the Irish system, where places, in the majority of courses, are awarded on the basis of Leaving Certificate points only.
The personal statement is your chance to impress the admissions tutor and explain why you should get that college place. Put a little time and energy into this statement as it can make all the difference.
This is a personal statement so it should not be a formulaic essay. UCAS suggest the following information is included: your reasons for choosing the course(s); the background to your interest n the subject(s) you wish to study; any relevant employment, work experience, placement or voluntary work; core skills; achievements; particular interests you have in your current studies and your career aspirations as well as detailed of any non-examined subjects which your are studying and your sporting and social interests. If you are planning to defer acceptance of your place, you should explain your reasons for deferral and your plans for the academic year 1990-2000.
Your form must include a reference from your school principal, guidance counsellor, tutor or other appropriate person.
The standard application fee is £14 sterling. If you are only applying to only one course then the fee is reduced to £5 sterling.
Closing dates:
The main closing date for UCAS is December 15th, 1999. But, if you applying for Oxford, Cambridge or for courses leading to a professional qualification in medicine (ie with a course code of A100, A101, A104 or A106) the closing date is October 15th, 1999. Applications submitted after these dates will be considered by the colleges at their discretion.
Art and design applicants applying through route A must apply between September 1st and December 15th 1999 while those going through route B should apply between January 1st and March 24th, 2000.
Contacting UCAS:
Telephone: applicant enquiries 0044 1242 227788; general enquires 0044 1242 222444
Email: enq@ucas.ac.uk
Internet: www.ucas.ac.uk
Post: UCAS, Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Glos, GL52 3LZ.
