Shrewsbury Sixth Form College
Careers / Progression Evening
In case you would like to review the information presented or have more questions, various documents and presentations from the evening are available in the menu to the right of this text and below.
We have compiled a series of Frequently Asked Questions which can be found below.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
When can we collect our AS and A level Exam Certificates? The AS and A level certificates are ready for collection from Student Services at the end of the February. Please make sure you bring some form of ID with you.
If you are unable to collect your A level certificates, you can hand in an A4 self-addressed and stamped envelope to Student Services before you leave college and the certificates will be posted to you. You can ask a family member to collect the certificates on your behalf, but you will have to give them a letter or email authorising them to do. They will need to bring some form of ID.
The certificates will be kept for one year and then they will be sent back to the Examination Board who will charge you for them.
Who is the best person to speak to if I need more help and information? Sue Ratcliffe, the personal adviser from Shropshire Youth Connexions, at Student Services.
UCAS
How do I research and choose a course? Go to the UCAS website ~ www.ucas.com ~ where you will find a step by step guide to researching and choosing courses and universities. We would advise you to start your research as early as possible as it can be very time consuming.
You can also take the Stamford Test on the UCAS website. It is a short questionnaire which can help to match your interests and abilities to possible higher education subjects. Many students find this helpful when trying to make up their minds.
How does the UCAS application process work? Please click on the link called ‘UCAS Process’ on the right.
When is the college deadline for UCAS applications? If you are applying to Oxford / Cambridge / Medicine / Veterinary Science and Dentistry, your application must be handed in at Student Services by Monday 26 September 2011.
All other applications should be handed in at Student Services by Monday 7 November 2011.
What help am I given with my application? Throughout the UCAS process you are supported by your Group Tutor. They will help you with your personal statement and will explain the process to your tutor group, emphasising the importance of the college deadlines and what happens once your application has been finalised. For Careers advice, Sue Ratcliffe, the personal adviser from Shropshire Youth Connexions, is available. Please go to Student Services for more information.
Finance
How can I find out what sponsorships and bursaries are available? Check the university websites for financial assistance and bursaries. Visit the www.scholarship-search.org.uk website.
Student Cash Point is a FREE website designed to help students find the funding they need to cover the costs of going to college and university. It is the UK’s most comprehensive source of information on student grants, loans, bursaries, scholarships and awards. www.studentcashpoint.co.uk.
Student Services have information sheets available on local Shropshire charities. Click on the link on the right hand side ‘Grants from Local Charities’.
When can I start applying for student finance? You are able to apply on the student finance website www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance. You should fill in and submit your application for student finance in plenty of time to ensure that you have your finance in place before the start of term.
Why would one university charge different amount from another? Universities may charge less to attract students. Some may charge more think it makes them look more prestigious.
If you have two siblings at university at the same time, is there any support for siblings? Very little.
What happens if your financial situation at home changes for the worse during the year? If it changes by 15% you can apply for a re-assessment during the year. If less than 15% you will have to wait until the following year to be re-assessed.
How will having a huge student debt affect a future mortgage application? Student loans are not generally taken into account when being considered for a mortgage.
Can the loan be paid off in chunks? Yes
