3 Frequently Asked Questions Questions: Q: How can I get impartial help and advice without asking my teachers or parents? Q: Is it a good idea to take a gap year? Q: Must I move away from home to get a Higher Education qualification? Q: When can I apply to university? Q: When and where can I get information about my options in HE? Q: What can I do if I'm not taking the right qualifications for what I want to do at university? Q: Can I go to work earlier if I take a Foundation Degree? Q: How do I know which subjects lead to particular careers? Q: What can I study if I don't particularly enjoy any of my current subjects? Q: There are so many different places offering the subject I'm interested in - how do I decide where to study? Q: How do I apply for HE? Q: I am really anxious about writing my personal statement. How can I get help? Answers: A: Connexions advisers can help in many different ways, both locally and via a free national helpline and website. See inside front and back cover. A: It's different for everyone, but HEIs and employers usually welcome applicants who are motivated as a result of gap year experience. Seepages 5, 26 and 27. A: Not necessarily. Many undergraduates study at their local FE college, university orthrough distance learning ( but be aware of the lifestyle implications). See pages 5 and 12for all of your options. A: Usually during the autumn term of your second year of advanced level study, but there are exceptions. See the calendar on page 6, and page 15. A: The most effective way of starting is to be well prepared for a visit to one of the regional UCAS Higher Education Conventions. See page 7. A: There are many different types and structures of courses in HE, with a wide range of entry requirements. You need to discover which is right for you. See page 8. A: FDs and HNDs are vocational courses that can lead to employment after two years, or may even be taken part- time, whilst working. See page 9. A: Many subjects are vocational ( i. e. train you for a particular career), but others are studied for love of the subject, providing skills for many careers later. See page 10. A: There are approaching 55,000 courses to choose from at a variety of levels. Begin to explore and expand your horizons early, starting on page 11. A: It's important to understand how the style of institution, size, culture, environment and cost of living can determine how comfortable and happy you will feel. See page 12. A: For most courses you will apply electronically via UCAS ' Apply', though a minority of applications are via other systems or direct to colleges. See pages 13 and 17. A: The statement is challenging, but it is an opportunity for you to become confident about decisions, and to be sure that your chosen places want you too! See page 14.

4 Frequently Asked Questions Write your own additional questions here and look through this book to either find the answer, or find a link ( website, book or person) to provide a full and comprehensive answer elsewhere: Questions: Q: What if I don't like or don't receive any HE offers? Q: I won't have my art portfolio ready for the usual HE deadline - what should I do? Q: How do I find out if I can afford HE? Q: I'm worried about making new friends at university. What can I do? Q: I want employment but all the help seems to be for HE, so where do I start? Q: Why should I bother with HE in a recession? Q: Can I study abroad even though languages are not my main interest? Q: Why should disability stop me from applying to the university of my choice? Q: I don't have time to read everything! - Where do I start? Answers: A: If you decline UCAS offers, or if none or your initial applications are successful, you can make new applications during UCAS Extra, and perhaps Clearing. See page 15. A: Practical and performance subjects ( e. g. art, music and drama) require additional evidence of work and ability - so they can have different deadlines. See page 16. A: Every student can have loans to cover fees and expenses, and many will qualify for a grant, bursary or scholarship. See pages 18 and 19, and complete the budget exercise on page 20. A: One of the things many undergraduates wished they'd known is how easy it is to meet new friends in those early days. For a few lifestyle starting points see page 21. A: The South West has a diverse range of employment and work- based training opportunities. See pages 22, 23 and inside front coverfor information and support. A: Whilst nobody can predict the job market for 2014 and beyond, research indicates significant lifestyle, career and salary benefits will continue to be enjoyed by investing in HE. See pages 24 and 25. A: Great opportunities exist to study many subjects in the EU and beyond, and graduates with such experience will have career advantages. See pages 28 and 29. A: It doesn't! There's lots of extra support to enable you to study what and where you want. See page 30, and contact SKILLas well as the HEIsthat interest you. A: The book lists, software and websites on pages 31 and 33 should provide a manageable starting point, but if you still don't know where to start, talk to your tutors and/ or Connexions adviser ( who may also be able to give you a copy of the resources exercise D8 from the UCAS publication GIGO).