Blog Archives
The importance of gap years and taking time to think
Going straight on to university after studying A levels is a natural step for many. It keeps the academic momentum going, and there is much excitement to see what the next phase of education has in store. However, for some students, a gap year is necessary to allow them the breathing room to think about their next steps. One such student is Danielle Bernard-DeShong. Danielle joined Ashbourne in 2014, after completing her GCSEs at St Edmund’s College in Hertfordshire. Although she did well, Danielle readily admits that she didn’t push herself when studying for her GCSEs, and didn’t take academia Continue Reading →
Guide to Clearing and Adjustment
What is Clearing? TThe UCAS Clearing system is a system that indicates which universities have not yet filled their places for degree courses starting in September. When do students need to go through Clearing? The Clearing system applies to students if they have not met the grade requirements for their insurance (second-choice) university but they would still like to begin a university degree course in the UK this autumn. When students log in to the “Track” webpage in UCAS, the online system will tell them whether or not they are eligible to use Clearing. If their 2 university choices have Continue Reading →
Final UCAS checks for A-level college students
With the main UCAS application deadline fast approaching, it’s crucial for A level college students in London and around the UK to spend a few minutes on last minute checks before submitting their application. UCAS Form Final Checks Check that all details are filled in honestly, especially achieved and pending grades Make sure that you are applying to universities of different standards so that if you miss the grades for your first or second choice, you still have a backup and can go to university Make sure the email address you use is appropriate; remember that university admissions will see Continue Reading →
Advice for A level college students: The many possibilities of a law degree
For sixth form college students in London and around the UK, the pressure to know what steps to take after A levels can be a bit daunting. Deciding what subject to study at university is the first step towards committing to a specific career for many, but it can also be the opportunity to learn skills that can be transferred to many different fields. For A level college students who wish to study law, there are many opportunities once entering the world of employment. The number of law graduates far outweighs the demand for practicing lawyers, resulting in a great Continue Reading →
Do young people need more help deciding on a career path?
In the time leading up to results day, A-level college students in London and around the UK are likely to be under more pressure than they have ever experienced before. Many will be awaiting grades that determine conditional offers, whilst a select few may be feeling less pressured, having secured unconditional places. Students have a tendency to fall into three categories; those who have very specific career goals such as medicine, and therefore require specific qualifications; those who know which industry they would like to work in, but are unsure of the capacity; and those who have yet to figure Continue Reading →
A-level students: stop chasing a high salary when choosing a university course
When deciding which university course to choose, it is understandable that an A-level college student would consider how their choice could affect employability after graduation. Changes in the economy have had a lasting effect on the jobs market, and many who chose to attend university are likely to consider how to ‘future proof’ their careers before they have even begun. But should concerns about paying back student loans and long-term financial security lead students to choosing subjects purely on the basis of high earning potential? It is good for A-level college students to have a long term plan, and to Continue Reading →
A-level college students in London: Applying to medical school from a medical student’s perspective
The decision to study medicine is not one that any A-level college student should take lightly. The application and interview processes alone are hurdles at which many find themselves falling, and they are designed that way for a reason – medicine is not easy. It is not easy to study, nor is it easy to practise once a student eventually qualifies, so a difficult process is necessary in order to distinguish between those who are cut out for it and those who are not. There are many factors that contribute to a student’s decision to study medicine. A fascination with Continue Reading →
Advice on Clearing and Adjustment for A level college students
The complexities of the UCAS application procedure undoubtedly have their casualties – those who don’t get the offers they want or indeed any offers at all, or who fail to meet the conditions of their offers. There are, however, procedures that help to marry students with suitable courses shortly before the beginning of the academic year. The mechanics of these processes, clearing and adjustment, are laid out in the UCAS website (ucas.com/clearing and ucas.com/adjustment) The key point is that from July to September students can look for university courses through the clearing process. Lists of vacancies are published in the Continue Reading →
Sixth Form College Scholarships for Medicine and Science
Ashbourne A level College offers sixth form scholarships to students in and around London who have a proven record for outstanding academic achievement. Khadija Owusu, who showed excellent promise when applying to Ashbourne, is one of our first medical scholars, with two offers to study medicine from September. Khadija studied at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson school where she excelled in many subjects, but showed particular enthusiasm for maths and science. When the time came to look for somewhere to study for her A levels, Khadija never considered Ashbourne College to be an option. Coming from a low income family, Khadija thought Continue Reading →
The Role of Private Universities
Private universities have played a marginal role in UK higher education up to now. However, the rise in tuition fees, together with variable educational standards in the state sector, are providing private universities with new opportunities. Private universities in the UK are divided between broader academic institutions such as the University of Buckingham and specialist providers such as the BPP. Lower-ranking universities are most likely to be exposed by the increasing quality and value for money of private universities. Ashbourne Independent Sixth Form College offers two year, 18 month and a one-year intensive A Level courses, providing a wide range Continue Reading →
