So by now you will have made the decision to progress on to university, decided on which course(s) you would like to study and where you would like to apply. Having completed your research which should include checking that you have the correct entry requirements for your chosen course(s) you now need to know how to apply.

 UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service are the central organisation that processes applications for courses at UK universities and colleges. They offer unrivalled and easily accessible information to help you find exactly the right course. Choosing the right course and university or college is a life-changing decision and they aim to make the whole process to be as flexible, responsive and trouble free as possible.

All you need to do when you are a student at OSFC to access the UCAS web site is to:

• Go to the OSFC Intranet
• Click on Careers
• Then click on the Internet Links section
• Go to www.ucas.com
• Click on apply
• Click on student login (OSFC careers or your personal tutor will be able to give you the details which you will require to register initially on the site so that you can set up an individual college user name and password).
• You can also track progress of your application form on-line from this site once you have submitted it.

 As part of your application form you will have to complete a personal statement and as you are applying for a vocational course it is very important the certain information is included in your personal statement. Admissions tutors have commented that for applications for Travel and Tourism courses work experience in the travel and tourism industry is important. The work undertaken should be described in detail not just listed. Any experience with people in sales work, dealing with the public, dealing with problems or complaints, should also be included. Travel should be outlined, detailing places visited and a genuine interest in travel, diverse cultures and people should be highlighted. Attention should be drawn to good communication/interpersonal skills.

Also include the following:

• School/College Activities – were you a prefect at school or been involved in any societies or teams?
• Intellectual Activities – Visits, residential's, visiting speakers and skills and abilities gained from your subject area such as research skills and working independently.
• Out-of-School Activities – Include any community or voluntary work you may have undertaken including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, countries you have visited, and pen friends etc.
• Work Experience – Either from school or college and part-time, Saturday and holiday jobs, particularly if they are connected to your chosen course(s).
• Key Skills – These include numeracy, communication and information technology skills. Also mention any advanced skills you possess in team-working, problem solving, doing presentations and improving your own learning through evaluation and analysis.

Use this form to help you to set out your personal statement in the correct format:

"Personal Statement Writing"

Click here for the video transcript

Click here for the video transcript

In your personal statement you will need to show appropriate evidence of:

• Motivation
• Realism – are you sure you know what you are applying for?
• Involvement in clubs/societies
• Voluntary work
• Extra curriculum activities such as enrichment
• A clear understanding of yourself and your goals