Higher Education

Senior Tutor :  Mr Robert Clarke ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

The Careers Office is located in the small corridor just below East, which leads from the main corridor alongside the Quad out towards the Rhodes Block 

In addition to the events outlined below, you are welcome to arrange to meet Mr Clarke at a time that is convenient to both of you.  Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Schedule of Key Events in UCAS Application Process

UVth:           You need to think very carefully about subject choice for the VIth Form.

Tutors and Housemasters or Housemistresses are on hand to offer guidance; the Senior Tutor can advise where there may be doubts as to suitable combinations for specific subjects at university.

If you can, your work experience at the end of the UVth should take into consideration any ideas you have for Higher Education, to enable you to learn about a particular profession, for example, or to help you make sensible decisions about VIth Form subject choices. Any work experience looks good in a Personal Statement; in competitive areas like medical subjects, law and management, the more work experience you are able to do, the better.

LVIth:           Lent Term:

January: Two group sessions with the Senior Tutor
Session One: the general panorama of Higher Education, the applications timetable and the UCAS system
Session Two: researching universities and courses

Summer Term:
If you are unsure as to what course you would like to do, you might try the Stamford Test on the UCAS website, www.ucas.com – a basic but free psychometric test that could help to give you some ideas.

May or June: University prospectuses are published: phone or email the universities for a free copy.  Alternatively, refer to their individual websites for up-to-date copies of the undergraduate prospectus, virtual tours, links to each department, etc, and for a better idea of specific entry requirements and available options, etc.

June AS Exams: Success in these exams is vital, especially for pupils aiming high or wanting to study a popular subject at University.

Sessions are held after the AS exams, when LVIth pupils are given detailed, tactical advice about the application process, and register online with UCAS.  This enables you to work on your application at any time over the summer.

Tutors guide the research and application process, but the Senior Tutor is on hand to provide support and to meet parents who wish to discuss any issue relating to HE or the application process.
Applications can be submitted electronically by early to mid September.

UVIth:         Michaelmas Term:

Tutors assemble comments from subject teachers and draw up a personal reference, which they forward to Housemasters and Housemistresses.
The Senior Tutor handles the administration and does a final check/edit before the form is dispatched.
First UCAS deadline: October 15

This deadline is for all Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science applications (please ensure all application forms for these courses are with your tutor by end of September).

Pupils who don’t need to apply by October 15th should get their application in as early as possible after this date, to demonstrate sound organisation and motivation.

November: interviews begin for a few subjects, such as Medicine.
All Cranleigh applicants for UCAS must submit their form by the end of term.
Lent Term:

Final UCAS deadline: January 15

March 31: the date by which all universities that received applications by the January 15 deadline should have made their decision.

Summer Term

Early May: deadline for First and Insurance choice decisions to be sent to UCAS.

June 30: the date after which all (late) applications will be treated by universities as part of the Clearing process.
Mid August: A Level results released

Meetings are also held at the start of each term in the UVIth to remind you about the various tasks that need to be completed, such as how to respond to offers, the UCAS “extra” and Clearing systems, and arranging for student financial support.

For further details and guidance, including the full applications timetable, an explanation of the UCAS Tariff (points) system, an assessment of how competitive subjects are, samples of past Personal Statements, and suggestions as to how to enhance your application, please look at the website created by Cranleigh’s Senior Tutor in charge of Higher Education, www.universityentrancehelp.co.uk
All university websites can be accessed via the UCAS website, www.ucas.com