Applying 10 years on....
When I applied to universities we didn't have UCAS Track, I had no idea what a Russell Group university was or who was part of the group.
Now students seem to be able to identify RG from non-RG...
Students check their Track on Christmas Day!
I chose my A-level subjects because I had achieved good grades in English Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies and History & RE at GCSE level. I had no idea what I'd study at uni.
Now students map out their subject choices before choosing their GCSEs/ A-levels to put them in good stead for their uni applications.
I did no research online and simply read through the course outline in each prospectus.
Now students can use TSR, UCAS, uni websites and other university comparison websites as well as league tables to make an "informed" decision.
I applied to Birmingham, Manchester Met, and UEA because I liked the sounds of the joint honours history and sociology courses and attended each of their open days.
I fell in love with Brum, the campus was beautiful and everything was together in one place. I was also really impressed by the lecturers.
I needed to get BBB, I got BBC, I went to Birmingham and I graduated with a 2:1
The grades for Brum now are much higher.... would I be successful for 2015 entry these days? Probably not! Would I still get a 2:1 - yes.
I chose self-catered halls because I wanted to show I was independent, with hindsight I wish I'd been in catered halls.
I got a PC because I was being "sensible" and knew a laptop would be easy to steal...
Now students carry round £100s of tech... iPhones, iPads, super expensive headphones......
1. In 2024 how do you think students will choose which university to apply to and what will be their preferred method of doing so?
I think they will continue to want to visit the universities at open days - more may commute i.e. attend a local university.
Students will continue to think more strategically i.e. plan their education to ensure they have the best chance of going to the "best" university
2. In 2024 do you think students will prefer to study online i.e. remotely away from campus or at the university within the campus study?
I think again it will come down to cost and what students are studying. If there is an online option which is cheaper than some may opt for this. Seminars can be via a Google Hangout/ 1-2-1s via Skype.
I would imagine that campus study will come at a premium. But that more students will still want to opt for this opportunity.
3. 10 years on what type of technology do you think will dramatically change the 2024 university experience.
Yes everyone will be using tablets, access to international study groups via hangouts/ skype - online study modules may mean courses can be completed in way less than 3 years too.