UCAS and Uni Contextual offer scheme query
Hi, I was wondering how I could check if their is a section on UCAS or whether I call them to check if I am confirmed eligible for contextual offers as:
I am on free-school meals.
My mom claims Universal Credit for me.
I live in a council house.
I am a first time Uni goer in my family.
As well as my mom being disabled with her achilles torn and cannot work. I know a lot of this is specific and may not be a factor when deciding whether I can receive contextual offers. However, I know me receiving free school meals can be classed as enough to be on the UCAS contextual admissions scheme.
Also, is there a subtle way I can mention I am from a disadvantaged background in my personal statement? I have already said 'As a first-generation university student'.
I am on free-school meals.
My mom claims Universal Credit for me.
I live in a council house.
I am a first time Uni goer in my family.
As well as my mom being disabled with her achilles torn and cannot work. I know a lot of this is specific and may not be a factor when deciding whether I can receive contextual offers. However, I know me receiving free school meals can be classed as enough to be on the UCAS contextual admissions scheme.
Also, is there a subtle way I can mention I am from a disadvantaged background in my personal statement? I have already said 'As a first-generation university student'.
Reply 1
20
You will have to check on each individual Uni website as they all use slightly different criteria, and there isn't any sort of 'one place' site where you can check this across all Unis. Btw, this is mostly for the sort of Unis who ask for specific subjects/grades - most Unis who use UCAS points offers don't 'do' Contextual offers as their offers are low enough already.
Just google "Contextual" and the name of the Uni, or follow links from the relevant course page, this should lead you to that Uni's criteria page if the do actually make Contextual offers, and then check carefully. If anything is not clear, email and ask - don't just assume.
Its up to your school to mention any 'mitigating circumstances' / 'extenuating circumstances' in their reference - there is a special section for this within the reference. Some Unis may also need a specific form to be completed - again use google to check the process for each individual Uni. This wont get you a lower grade offer unless you do also fulfil the Contextual criteria, but it may get you 'extra consideration' in August if you miss the offer grades.
Just google "Contextual" and the name of the Uni, or follow links from the relevant course page, this should lead you to that Uni's criteria page if the do actually make Contextual offers, and then check carefully. If anything is not clear, email and ask - don't just assume.
Its up to your school to mention any 'mitigating circumstances' / 'extenuating circumstances' in their reference - there is a special section for this within the reference. Some Unis may also need a specific form to be completed - again use google to check the process for each individual Uni. This wont get you a lower grade offer unless you do also fulfil the Contextual criteria, but it may get you 'extra consideration' in August if you miss the offer grades.
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 2
Original post
by macie_maeHi, I was wondering how I could check if their is a section on UCAS or whether I call them to check if I am confirmed eligible for contextual offers as:
I am on free-school meals.
My mom claims Universal Credit for me.
I live in a council house.
I am a first time Uni goer in my family.
As well as my mom being disabled with her achilles torn and cannot work. I know a lot of this is specific and may not be a factor when deciding whether I can receive contextual offers. However, I know me receiving free school meals can be classed as enough to be on the UCAS contextual admissions scheme.
Also, is there a subtle way I can mention I am from a disadvantaged background in my personal statement? I have already said 'As a first-generation university student'.
I am on free-school meals.
My mom claims Universal Credit for me.
I live in a council house.
I am a first time Uni goer in my family.
As well as my mom being disabled with her achilles torn and cannot work. I know a lot of this is specific and may not be a factor when deciding whether I can receive contextual offers. However, I know me receiving free school meals can be classed as enough to be on the UCAS contextual admissions scheme.
Also, is there a subtle way I can mention I am from a disadvantaged background in my personal statement? I have already said 'As a first-generation university student'.
Admission officers want ps to be purely academic you should put all extenuating factors in the form in UCAS it can negatively impact you if it sounds like you’re making excuses
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