“Lightening the Admin Burden” - Mary Curnock Cook, Chief Executive, UCAS
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ARC Annual Conference and Exhibition 2012 Lightening the admin burden Mary Curnock Cook Chief Executive 13 November 2012
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Transcript of “Lightening the Admin Burden” - Mary Curnock Cook, Chief Executive, UCAS
ARC Annual Conference and Exhibition 2012Lightening the admin burden
Mary Curnock Cook
Chief Executive
13 November 2012
2012: Position one month from A level results
Applicants Accepts
2011 2012 % Diff. 2011 2012 % Diff.
Total 692,509 643,229 -7.1% 484,037 454,258 -6.2%
UK 584,509 536,249 -8.3% 425,972 398,179 -6.5%
EU (excl UK) 48,835 42,620 -12.7% 26,353 22,889 -13.1%
Non EU 59,298 64,360 +8.5% 31,712 33,190 +4.7%
2012 cycle – the institution makes very few additional offers. UK & EU domiciled choices only
2012 cycle – the institution makes additional offersUK & EU domiciled choices only
Deferred entry acceptances
Academ
y
Further
Educa
tion
Gram
mar
Sch
ool
Higher
Educa
tion
Indep
enden
t Sch
ool
Other
Sixth
Form
Colle
ge
State
exc
Gra
mm
ar0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
2% 2% 2%1%
6%
2% 2% 2%
6%
4%5%
3%
11%
3%
5% 6%
20112012
Source: UCAS Analysis and Research
Reappliers
Academ
y
Further
Educa
tion
Gram
mar
Sch
ool
Higher
Educa
tion
Indep
enden
t Sch
ool
Other
Sixth
Form
Colle
ge
State
exc
Gra
mm
ar0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
8%9%
8% 9%
12%
24%
8% 7%5%
9%
6% 7%
11%
26%
7%5%
20112012
Source: UCAS Analysis and Research
Reasons for re-applying▪ More than one third of Younger UK re-appliers re-applied because they had changed their mind
about what to study or where to study (36%). Almost one quarter wanted to retake exams to
improve their grades (24%). A similar proportion re-applied because they had received no offers
when they applied previously (23%).
▪ Mature UK re-appliers are least confident about being accepted this time
▪ More than four-fifths of Younger UK re-appliers (82%) and International re-appliers (84%) thought they
would have more chance of being accepted, compared with 72%
of Mature UK re-appliers
18
15
15
22
14
29
4
10
9
23
5
22
14
18
19
23
24
36
0 25 50
I didn't want to accept any offers last time I applied
I wanted to get some work experience
I wanted more time to decide what/where to study
I didn't get any offers last time I applied
I wanted to retake exams to improve my grades
I changed my mind about what/where to study
%
Why did you decide to re-apply this year? (Top 6 answers)
Younger UK apps
Mature UK apps
International apps
16
84
28
72
18
82
0 20 40 60 80 100
No
Yes
%
Did you think you would have more chance of being accepted this year?
Younger UK apps
Mature UK apps
International apps
Base: Re-appliers: Younger UK apps (2,159), Mature UK apps (3,824), International apps (363)
Base: Re-appliers: Younger UK apps (2,162), Mature UK apps (3,809), International apps (356)
Approaching half of Mature UK applicants have submitted a previous UCAS application (46%)
This compares with just 11% of Younger UK applicants and 8% of International applicants
Free text responses reveal that many of the Mature UK re-appliers completed a first
undergraduate degree and now wish to pursue a new career which requires a different degree
Base: Younger UK apps (Survey 1: 10,158, Survey 2: 10,689), Mature UK apps (8,449), International apps (4,841)
90
55
92
11
46
8
0
20
40
60
80
100
Younger UK apps Mature UK apps International apps
%
Is this your f irst UCAS application?
Yes
No
Applicants & Accepts with AAB and ABBUK 18 year olds: Position one month after A level results day 2008 - 2012
Ap
ps
Acc
ep
ts
Ap
ps
Acc
ep
ts
Ap
ps
Acc
ep
ts
Ap
ps
Acc
ep
ts
Ap
ps
Acc
ep
ts
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
AAB Applicants ABB ApplicantsAAB Accepts ABB Accepts
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
+37% +34% +29% +29% +28%
% Applicants with ABB
% Applicants with AAB
Proportion of Applicants with AAB and ABBUK 18 year olds: Position one month after A level results day 2008 - 2012
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
+36% +33% +28% +28% +28%
% Accepts with ABB% Accepts with AAB
Proportion of Accepts with AAB and ABBUK 18 year olds: Position one month after A level results day 2008 - 2012
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
2012: Position one month from A level resultsUK 19 & under accepts by POLAR2 quintile
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q50
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
79% 80% 81% 82% 83%
2011 - Accepts 2012 - Accepts 2011 - Accept rate
2012 - Accept rate
Downward pressure on demand
Tuition Fees Population Apprenticeships BTECs
Advanced Apprenticeships achieved 07/08 – presentShown by Quarter - cumulative
SOURCE: The Data Service
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q40
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
07/08
08/09
09/10
10/11
11/12 (provis.)
Results Day 2012Learner Certification BTEC Level 2 & 3 (Overview)
c. 685,000 learners completed a BTEC Level 2 or 3 between 01 June 2011 and 31 May 2012
479,020
70%
206,92430%
BTEC LEVEL 2
BTEC LEVEL 3
2011
BTEC LEVEL 2 364,089
BTEC LEVEL 3 170,011
28% vs. 2011
Position one month from the publication of A level results: Proportion of UK 17-19 accepts with BTECs by HEI tariff group
2008 2009 2010 2011 20120%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
8%
11% 11%
1% 1% 1%
6%
8% 8%
16%
20%21%
Overall Higher Tariff HEIsMiddle Tariff HEIs Lower Tariff HEIs
Position one month from the publication of A level results: Proportion of UK 17-19 accepts with A levels by HEI tariff group
2008 2009 2010 2011 201260%
65%
70%
75%
80%
85%
78%
74%
71%
84% 84%83%
80%
76%
73%
70%
66%
61%
Overall Higher Tariff HEIsMiddle Tariff HEIs Lower Tariff HEIs
2012
2013: Applicants to 15 October deadline coursesApplicant domicile
2013 % change
Total 55,618 56,753 2.0%
England 35,455 36,051 1.7%
N Ireland 1,109 1,131 2.0%
Scotland 2,102 2,080 -1.0%
Wales 1,465 1,408 -3.9%
EU (excl. UK) 5,862 5,966 1.8%
Non EU 9,625 10,117 5.1%
Market Dynamics
2011: Applicants chasing places
2012: Places chasing applicants
▪ 86% of those who were placed in Clearing and 59% of unplaced Clearing users felt they had
enough time
▪ Unplaced applicants were much more likely to feel they had insufficient time. 41% of
unplaced Clearing applicants felt they did not have enough time. Only 14% of those placed
in Clearing felt this way
Most of those placed in Clearing felt they had enough time to make a wise decision
41
59
14
86
0 20 40 60 80 100
No
Yes
Do you feel you had enough time in Clearing to make the right decision for you?
Placed in Clearing
Unplaced
Base: Placed in Clearing (3,641), Unplaced who used Clearing (1,477)
▪ Unplaced applicants were more likely than those placed in Clearing to have contacted multiple HEIs
▪ 63% of those placed in Clearing who applied independently contacted just one HEI. 42% of those
placed in Clearing who applied via a centre contacted a single HEI
Almost half of those placed in Clearing contacted just one HEI (49%)
49%
15%12%
6% 5%
13%
29%
23%
16%
9% 7%
16%
0%
20%
40%
60%
1 2 3 4 5 More than 5
How many universities or colleges did you contact about courses in Clearing?
Placed in Clearing
Unplaced
Base: Placed in Clearing (3,601), Unplaced applicants who used Clearing (1,412)
▪ This was the most popular search criterion for those who were placed in Clearing (82%) and
those who were unplaced and used Clearing (79%)
▪ Searches for a particular HEI or a particular area of the UK were next most popular
▪ Low tuition fees were not so important – only 5% of those Placed in Clearing and 6% of
unplaced applicants searched in Clearing with this in mind
Around four fifths of those who used Clearing looked for a particular subject or subjects (81%)
6%
6%
10%
20%
12%
22%
21%
27%
79%
6%
5%
9%
17%
17%
24%
25%
37%
82%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Other (please specify)
Anywhere fees relatively low
Any course that might accept me
Any subject I might find interesting
A prestigious university
A uni or college in a particular area …
A uni or college in my local area
A particular university or college
A particular subject or subjects
When choosing courses to apply to in Clearing, what were you looking for in particular? (Please tick all that apply)
Placed in Clearing
Unplaced
Base: Placed in Clearing (3,627), Unplaced who used Clearing (1,466)
▪ Applicants who were placed in Clearing (20%) were slightly more likely to choose a
completely different subject in Clearing than the unplaced applicants (16%)
Most Clearing users were interested in the same or a similar subject as they were in the main scheme
3
16
82
12
20
68
0 20 40 60 80 100
I had not made any choices before entering Clearing
No, I chose a completely different subject in Clearing
Yes, I chose the same (or similar) subject in Clearing as my original
UCAS choices
Were your Clearing choices for the same subject you chose in your original UCAS choices?
Placed in Clearing
Unplaced
Base: Placed in Clearing (3,612), Unplaced who used Clearing (1,446)
4
22
74
0 20 40 60 80
Going to university or college was my back-up plan
I was interested in going to uni or college AND another option
as well
I was ONLY interested in going to uni or college
%
When you applied for university or college, which of these best describes your intentions?
Unplaced
▪ 17% are not that bothered and 12% say they are
glad they did not get a place
▪ Free text reveals that most of these respondents
are now happy following a different path such as
doing a different course, taking a gap year or re-
taking exams
▪ However, when they applied, almost three- quarters
of unplaced applicants were ONLY interested in
going to university or college
▪ One quarter of unplaced applicants tried to find a
place in Clearing (25%)
29% of unplaced applicants say they are not disappointed that they were not accepted
12
17
40
30
0 10 20 30 40 50
I'm glad I didn't get a place
I'm not that bothered
I'm a bit disappointed
I'm bitterly disappointed
%
You applied for a place at university or college but were unsucessful. Right now, how do you feel this?
Unplaced
Base: Unplaced applicants (5,882)
Base: Unplaced applicants (5,887)
By far the largest proportion of those who have not enrolled have deferred entry for a year (74%
of those placed in main scheme, 49% of those placed in Clearing)
Other reasons given by placed applicants for not enrolling are: Put off by the tuition fees (12%) Have other plans now (9%)
16%
9%
9%
7%
5%
9%
14%
49%
6%
5%
5%
6%
7%
9%
10%
74%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Other (please specify)
The university or college is not right for me
My personal circumstances have changed, so I can no longer go
The course is not right for me
My course doesn't start until January or later
I have other plans now
I was put off by the tuition fees
I've deferred entry for a year
Why have you not enrolled on your course? (Please tick all that apply) (Top 8 answers)
Placed in main scheme
Placed in Clearing
2
2
96
3
4
94
0 25 50 75 100
No, but I plan to enrol soon
No
Yes
Have you enrolled (started at) university or college?
Placed in main scheme
Placed in Clearing
95% of placed applicants have enrolled
Base: Placed in main scheme (9,464), Placed in Clearing (3,687)
Base: Those who have not enrolled: Placed in main scheme (377), Placed in Clearing (57)
One third of UK applicants say the increase in tuition fees has influenced their UCAS choices (33%)
Base: Younger UK apps (9,743), Mature UK apps (8,092)
▪ The largest proportions of students have applied to courses that will prepare them for a more
highly paid career and have decided to study close to home, to reduce living costs
▪ Tuition fees were most likely to have influenced those studying BTECs. 70% of those studying A
levels/AS say the increase has not influenced their choices, compared with 64% of BTEC students
10
3
3
4
7
5
15
16
65
8
1
2
5
5
8
16
17
69
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Other
Applied later - I was saving money
I wasn't able to do the course I really wanted
Took a gap year to give me more time to decide
Applied later to ensure I made wise choices
I decided to study in my home country (W, S or NI)
Decided to study close to home
Applied to courses that will prepare me for a more highly paid career
No
%
Has the increase in tuition fees influenced your choices about which courses or universities and colleges to apply to?
Younger UK apps
Mature UK apps
To think that I will forever be in debt till I pretty much become old and retire is a bit daunting but nevertheless – this has not
changed the fact that I want to get a degree and possibly have a better future
(Bulletin board, Younger UK app)
Few UK applicants have applied to study abroad 2% of Younger UK applicants and 2% of Mature UK applicants say they have applied to study in
another country. Free text responses reveal that the increase in tuition fees was the key driver. Ireland, the USA and the Netherlands were the most popular other countries amongst UK applicants.
More than one quarter of Younger UK applicants say, with hindsight they wished they had
considered studying in a European country (26%). 30% wished they had considered studying
abroad elsewhere in the world. More than one third of UK pre-applicants say they would like more information regarding studying
abroad in a European country (36%) and elsewhere in the world (40%)
But there is significant growing interest in this option
40
4
5
8
8
11
14
25
26
30
0 10 20 30 40 50
None of these
Degree via distance learning
Part-time degree
Non-degree qualifications
Going straight into employment
Compressed degree
Apprenticeship or other WBL
Gap year
Studying in a European country
Studying abroad elsewhere
%
With hindsight, do you wish you had considered any of these options?
Younger UK apps
Base: Younger UK apps (9,106)
I had been considering studying in Australia (Adelaide) as I love the country and Adelaide is
a beautiful city (Bulletin board, UK pre-app)
Reasons for applying for HE may be changing subtly▪ The top reason for applying amongst Younger UK applicants is to study at a high level (81%). The
top reason amongst UK pre-applicants is to improve their career prospects and earning potential
(82%)
▪ Pre-applicants are slightly less likely than applicants to be applying for the student experience, or
because their parents or school want/ed them to apply
14
18
21
31
32
61
61
64
82
78
14
22
25
33
34
60
64
65
77
81
0 25 50 75 100
Waiting for the jobs market to improve
My school or college advised me to
My parents or guardians advised me to
Live away from home/ more freedom
For the social life
I enjoy learning
For the student experience
I need a degree to follow my career
Career prospects and earning potential
I want to study at a high level
%
Reasons for applying/considering applying to university or college (Top 10)
Younger UK apps
UK pre-apps
Base: Younger UK apps (9,745), UK pre-apps (2,938)
“Sure, you learn how to write essays and how to formulate your thoughts and how to manage your time (and there is a lot of time to manage if you’re an arts student with three hours of classes a week) but believe me, once you get to searching for work that won’t count for much, if anything at all.” TSR Comment
“Students often choose to study a subject because they have enjoyed it at school or college. Finding out more about something that is enjoyable will show commitment and will often produce excellent results for the students.” HEI website
“Studying what you love is about choosing a degree that inspires you.It’s about seeing your course as a series of opportunities, not assignments. It’s about giving yourself the chance to achieve a good degree because your learning doesn’t really feel like work.” HEI website
2014 changes
Improved collection and validation of applicant
information - applicant name in format to match
UKBA Supply of supporting documents – copy of passport,
portfolios Revise provision of personal statements and
references – allow changes for Extra Personal statement mandatory (> 1000 ch) Improved advice and information on website
2014 changes
Better quality data on schools and colleges –
improved links to contextual data Collection of qualification information – mandatory for
submission Data for fee status evaluation – UKCISA questions,
more data for UKBA returns Links to additional organisations being
pursued – SAAS added for 2013 Use of insurance – pop-up warnings and
expanded information
Complex changes – further discussion
A single offer date or offer window for all applications
A more disciplined approach to deadlines, service
level agreements for decision-making by HEIs, with
no informal agreements to relax them
Extra should be open to all
applicants without offers
Complex changes – further discussion
The replacement of Clearing with a managed process
of applications with equal consideration for places
available at that point would give students a more
positive experience and achieve a better match of
applicants to courses
A short break between Confirmation and Apply 3
(Clearing) would help to improve the process to place
applicants after they have achieved their results
Complex changes – further discussion
Focus groups and phone interviews in train now
Models for discussion at Review Meeting in
November
Decisions on changes in early 2013, implementation
2014/15
TrackLink
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