Undergraduate Open Days 2011/12
31st May 2012 - 12:19
In the Palaeontology Laboratory
Sam Allshorn – In the Cohen Laboratory
We are in demand! An impressive 327 prospective undergraduates and 662 total guests visited the School of Earth and Environment from November to March this year. They travelled from across the country and further afield including Belgium and Cyprus!
During our two February half term weeks, 70 applicants (140 total visitors) attended each day, the majority of which were offered an informal interview. Historically informal interviews have been offered to Geology and Geophysics applicants.
This year with the invaluable support of staff (in ICAS and SRI) we were able to offer all Environment programme applicants an interview too – this is a great way for prospective students to develop a personal link with the School and positive feedback from staff can help us make a decision in August (during confirmation of examination results) should they fall slightly short of their grades.
We currently offer 9 UCAS Open Days for prospective students from November – April each year in addition to 3 University wide Open Days (for those yet to apply) in June and October. To meet demand this will increase in 2012/13.
Such large events couldn’t have taken place without the enthusiasm and support from programme managers, additional staff from all institutes and current students – not to mention a sense of humour, vital when things don’t quite go to plan.... timings overrun, computer’s misbehave or a parent loses their son or daughter!
Over 40 current students across all programmes supported the School with over half our Open Days. Duties included welcoming applicants to the School and leading tours of the School and campus. This year we have also been able to showcase our state-of-the-art research laboratories which allow visitors to really get a feel for what the school offers. Staff and PhD students helped running tours of our palaeontology, geochemistry, geophysics and environmental science project laboratories.
What our visitors have to say:
‘very friendly vibe, brilliant facilities, great course’
Prospective student - BSc Sustainability & Environmental Management
‘I really love how Leeds seems to make the transition to and from higher education as smooth as possible, with all the societies, careers information/courses and 'Leeds for Life'. I am most nervous about the sort of support I would get when going to university (and when I leave) and after the open day/interview I have found out how much Leeds has to offer in that respect as well as having an amazing Geophysics course and Earth Sciences department.’
Prospective student—MGeophys Geophysical Sciences
‘Loved Leeds and everything about it!! Definitely my top choice!’
Prospective student - BSc Geological Sciences