ABSTRACT
Introduction There are now more routes into higher education than ever before. There is also more information available about the various routes, about higher education admissions procedures, courses, combinations of courses and qualifications. The need for comprehensive information and guidance for students about different progression opportunities is widely acknowledged. Accordingly, the research and preparation that full-time students are encouraged to undertake before completing their application forms for the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is increasing. Indeed, many post-16 institutions have formalized the preparation for the UCAS application process into year-long courses for their students. Such courses may be timetabled into the official school or college curriculum or else make up significant elements of the tutorial support offered to students.
