1. Applying to university through UCAS
Charlie Smith
Professional Development Executive
Security marking: PUBLIC

2. Full-time undergraduate courses
350+ universities and colleges
18 in Scotland
4 in Northern Ireland
19 in Wales
319 in England
One in mainland Europe
37,000+ courses
Security marking: PUBLIC

3. What’s right for you?
There are a number of things for you to consider when applying for higher education, such as:
a subject you enjoy – you are investing time, money, and effort
is it right for your career path?
the location – city or rural, transport links, etc.
a study style that suits you
extracurricular activities
Security marking: PUBLIC

4. Get more information Make the most of today!
If you have questions, contact the university or college directly.
When you find a potential course, visit the provider’s website for more info.
Use other resources, such as unistats.ac.uk for student satisfaction information, and myworldofwork.co.uk.
Security marking: PUBLIC

5. Applying – key facts Application is entirely online.
Maximum of five choices.
Some restrictions:
> For medicine, veterinary science/medicine, and dentistry, maximum of four choices.
> Can only apply to either Oxford or Cambridge.
Simple application cost:
> one choice – £20
> two to five choices – £25
Equal consideration if deadlines are met.
Invisibility – universities cannot see where else you have applied.
Security marking: PUBLIC

6. When to apply 21 May Apply opens for 2020 entry.
4 Sep First day to pay for and submit completed applications.
15 Oct Deadline for courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and courses in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine/science.
15 Jan Deadline for majority of UCAS Undergraduate applications.
30 Jun Last date to submit an application with up to five choices, before Clearing.
Be aware of school/college internal deadlines!
Security marking: PUBLIC

7. Conservatoires Art and design, music, and drama-based courses.
Nine conservatoires.
Application cost £25 (not including audition fees).
Six choices (can apply to both schemes).
Check deadlines, as they may differ.
Security marking: PUBLIC

8. Studying at a conservatoire
Unlike the limited contact hours at university, conservatoire students
often work 09:00 – 17:00, Monday to Friday
Performances and workshops are mostly held in the evenings and at weekends.
Block of academic weeks, then block of performance weeks.
Teaching staff are working professionals – professional musicians teach at a
conservatoire as part of their portfolio.
Contact conservatoires before applying – very selective, entry requirements
not as important as the performance.
Security marking: PUBLIC

9. Completing the UCAS application
Six sections to complete:
Personal details
Additional information
Choices
Education
Employment
Personal statement
> Tutor adds reference >
UCAS >
Universities/colleges
Security marking: PUBLIC

10. Personal statement The only section you have total control over.
Your chance to sell yourself as an individual.
One personal statement for all your choices.
Maximum of 4,000 characters, or 47 lines.
No spelling or grammar check.
No formatting, e.g. bold, italics, or underline.
Every personal statement checked for plagiarism.
Security marking: PUBLIC

11. Personal statement
Your personal statement helps you stand out from others with similar grades.
Show university and college admissions tutors that you:
are suited to the course, and what your interests are
are motivated and dedicated
have relevant knowledge and experience gained from school/college work, or other extracurricular activities
understand the demands of the course
will fit in to the university environment
Security marking: PUBLIC

12. ABC rule… so what? Activity: What have you done?
Benefit: What skills have you gained?
Course: How will this prepare you for the course?
Security marking: PUBLIC

13. Decision-making An admissions tutor can make one of three decisions:
unconditional offer
conditional offer
unsuccessful
Or, they can offer a place on an alternative course.
Universities and colleges can also:
request an interview
ask to see your portfolio
ask you to take an admissions test
Security marking: PUBLIC

14. Track Track is our online system that allows you to:
follow the progress of your application
see your choices and personal information
see other details
reply to offers online
It is also used for Extra, Clearing, and Adjustment.
Security marking: PUBLIC

15. Your replies Wait for decisions from all choices, then choose one:
firm – if all conditions are met, this is where you’ll be placed
insurance – usually lower conditions, in case the firm conditions are not met
Any other offers must be declined.
You don’t have to have an insurance.
There is a 14 day cooling-off period.
Security marking: PUBLIC

16. Other options
Extra (late Feb – early July) If you have used all five choices and have no offers, or have declined all offers, you could add Extra choices for consideration, one at a time.
Clearing (early July to mid-October) If you have no offers, have not met the conditions of your offers, or applied after 30 June deadline.
Adjustment (up to five days from A level results day) If you have met and exceeded the conditions of your firm offer, you could apply for a different course or university.
Security marking: PUBLIC

17. Security marking: PUBLIC

18. Do you have the full picture?
We don’t just handle your application – we’ll also send you info, with help from third
parties, to help you make the right decision.
To receive this, you’ll need to opt in to info from unis, employers, or brands, to get:
info on course vacancies
invitations to open days
info on options like degree apprenticeships
student accommodation local to the uni you choose
student discounts
Don’t forget to choose how you’d like to get this – , post, or SMS.
Already signed up? Opt in through the ‘Update my preferences’ link in your UCAS s.
Already applied? Opt in through the ‘Personal details’ section of Track.
Content to be mentioned rather than written. As a charity, generating income is vital – some of the content we send is paid for by trusted third parties. All profits go back into our admissions service, to help us support future applicants.
Security marking: PUBLIC

19. Additional help UCAS Customer Experience Centre 0371 468 0 468
Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 18:00
We are here all day – come and talk to us!
Security marking: PUBLIC