SBT2269 Careermag for Parents Issue 5 v2 FINAL | Page 27
UCAS APPLICATION
Deciding to go to university is a big enough decision in itself and the UCAS application
process can seem daunting, especially for those who are the first generation in the family
to go. There is lots to consider and processes to complete. However, you can simplify it
greatly by splitting it out into key areas:
Research
First off, identify the desired subject and which
university offers it. You and your child can start by
searching UCAS by subject area so all related courses
appear. This is particularly useful to see all the different
types and options available. You may be surprised by
the number available! One of the many differences
between courses is the duration. For instance, some go
over four years with one year working in the industry.
Some combine a bachelor’s degree with a Masters over
four consecutive years.
The UCAS course finder tool can help with finding the
ideal course and may even throw up some surprises!
There may be courses and options you haven’t even
considered or heard of. Choose up to five courses and
research the entry requirements and deadlines for
applications.
Universities and colleges will have Open Days and it’s
important to attend, given the current pandemic, this
is likely to be virtual but it will still provide invaluable
insight into the campus, facilities available and will give
you the chance to talk to students and tutors. You can
find out more about Virtual Open Days here.
Applying
You can start searching for courses for 2021 entry using
the UCAS search tool.
From the 8th September 2020, you will be able to
submit your UCAS undergraduate application on UCAS
Apply 2021. Applications can be submitted later (check
with the college or university), but those received
after the end of June go into Clearing, which matches
students to courses that haven’t been taken.
Many schools will start the application process for Year
13 students (or Upper Sixth) as soon as they start in
September with many having started the process at the
end of Year 12.
For students wanting to study any course at the
universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for most courses
in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry
the deadline for submitting your UCAS application is
the 15 October 2020 for 2021 entry at 18:00. For all other
courses, the deadline is the 15th January 2021.
It is most important to make sure your application form
is filled out correctly and you have a strong personal
statement. Students normally complete their application
with a reference from a teacher, adviser or professional
who knows them academically. There is an application fee
(as an example, for 2021 entry the application fee is £20 for
one course, or £26 for multiple courses).
There’s plenty of help should you need it, UCAS has a
dedicated support team who can be reached weekdays
during working hours on 0371 468 2568 or by email at
[email protected]. They can also be
messaged on Facebook or via Twitter @ucas_online
Responses
Next is to wait to hear back from chosen universities/
colleges, which can take some time. They may make
an unconditional offer which means acceptance
straightway, or a conditional offer, where they will offer
a place based on exam results. If the five colleges/
universities do not make an offer, or the applicant
decides to decline the offers, there is the option to use
UCAS’s free ‘Extra’ facility to apply for other courses,
one at a time.
Once the offers are in, students then need to identify a
firm favourite and decline the others. This will need to
be done by a specific date. If the chosen course offer is
conditional, the applicant can have a back-up course in
case they do not gain the entry grades required for the
first choice.
It is most important to make
sure your application form is
filled out correctly and you have
a strong personal statement.
Acceptance
The UCAS process is managed on Track, where the
applicant has a profile and an account for notification
whether a place has been confirmed. If an offer is
unconditional, then the applicant has been accepted.
If it is conditional, the college or university will update
once exam results (or other requirements) are in.
If an applicant does not meet the entry requirements,
then they can search for other courses through
Clearing. If an applicant is fortunate enough to exceed
the entry requirements of their preferred course having
achieved better than expected grades, then there is
the option to look for an alternative course via UCAS’s
Adjustment service.
Looked at on a step-by-step basis then, the
university application progress is actually quite
straightforward. There’s plenty to consume and
consider, but the key is to be thorough in the
application and take time in compiling such
essentials as the Personal Statement.
Best of all, the process does offer a good level
of flexibility, allowing students the chance to
adjust their application as their preferences and
circumstances evolve.
www.careermap.co.uk Issue 5 | 27