More than 336 institutions are included in UCAS. This is made up of all the universities, a large number of colleges and institutes of higher education (many of whose degrees are validated by neighbouring universities) and many colleges of Art and Design. UCAS includes Degrees, Dip. HEs, HNDs and University Diplomas and the new foundation Degrees. Your UCAS Handbook contains details of relevant courses.

Course Choice

You may apply for up to five courses in UCAS (4 courses if applying to medicine, dentistry or vet science). You can apply for more than one course at a particular institution if you wish to do so, but remember that each course is counted as a separate choice.

Applying

Students are required to make their UCAS applications on-line. Using the UCAS website you can complete your application through use of the internet. The on-line system also allows you to track the progress of your application. Details of the UCAS website can be found at the bottom of this page.

Personal Statement

Top Tips This is a place to show off. You could list all the positive things about yourself - good communicator, work well in teams, self motivated - on a piece of scrap and then work them into some sentences alongside your evidence for these things: part-time work, and/or work experience, voluntary activities, teams/sports involvement, spare time and extra curricular activities.

Explain the reasons for your choices. You might write about particular study interests, or about your career aspirations and how your course choice relates to these.

Your statement needs to be in sentences and planned and organised like an essay. For competitive courses in particular it needs to stand out; to show there is more to you than a set of grades and that you could have things to talk about and contribute beyond the academic. Bear in mind that busy admissions tutors may have only a few minutes on each application.

Timescale for Applications

The closing date for receipt of the application is 15th January although earlier application is advised (you can apply from 1st September). If you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge or for Dentistry, Medicine or Veterinary Science, you must send your form in by the 15th October. Further details of the Oxford and Cambridge application procedure are available at the end of this page.

Late Application Procedure

The late application period lasts from 16th January to 30th June, each year. Applications will only be considered at the discretion of the institutions concerned and, usually only if they have places available. Late application should therefore only be seen as an emergency option.

Clearing Scheme

Applications received between 1st July and 20th September will be processed through the clearing scheme, which operates each year. You will be sent instructions, including details of how to obtain vacancy information, at that time.

After your application form has been received

Once your application form is received by UCAS, it is copied and reduced in size and sent to the Admissions Tutor for each of the courses listed on your application form. Individual departments are responsible for making offers of places, either with or without an interview.

Their replies are sent to you via UCAS. The replies will be one of four types:

Unconditional Offer
This is normally given to people who already possess the required grades.

Conditional Offer
This is an offer of a place made on condition that you achieve specific grades in your exams.

Joint Offer
Institutions may make joint conditions for both a degree course and an HND course in one offer letter.

Rejection
The university has considered your application and is unable to offer you a place.

Decisions

Once your form has been received, you will be kept informed by UCAS of the progress of your application and the dates by which you have to make any decisions about offers received.

Offers

You can hold 2 offers, 1 firm and 1 insurance. If you accept an offer and you achieve the required grades, you are then committed to that course unless you withdraw your application altogether.

Visits/Open Days

It is extremely important that you visit a university/college before deciding to accept its offer. If you do not have to attend for an interview, it is advisable to arrange a visit, either at an Open Day or independently. Remember, you will be there for 3 or 4 years (sometimes longer) and a little early research can save a lot of heartache later. Open days dates can be found by contacting the individual institution or on their website - see below.

Confirmation of Places

Confirmation of conditional places happens after the exam results are notified. If you achieve the results required your place is guaranteed as your firm offer course. If you do not achieve the required grades, then it is up to the Admissions Tutor to decide if she/he will still accept you. If they are unable to do so, your insurance offer course may be able to confirm a place for you if you have achieved grades, or at their discretion.

Clearing

During the 'clearing' period (July to September) universities and colleges try to fill their remaining places. Connexions Cumbria can provide assistance at this time, talking through the options that are open to you and helping you to reach a decision.

Applications to Oxford and Cambridge

Oxford and Cambridge have their own entry procedures in addition. You will find all details in the University of Oxford Undergraduate Prospectus and the Cambridge Admissions Prospectus. 'Getting into Oxford and Cambridge' (Trotman) offers some useful tips.

Each university has its own application form in addition to the UCAS form. For Oxford you must submit a completed Oxford application form to the Oxford Colleges Admissions Office. For Cambridge, a completed Preliminary Application Form should be sent to the Admissions Tutor of the Cambridge College listed as first choice or, in the case of an Open Application, to the Cambridge Intercollegiate Applications Office. Both must be completed by 15th October. You can only apply to one University or the other (unless you are seeking an Organ Scholarship).

If you are not sure which college or colleges to apply to, both universities now have systems by which you can make an Open Application and a college will be chosen for you.