Thinking about applying to uni but don’t know where to start? From doing your research to submitting your UCAS application, here’s how it’s done from start to finish.
1. Do your research
First, you’ll need to narrow down what and where you want to study. It’s a good idea to think about what subjects you’re passionate about and where your strengths lie. If you’re struggling, talk to your school or college careers adviser. They can help you with focusing your research on your interests, learning style and career aspirations.
UCAS (or the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the organisation whose main role is to manage the process of students applying to university, so you can expect to get familiar with them and their services if you're thinking of applying.
You can search for courses and universities using the UCAS search, or go to each university's website to find out more.
2. Check the entry requirements
Be sure to double-check you meet the entry requirements for the courses you’re looking at – each university course will have different entry requirements, which can be a mix of qualification types and exam grades. Check out our guide to entry requirements.
3. Prepare to make your application
To apply you’ll need to use UCAS Apply and Track. Register for UCAS and make sure you have all your qualifications and personal information to hand so that you can make a good start on your application without having to root around for your certificates.
You can apply for up to five courses through UCAS, so have your top five at the ready to input when it asks you to. You'll be asked to shortlist and select preferences later on in the process.
The UCAS deadline is in late January each year, so make sure you start with plenty of time to polish your application and submit your best work
4. Writing and submitting your application
Once you’ve filled out your basic information and entered your five course choices on UCAS, you’ll need to complete the main part of your application – the personal statement. Your personal statement is your chance to write about your achievements and show the university why you’re such a good candidate for their course. You have either 4,000 characters, or 47 lines as a limit here, whichever comes first. Need personal statement support? Check out our top tips and tricks for writing a great application.
5. After you've applied
Once you’ve hit the big red button, the waiting game begins. When doing your research you should have found out if your chosen courses require an interview, if you need to provide a portfolio or if just the UCAS application is enough. Because of these differences, waiting times to hear back about your application can vary.
You will receive decisions about each of your five applications via UCAS Track – where universities can either make you an offer (for example, based on achieving certain grades) or let you know you have been unsuccessful (if you don’t meet their criteria).
Then the power is in your hands. You get to decide which of your offers is your firm choice (preferred course), and which is your insurance (back-up) choice. After that, it’s another waiting game until your results are released in August and your university place is confirmed if you get your required grades.