Students planning to start an undergraduate course at university or college this autumn have until 18:00 on Thursday 15 January 2015 to submit their UCAS application.
As long as an application is completed by the deadline, it’s guaranteed to be considered by the chosen universities and colleges.
Applicants can make up to five choices on their application and the UCAS website has details on the 37,000 courses on offer, including their typical entry requirements.
Fatuma Mahad, UCAS’ Director of Operations said: “Now’s the time to put the finishing touches to your application. Make sure your personal statement expresses your desire, excitement and commitment to study your chosen courses. Proofreading it several times, even reading it out loud, should help you spot any spelling mistakes that may have crept in.
“Double check all your choices carefully. Remember that it’s not a big risk to pick one or two courses which ask for grades which may be a stretch, alongside others which match your teacher’s predictions more closely. This could give you more options when it comes to replying to your offers later in the spring.
“If you’re sure everything is completed, I recommend submitting your application now. That way, you can be sure it’s with us and not leave anything to chance on Thursday afternoon. However, it’s important not to rush and we are here if you need any last minute advice.”
Help is available at the end of the phone from one of UCAS’ trained advisers on 0371 468 0 468; opening hours are being extended ahead of the deadline.
Dedicated advisers are also on Twitter (@ucas_online) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/ucasonline) ready to answer any questions about the application process.
The UCAS blog also has last minute tips, videos and FAQs providing extra information ahead of Thursday’s 18:00 (UK time) deadline.
Around half of all applications submitted by the deadline are completed between mid-December and 15 January each year.
Some art and design courses don’t need applications to be submitted until Tuesday 24 March 2015. Anyone interested in these subjects is advised to check carefully on the UCAS search tool.
There is still an opportunity to secure a place after the deadline if the course has vacancies, though tutors aren’t obliged to consider these applications.
ENDS
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NOTES TO EDITORS
UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is a charity and the UK’s shared admissions service for higher education. We manage applications from over 700,000 applicants each year for full-time undergraduate courses at around 370 universities and colleges across the UK.
A recent blog post by UCAS Chief Executive, Mary Curnock Cook, drew on analysis in the UCAS 2014 End of Cycle report showing that applicants who dropped a grade against their offer requirements still had a high chance of being accepted. The blog also looked at how applicants could make better use of their insurance choice.