UCAS Application Guide
The UCAS application form involves many parts that need to be accurately completed, although there are important decisions to make before embarking on this. Our step-by-step UCAS application guide will help you through the process.
1. Choosing a degree
With hundreds of courses to choose from at around 150 universities, it's not suprising that choosing a degree is a difficult task.
To help you make a final decision, we've put together a list of things you should (and shouldn't!) consider when making your choice.
2. Choosing a university or college
Whether you're applying to Oxbridge, a Russell Group university or other institutions in the UK, it's always worth attending an open day and taking a peek at the latest University League Tables.
Read through our guide to choosing a university to make sure you apply to rhe right universities for you.
3. Starting your UCAS application
To begin your UCAS application, you will need a to register for their Apply system, where you will be able to complete your application form online.
Most schools and colleges will ask their students to start their UCAS application as soon as they start back in September, but some may ask students to start the process before they break up for the summer holidays.
This means they have a long time to think about their personal statement, and make sure they meet their UCAS deadline.
If you have any questions about your application as you start filling it out, take a look at our UCAS FAQs.
Our Personal Statement Timeline will also make sure you get your statement sorted in plenty of time.
4. Writing your personal statement
Students often say this is the hardest part of the UCAS application, but with some careful research and planning, it won't take you as long as you think.
Our Personal Statements Guide has lots of information, tips and advice on how to write a personal statement, along with hundreds of personal statement examples to help and inspire you.
5. UCAS reference
You will be asked to include a reference in your UCAS application, but don't worry - one of your teachers, head of sixth form or employer can do this for you.
6. Submitting your UCAS application
Once you have completed your application and submitted it through Apply, UCAS will send you a welcome letter, and a login for their Track system, where you will be able to monitor the progress of your application.
This will allow you to see if any of your chosen universities or colleges have made you an offer, or you have replied to them, etc.
UCAS Extra is a useful service that gives you a second chance to apply for courses between February and July.
7. Admissions tests
Some universities will ask you to complete a test as part their admissions process.
Depending on which subject you are applying for, this might be the BMAT, CATS, HAT or the UKCAT.
8. University interviews
Some subjects may also require you to attend an interview at the university.
These usually include Medicine, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, PGCE, SLT, Radiography and Social Work.
Our University Interviews Guide has lots of tips and advice, as well as examples of some of the most popular interview questions.
9. Results day
Find out what to do on A-level Results Day, including what to take with you, and what to do if you miss your offers.
UCAS Adjustment is great if you achieve results higher than required for your firm offer.
Our guide to the UCAS Tariff will help clear up any confusion over the points your exam results carry.
Further information
For more help and advice on the UCAS application process, please see: