It’s January and the UCAS deadline is fast approaching. Here’s all you need to know about this year’s deadline and how to complete the application.
JANUARY 29th at 6PM
This is the Equal Consideration Deadline for most undergraduate courses in the UK. What this means is that it makes no difference to your application whether you apply in September or in January; every application submitted to UCAS by the 29th of January will receive equal consideration and a response by the 14th of May.
If your application is signed, sealed and delivered already, or if you’re on track to submit by the 29th of January, well done! That’s one less thing to worry about as you continue with your studies.
Universities can’t guarantee that a late application will always be considered because competitive courses at competitive universities fill up quickly. However, if you do not manage to complete your UCAS application by then it is not the end of the world by any means. Universities will still consider applications after the 29th of January if they have spaces available on their courses! So, it’s definitely worth completing and submitting your application and you should remain optimistic.
There will be plenty of great options available after the 29th of January as UCAS’ final deadline isn’t until the 30th of June at 6PM. Even after that one, going through clearing is a possibility, too.
The reason UCAS have these later deadlines is because they acknowledge that choosing the correct course at the correct university is a big decision. Not everyone knows exactly what they want to study and that’s okay! There’s plenty of time to consider all your options carefully before coming to a decision.
Keep calm, do your research and ensure that you’re ready to begin your application.
Here are some tips for completing and submitting your UCAS application with the January 29th deadline looming.
Plan
- Break down the application process into manageable tasks. Create a to-do list and tick them off as they’re completed (researching courses and universities, personal statement drafts, references, etc.)
- Set reminders on your phone or add tasks to your calendar to stay on track. This will keep you organised and simplify the process.
Research
- Take time to research each university and course you're interested in. There are many factors to consider: location, duration, student satisfaction, etc. Ensure that you’re applying to courses that align with your goals, interests, and career aspirations.
- Speak to people who have undertaken the course you’re interested in for insights.
Personal Statement
- Universities want the best students, and your personal statement is your chance to show what sets you apart. In 500 words you need to highlight your skills, experiences and your passions. So be decisive!
- Start early, plan thoroughly and get feedback from mentors to refine your statement. Find someone with experience in the area to glance over it but be sure not to copy anyone else’s work – plagiarism is easily identified.
References
- Choose a suitable referee. Your teacher or mentor’s statement could be what makes or breaks your application – so choose wisely!
- Confirm that your reference has been submitted directly by your referee.
Double-check
- Before hitting ‘submit’, proofread everything. Ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors in your work and that each section is completed correctly. An accurate application will reflect well on you.
- Double-check that you’ve selected the correct universities on the UCAS form.
Prepare
- If you’re applying to a competitive course, like medicine or law, be prepared for interviews or additional assessment steps. Practice common interview questions and familiarise yourself with your personal statement.
- No one wants you to fail; universities want you to highlight your best traits and experiences. So be confident and enthusiastic!
Self-care
- Balancing your studies and the UCAS application can be stressful.
- Set aside time to relax, exercise, and have fun, whether it's spending time with friends, practicing mindfulness, or pursuing hobbies.
- A healthy body and mind will provide better focus and clearer thinking, so sometimes not working is just as important as working. Win-win!
StudentStream is a website full of helpful videos. It’s free to sign up and will give you brilliant advice on UCAS forms and Personal Statements directly from the universities themselves.
Even with the deadline looming, remember that your application journey is about making an informed decision that’s right for you. Relax, stay organised, and be proactive in your approach. Best of luck with your application!
