The UCAS application process
Higher Futures' guide to applying for a higher education course (127KB PDF) >
Applications are made via an on-line form which will take some time to complete but does not need to be completed all at once. For detailed advice on the completion of each section see A guide to completing the UCAS form.
You are allowed to choose up to 5 courses, and your application will be sent by UCAS to each university or college you have applied for separately.
The Personal Statement is a key part of the application process and will need careful composition. The Reference is also important. It must be an academic reference, and if you have attended an educational course within the last three years should be completed by that institution.
If you are in a college or have been within the last three years, you will send your completed application to your referee, and the administration will be completed at the college electronically. If you are not currently or recently in a college, you will complete the process and send off your application yourself. Either way, you will receive an electronic receipt immediately, and an acknowledgement letter from UCAS a week or so later.
What happens next
Each university or college you have applied for will receive a copy of your application, although they will not be aware of what else you have applied for. Your application will be considered and a decision made about whether to offer you a place. This is usually based solely on the application form (hence the importance of completing it well).
For some courses, if your application is approved you will still need an interview (examples are teaching, nursing, social work etc. where it is necessary to demonstrate skills such as communication, which the application form cannot convey).
An offer of a place may be made within weeks or may take months to arrive - this is because different institutions have different procedures for dealing with applications, so don't worry if you don't receive an offer immediately. An offer will usually be conditional - i.e. it will depend upon you achieving certain grades in future qualifications.
Once you have all your replies you will be asked to make a decision about which offers to accept.
If you achieve the conditional results your place will be confirmed.
Help and advice
If you need any help or advice on the application process or completing your form, please contact the Higher Futures adviser in your nearest college or university.
Contact your Higher Futures adviser >