Top Tips for UCAS Applications

If you're applying for university after studying at college, you will need to submit a UCAS application. We've put together ten top tips to help you with your application.

1. Choose a referee before submitting your application. Talk to your lecturer about writing a reference with plenty of time to spare. You want your reference to be the best it can be. If you don’t choose a referee before submitting your application, it will get sent back to you. 
2. Get your application in on time! You must use the UCAS application system to apply to university at ucas.com/students. You must get your application in on time or the universities may not look at it. 
3. You can choose up to five courses. Applying for only one course is risky as it's good to have different options. Talk to your lecturer or your LDT about your options if you are unsure.
4. There is a lot to think about when applying for university. Remember to consider the exact course you want to study, the job you would like to do after graduation, the qualifications you will need from college to gain entry to university, and which university you prefer. You can get lots of advice about which course is best for you. Visit the UCAS website for more information.
5. Your personal statement is a very important element of your application and can make the difference between gaining a university place or not. You may have had to write a personal statement for your college course.
6. Check and respond to your email regularly whilst you are making a UCAS application to make sure you don’t miss any important messages.
7. Your dates for replying to offers may be different from your friends. Please check and reply by the right date or your offers will be declined by UCAS.
8. If you are not made any offers you should contact your careers adviser to discuss other options including clearing.
9. Further advice can be given by Student Services, your lecturer or LDT. Contact them if you would like to talk through your options or UCAS application.
10. Many universities will promote their open days at opendays.com. Attend an open day to find out more about the university you are applying to.