As you may (or may not) know I've applied for University through UCAS. I've actually got my confirmed place to my firm, which is super exciting and means I'm done with the UCAS process. I thought it would be helpful to share my experience with UCAS, since this has been such a big part of my future and I would have really appreciated something like this, before I applied myself.
What is UCAS?
In case you're not from the UK, or you just don't know what UCAS is, it stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. It is the main program used for people to apply to University or College here in the UK.
Finding A Course
There are so many courses available for you to do at university. Whether you're very academic or not so academic, you have the opportunity to study something you are passionate about. UCAS allows you to search for different course options before you apply. I will be studying English Language. UCAS is very good at providing enough information about different courses and answering all the FAQs even before you start applications. I would recommend going to Open Days too, and talking to course leaders/lecturers about the course. I will do a post similar to this for Open Days.
My Options
I'm not going to share where I will be attending, simply for safety reasons, because I'll be remaining in my city. I have so many international readers, which is so strange to me and I would rather keep that amongst friends and family. Maybe, I will reveal it closer to the time, since my start date is in September.
When you apply for university through UCAS, you can apply up to 5 different institutions. I applied for 5 and received offers from each. Overall, I received 2 Unconditional and 3 Conditional offers.
When we started applying, our mentors recommended that we apply to 3 realistic, 1 aspirational and 1 Backup. Pick three places that you realistically think you'd get into, based on your AS results and previous grades, 1 Aspirational that you could get into, with lots of hard work and 1 backup that you wouldn't mind going to if results day didn't go to plan.
Personal Statement
I would say the main part of your application process is your Personal Statement. A personal statement is a 4000 character piece about why you want to do the course, the skills you have and why you'd be best fit for the course. Again, I will do a post on personal statements in the summer if that would help people. I actually got put on a High Achievers Scheme, partly due to my personal statement, which is pretty cool. Overall I did 3-4 drafts before uploading my statement. It definitely takes a while, but don't worry, you'll get there. Its basically like a CV for University. You have to sell yourself in no more than 4000 characters, which is not easy to do.
Reference
Another big part of your application is your reference. Your teacher will write a reference for you that goes directly to UCAS. This is not something that you get to see (at least not at my sixth form) and that is really frustrating but it will support your personal statement. I would have loved to know what my referee said about me but oh well. They basically share your predicted grades, how you are as a student, why you'd be perfect for the course etc. I suggest you be super well behaved and nice to your referee, especially if they are affecting whether you get an offer from your choices, haha.
Waiting
Once you've sent your applications, its just a case of waiting. I was really fortunate that I got my first offer within 3 hours! I was super excited about that. However, don't be disappointed if you have to wait days or weeks to hear back, its pretty normal. Waiting for offers is super daunting but also exciting all at once. I can not tell you how many times I refreshed my emails every single day. It is the best feeling when an email comes through with an update. Whether its an offer, update or interview, its super exciting to progress. I sent my application on December 4th and received my final offer on December 12th. I got my offers really quickly now that I think about it. It seems like forever at the time.
Making A Decision
This is 100% the most exciting and stressful part. Making a decision. Now you have heard back from all your options, whether it be an offer or rejection, its time to make a choice. You have the power here. Accept or decline. It may take a while, and that is totally OK. They give you MONTHS to respond and even after you've chosen, they give you 14 days afterwards, in case you change your mind. As I said, I got my final offer on December 12th, but didn't actually respond until February 28th. The final deadline is May 3 so a lot of the country still have time to decide. My biggest tip is to really consider all your options. You're paying £9,250 to attend this place, so make sure you know it is for you. Visit the area if you're moving away from home, as well as the uni. See if you can picture yourself living alone there. Consider the modules that each uni or college teach. You have time to think and so many people around you to ask questions.
Overall Thoughts
I had a really positive experience with UCAS. I was constantly receiving information (and still will until I move into university), which I really love. Every important deadline and date is given to you and I really appreciate that.
I can't wait to share more with you as time gets closer to move-in day. My next task on my To-do list is to apply for student finance and accommodation. I will be happy to share those experiences with you too. I also want to do hauls and stuff in the summer as I will be living in student accommodation.
I hope you enjoyed reading,
Have a great day x
