Applying to go to University

More and more people are going to university, and there are more courses to choose from as well, but one of the first hurdles you’re going to face in getting into University is a basic one, and that is getting your application in on time. Leaving it until the last minute is not an option, especially considering that some Universities have different deadlines (Oxford and Cambridge for example like applications to be in by October) so make sure you do your research and check with the Universities you want to go to. There are also some courses that ask potential students to sit an “entrance exam”, and there may also be cases where you are asked to carry out a foundation year first.

To apply to go to a University there is a UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) form to fill in, and these are obtained from the school/college that you are attending. If you aren’t in education you can get them from your local Connexions/Careers Centre. Remember that there is a fee to pay when you make your applications, typically £15 for three choices, or £5 for one. You can pay using most credit or debit cards or by cheque.

If it comes to the end of June and you haven’t got a place then don’t despair, UCAS can help you with their Clearing Service. By filling in and returning a Clearance Entry Form (otherwise known as a CEF, which you get from UCAS), you may get onto a course that has spare places. You cannot go through clearing if you have already been offered and have accepted a place.

Remember that if you need help with your UCAS application, you can speak to someone at your school or college, or you can call:

UCAS Tel: 01242 222444
www.ucas.ac.uk

Connexions Direct
Tel: 080 800 13 2 19