Even if you have just started studying for your A Levels, it is never too early to start thinking about researching your options in higher education. Without trying to scare you, it’ll come round before you know it!
Once you have decided to move into higher education, there are as always, many options to consider – which university or college to apply to and which course to study. UCAS’ dedicated team of advisers are always on hand to provide a wealth of knowledge and advice, as are the universities and colleges that you are interested in.
To get the most from higher education, and choosing a university or college you will be happy at requires a good deal of research and planning, from thinking about what you want to study, through to comprehensively completing your UCAS online application.
For applicants from the UK and European Union countries, the normal time to apply is between 1 September 2008 and 15 January 2009. However, those of you planning to apply to Oxford or Cambridge, or for courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science, must apply by 15 October 2008. If you are applying for a deferred entry to any of these courses or for deferred entry to Oxford or Cambridge, you must also apply by 15 October 2008.
If you are considering applying for a Route B art and design course, you need to apply between 1 September 2008 and 24 March 2009. UCAS recommend that you apply by 6 March 2009 to avoid the last-minute rush.
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For those of you applying from outside the UK or EU, you can apply anytime between 1 September 2008 and 30 June 2009, unless you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge, for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science, or for Route B art and design courses.
Most people apply well before 30 June. Universities and colleges do not guarantee to consider applications they receive after 15 January 2009, and some popular courses may not have vacancies after that date. Individual universities or colleges will be happy to tell you if you are not sure.
Although the above dates are referred to as deadlines, UCAS will actually accept and process applications for 2009 entry from 1 September 2008 to 21 September 2009, but all applications UCAS receives after 30 June 2009 go directly into Clearing. Students who apply late should contact the university or college directly to check that they will accept a late application. Universities and colleges guarantee to consider all applications received by the stated deadlines, but they consider late applications at their own discretion.
How to apply
Once you have researched all your options and decide that, yes you would like to move into higher education, you will need to head to www.ucas.com and log into the online application system Apply. Apply is a secure, web-based application system designed for all applicants.
Within the Apply section you will find an overview of the system, its considerable benefits, a host of information about how to register and pay for your application. You can also find guidance on how to prepare and fill in the personal statement and reference, and a list of frequently asked questions, all of which should help you to find the answers you’re looking for.
Once your application is submitted, you can follow its progress using the online Track system.
By following the above recommendations, the beginning of your journey into higher education will be a smooth and productive journey with any questions or problems gladly dealt with by the dedicated customer service advisers at UCAS.
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