So, now you’ve sent your application you’re probably wondering what happens next. Look no further as we’ve got it covered in this short blog post!
It can be nerve-wracking waiting for an offer from uni. After submitting your UCAS application, there are things that you can be doing to help yourself and relieve that horrible anxiety.
You could:
- Visit the universities - if you haven’t had a chance to get around all the unis that you’ve applied to, you should make the effort if it is convenient and affordable - it’s really important to get to know their surroundings and make yourself familiar with the area so you can decide what suits you best. Who knows - this may influence your decision on firm and insurance offers and whether you want to change your mind.
- Work towards the best grades possible in your exams - you’ll be buried in revision for your A-Levels/course no doubt, but that’s a good thing, and something that you should be concentrating on right now. To secure your place at a university, a conditional offer will mean that certain grade requirements will need to be met, so take your mind off the worry by dedicating yourself to revision so you achieve the grades you need.
- Contact current students at the unis - To get a better idea of what to expect from your course and chosen universities, make an effort to contact and strike up conversations with current students and ambassadors at the universities. You may be able to contact the student unions to do this, or even make contacts through social media. This will give you first-hand information from people who have been to these unis and experienced it all! Also, keep up to date with UCAS student blogs - this provides information and tips from current students all around the country!
- Relax and wait - what will be will be - it’s easier said than done, but the best thing you can do is just crack on and try to forget about it. There’s no point thinking about something that is out of your control, so try to be patient when waiting for your responses. Do nice things and take your mind off it!
There are thousands of other students around the country all experiencing the same worries, so you’re certainly not on your own. What will be will be, as the famous saying goes! We are sure that whatever happens - even if you don’t manage to secure a place at your first choice uni - your experience studying for a degree will be a fantastically rewarding one!
Step 1: What offers have you received?
The first thing you’ll need to do is access Track and find out exactly what offers you have received from what universities. If you applied to universities by 15th January, you’ll have a decision from each uni by 2nd May.
The following information has been sourced from UCAS:
Once a university has made a decision, you’ll see one of the following:
- conditional offer – you still need to meet some requirements – usually exam results
- unconditional offer – you’ve already met the entry requirements and your place is confirmed. However, additional information such as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or proof of qualifications may need to be provided
- invitation received – you’ve been invited to an interview - the date will usually be given in Track – if not, ring the uni for details
- unsuccessful – you haven’t been accepted - the reason for this will sometimes be shown in Track, but you can contact the uni for feedback
- withdrawn – the uni has withdrawn the choice - the reason will usually be in Track, but if not, give them a quick call if you need to
Step 2: Once you have received your offers
The next step is to make your decisions and reply to the universities. Your reply by date will be listed in Track.
There are three types of replies you can make:
- firm – this would be your first choice
- insurance – this is your back-up choice if you don’t meet the conditions of your firm - note that you can only accept an insurance choice if your firm choice is a conditional offer
- decline – you’ll need to decline any other offers
Step 3: Fingers crossed - wait for your exam results!
Once you have accepted an offer, the next step is waiting for the unis to update your application based on your results. This is where your future really begins.
If you have any further questions you can contact the universities in question, and we’d advise that you carry on researching the unis so you’re extra prepared for that life-changing move!
The very best of luck with your applications!
Hopefully you will get the results you deserve, be accepted into the first university of your choice, and go on to lead a wonderfully interesting, engaging and rewarding learning experience and gain a mountain of valuable life skills.
Fingers crossed!
