Applicant journey timeline

One year before your application

' Research courses and universities
& Attend university open days and UCAS conventions
A Speak to teachers and discuss predicted grades – make realistic choices
; Decide which five institutions to apply to
b Explore subject choices and career paths by attending open days and reading prospectuses

& 1 September – UCAS application cycle opens
3 15 October – deadline for the application to Oxford or Cambridge and courses in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science
@ 26 January – deadline for UK applicants to be guaranteed equal consideration (you're advised to apply before this deadline)
. Complete the UCAS application forms
= Gather together qualifications achieved and currently undertaking
. Write a personal statement
? Teachers to write a student academic reference to support your application
% Submit application form to UCAS
b Sit any additional entry admissions tests (for example, UKCAT/BMAT for Medicine/Dentistry)

A Wait for decisions – the length of time varies across all institutions
? Offers, decliners, invitations to interviews start to arrive – check UCAS Hub
' Attend interview and university offer holder days to help make an informed choice on which university to study with

J UCAS Extra opens for students who have declined all their offers or not received any

& Results day
H If: Firm choice grades met – wait for confirmation of place from UCAS/university
3 Or: Firm choice grades not met – check with firm choice university; if not accepted contact insurance choice

& If you choose adjustment, you have five calendar days to find an alternative place
?Confirmation and Clearing
0 Firm/insurance choice grades not met or no offers held – enter Clearing. Contact universities for vacancies
0 Firm choice grades met and exceeded – you may be eligible for adjustment. Contact universities with vacancies available through adjustment to ask about options available