Date published: 30 April 2008
UCAS Confirmation 2008 and UCAS and CUKAS application systems 2009
The information below outlines the changes we have introduced for Confirmation this summer as well as for the UCAS and CUKAS application systems for the next cycle.
Confirmation 2008
- Confirming places
In recent years the reply slip on the AS12 Confirmation letter has caused a lot of confusion. From July 2008 the letter will advise applicants to look at Track for advice on what action the institution wants them to take. If the applicant does not have access to Track they can contact our Customer Service Unit who will carry out the action on their behalf.
This change is for UCAS applicants only.
Apply 2009 entry
- Have you been in care?
This question has been expanded so that applicants that answer 'Yes' to say that they have been in care, are asked to indicate the period of time they have been in care.
- Less than 1 week
- 1 week to 3 months
- 3 months to 1 year
- 1 year to 3 years
- More than 3 years
The Frank Buttle Trust (the largest UK charity providing grant aid solely to individual children and young people in desperate need) have approved this change so that universities and colleges can more easily identify individuals that need additional support from them.
This question has been included in both UCAS and CUKAS applications.
- Predicted grades
When tutors enter the predicted grades in Staff Apply they will have access to a list of pending A level or AS subjects entered by the applicant. From a drop down list of possible grades tutors can select the predicted grade for each pending subject. Tutors will also be able to use this process as a means to check that their students have entered all their A level and AS qualifications. UCAS plans to add other qualifications to this facility in future application cycles.
This affects only UCAS applications.
- Declaration and Data Protection Statement
The language and presentation has been simplified to make it clearer and more easily understood. Please encourage your applicants to read it.
- Tracking your students' applications
As part of our continuing enhancement of services for schools and colleges, we are looking at providing an on-line service to allow you to check the status of applications throughout the cycle. If an applicant does not want you to have access to their application they can opt out so that you have no access.
- Unique Learner Number (ULN)
Applicants may have a ULN if they commenced studying for a UK qualification from 2008 onwards. If they do they should enter it in the box provided; if they do not have a ULN, they can leave the box blank. The ULN is 10 characters long and contain only numbers.
- Application fee
The UCAS application fee has been increased to £7 for a single choice and £17 for 2 - 5 choices. The CUKAS application fee remains unchanged at £15.
This is the first increase since 2001 and will begin to bring the application fee in line with inflation.
Communication with applicants
- Letters to UCAS applicants
During the past two years we have introduced electronic letters to communicate decisions from universities and colleges. These letters are accessed though Track on the UCAS website. They are formatted to look like letters and can be printed. The advantage is that they are always there and so don't get mislaid and have to be resent. They are also immediately available once we receive the decision from the institution, so they don't have to wait for them to be delivered in the post.
For 2009 entry we are extending the range of electronic communications to applicants who have a verified email address.
Withdrawal. If an applicant withdraws their application from UCAS they will receive an email to confirm the withdrawal; they will not receive a letter in the post.
Replying to offers. When an applicant has received their last decision they need to reply to their offers. In place of a letter UCAS will email them to say that there has been a change to their application and they should log into Track. When they do this they will be alerted that they need to reply by the deadline we have set.
UCAS will continue to post a letter to applicants who do not have a verified email address.
- Welsh letters for UCAS applicants
In support of the Welsh Language Scheme all applicants will be able to request to receive communications from UCAS in Welsh, both on paper and on letters printed through Track. This facility is not available for CUKAS applicants.
- Application number changes to Personal ID
From 2009 entry we will not be using the application number to identify applicants. In its place will be using the Personal ID.
The Personal ID is a 10 character number presented in the format 123-456-7890 and will be used, together with their password, to access Track.
- Feedback to unsuccessful applicants
Currently institutions provide feedback on request directly to UCAS and CUKAS applicants when they have been unsuccessful. To help universities, colleges and conservatoires provide feedback to applicants in the 2009 entry application cycle, they will be able to respond to individual requests via UCAS so that applicants can view the feedback through Track or via their decision letter (UCAS only).
Confirmation and Clearing 2009 entry
- Changes after Confirmation
As a result of the work of the Delivery Partnership Steering Group the following change will be made to the UCAS system for 2009 entry. Further information about the work of the Delivery Partnership can be found at www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/activities/admissions.asp.
In a small number of cases applicants do achieve better results than required for the firm offer they have accepted and may want to reconsider their choice. So, from August 2009, applicants who have achieved better results than required for the offer they accepted will, for a short time, be able to look for an alternative course that has places available whilst still holding their original choice. Full details of this will be available nearer the time.
This change is for UCAS applicants only.
- Clearing
The Clearing Passport will be replaced by an electronic Clearing system in 2009. Further details will be made nearer the time.
This change is for UCAS applicants only.
If you have any queries about these changes please contact the Schools & Colleges Customer Service Team on 0845 123 8001.