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UCAS advice

Ben Fogle: Haven't got the grades you hoped for? Be positive!

Thu 21 March 2019 - 14:55

By Ben Fogle in UCAS advice

I will never forget the day I finished my final A level exam. FREEDOM. The summer that followed was one of the happiest times of my life. No worries. No revision. No pressure. But all good things come to an end, and before the summer was up it was results day. I still get just a little bit sick thinking about it. It was many years ago now but in many ways, it feels like yesterday. It's like a slow-motion rollercoaster. There is nothing you can do to alter or change those results.
 
So much pressure is placed on those few results. I can remember thinking that my whole life could be made or broken by them. University and thence my career both relied on them. I remember opening the envelope. Heart pounding as my eyes settled on the marks. I could see a D and an N. N...

Clearing: What you need to know

Tue 30 June 2020 - 09:12

By UCAS in UCAS advice

What is Clearing?
Clearing matches applicants to university places that are yet to be filled. It’s available to anyone who has made a UCAS Undergraduate application and doesn’t hold any offers. Running from 5 July to mid-September, you’ll be eligible for Clearing if:
  • you apply after 30 June
  • you are not holding any offers from universities or colleges you’ve applied to
  • your place is not confirmed after exam results are published
Last year, thousands of places were available through Clearing, such as English and law, with over 73,320 applicants obtaining places.

Courses in Clearing aren’t just the ones nobody wants – there are many reasons why courses are still available. It’s an opportunity for those who have missed their conditions, or had a last minute change of heart about the university or course they want to study.

How do you use Clearing?
Well, the first place to start is to search for vacancies in...

Five things you need to know about Clearing

Tue 30 June 2020 - 09:13

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Last year, thousands of places were available in Clearing, in courses ranging from science to history. Here are the five things that'll give you an understanding of what Clearing is. 

1. What is Clearing?

Clearing runs from 6 July to 20 October and is an opportunity for anyone who hasn’t been accepted by a university or college to find a place on another course.

2. How do I know if I can use Clearing? 
When you log in to Track, you’ll see if you’re in Clearing. In the ‘Next Steps’ section, there’ll be an option to ‘Add a Clearing choice.’

If you applied after 30 June, you’ll automatically be entered into Clearing.

3. Where can I find vacancies?
The first place to start is our search tool. When you search for a course, check that you click the 'Show courses with vacancies' in the filter down the left hand side. 
...

Thinking of starting uni this year?

Mon 24 June 2019 - 15:27

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Thinking about starting university this year? You can still apply for courses until 18:00 (UK time) on 30 June.

Where can I find vacancies?
You can find all course vacancies in our search tool.

Once you’ve found some you’re interested in, it’s still worth giving the uni a quick call to make sure they have vacancies and will consider your application.

How do I apply?
So you’ve found some courses you want to apply to and you’ve made sure they’ve got vacancies – the next step is completing your application!

There’s lots of advice to get you started on our website. You may need a little extra help with some parts of the application, such as the education section and your personal statement. If so, check out these great videos for lots of great advice.
 

Once you’ve completed your...

It's not too late to use UCAS Extra

Mon 10 February 2020 - 10:22

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Have you used all five choices but not holding any offers? You may be able to apply for more using Extra! If you’re not sure how to use it then we’ve got it covered in this short blog post.

When can I use Extra?
If you’ve used all five choices and don’t hold any offers, you can use Extra up until 4 July. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible or not, sign in to Track to check your status. If you have an option to Add Extra Choice then you’re in Extra.
 
...

Open days: how to plan valuable visits

Fri 20 December 2019 - 09:58

By UCAS in UCAS advice

A survey published this weekend suggests that a quarter of students don’t attend open days before applying to university. We found this quite surprising, as open days are so helpful when it comes to painting a picture of university life and choosing courses. Yet our own research also suggests that a similar percentage of students still choose not to make these important visits before applying.

Here's more about the value of open days, where to find key information and how to make the most of visits.

I think it’s essential to visit a university or college before committing to at least three years of study. It’s another way of making sure your choice is right for you. Open days are an important part of researching courses and can make all the difference when it...

Why study an apprenticeship?

Fri 12 April 2019 - 10:52

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Why study an apprenticeship? The biggest draw for many is the fact you earn while you learn, but you also experience what full-time employment is like and receive a qualification at the same time!

But don't just take our word for it. Alex and Conor, who are both apprentices at Airbus Group, share their experiences first hand with us.

What are your daily activities?

Alex: My current placement within the business is in A350 Lineside Quality. My daily activities in this department include carrying out technical investigations in order to discover the root cause of a certain issue or non-...

Are apprenticeships the right path for you?

Thu 7 November 2019 - 10:05

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Apprenticeships come in all shapes and sizes but did you know that loads of famous people began their careers as apprentices?

Elvis Presley was an apprentice electrician, Sir Alex Ferguson was an apprentice tool worker and Ozzy Osbourne started out as an apprentice plumber. Admittedly they didn’t become famous in their chosen apprenticeship careers but the skills they learnt stood them in good stead.

These transferable skills are what employers rave about. They say that apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. They can communicate effectively, plan and think ahead and are helpful and trustworthy.

So don’t rule out the apprenticeship route, it could be the road to success. Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsey and Gary Rhodes all did apprenticeships in culinary skills. John Frieda in hairdressing and Ruth Badger from The Apprentice studied a business apprenticeship.

...

Thinking about an apprenticeship?

Mon 4 March 2019 - 09:56

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Work while you study – an apprenticeship is a way to gain the skills, knowledge and experience you need to get into many careers. They combine work, training, and study, letting you 'earn while you learn'.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, here are five things you should know:

1. Apprentices get paid
Apprentices are employed members of staff, and are paid a salary, a pension, and are entitled to other company benefits, just like everyone else.

2. You can get a full degree 
All apprenticeships are fully certified by a university – this means you’ll receive a full degree at the end of your apprenticeship, and, in most cases, attend a graduation ceremony, much like a full-time university student.

3. You have to work and study – it can be tough
Unlike a full-time undergraduate university student, you’ll be in full-time employment, meaning you’ll be expected to work a full-time...

Think you know apprenticeships?

Thu 7 November 2019 - 10:06

By UCAS in UCAS advice

There are a lot of myths about apprenticeships. Here, we separate fact from fiction.
  •   Fiction – Apprenticeships are not for everyone.
  •   Fact – No matter your interests or how old you are, you can find an apprenticeship to suit you. There are apprenticeships available at all levels, in a huge range of sectors.
Apprenticeships start at Level 2, so you could study an apprenticeship instead of taking A levels. Equally, if you are already in full-time employment and want to change career, you have the...

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