What to do if you’ve missed the UCAS application deadline

UCAS deadlines signal stressful times for UK university applicants.

When you’ve spent so long on your application and refining your personal statement, missing the deadline is devastating and can seriously hinder your academic plans for the year.

So, is there any chance of appealing against your mistakes?

Try not to stress too much – there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Source: Kyle Gregory/Unsplash

The first thing you should do is stay calm.

As UCAS advises, “If you miss the January 2019 deadline, you can still apply for many courses. But we recommend you ask the universities whether they have vacancies first as it’s unusual for them to consider late applications because their courses are really competitive.”

The UCAS team also outline two important dates for you to consider if you’ve missed the January deadline:

30 June, 18:00 (UK time) – the final deadline for late applications with course choices.

20 September, 18:00 (UK time) – it’s still okay to apply by this date, but instead of choosing courses, you’ll be entered into ‘Clearing’ – the process universities and colleges use to fill any places they still have on their courses.

As an international student, you have the added bonus of universities and colleges continuing to accept your applications throughout the year and much nearer the start of your course.

But you shouldn’t leave it too late! Once you’ve got your place, you’ll still need to arrange your visa and accommodation options.

Keep working on that application! Source: Shutterstock

Your UCAS application as the beginning of your UK study abroad adventure. If you don’t get a head start, there’s a chance you’ll fall behind and have to delay your plans.

Ensure you’ve filled in your details, qualifications and course choices, written your personal statement (to demonstrate you’ll be a good student), included your reference and paid your application fee.

Even if you’ve missed the deadline by one week or one month, there’s hope!

Always be sure to check the UCAS website for up-to-date and relevant information:

Get updates and all the information you need, along with timely explanations of the application process https://t.co/D0fwyoeUes pic.twitter.com/94AowKmXH8

— UCAS (@ucas_online) November 19, 2018

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