UCAS applications deadline – what you need to know (2024)

FAQs

Do you need references for clearing? ›

Those who haven't yet applied to any universities can also apply through Clearing once they have their results. However, you'll need to have completed a UCAS application to use Clearing. You can apply online through UCAS Apply. Don't forget you'll need a reference as well as your personal statement.

Through the UCAS platform, students can create an account, browse and compare various courses, and submit up to five applications to their preferred universities.

If a student is predicted suitable grades and has an academic profile to support this (such as strong GCSE grades), a provider may choose to make an unconditional offer on this basis. This may only be to applicants presenting certain types of qualifications and/or subject combinations.

First and foremost, a UCAS reference needs to include essential information which will support the rest of the student's application. This includes: A summary of your student's post-16 academic performance, including their current and past academic achievements in their relevant classes.

You should self-report all details of your qualifications, standardised test scores, and grades on the UCAS application form under 'Education'. It will need to be clear from your application that you are on track to achieve the admission requirements for your course.

Exam scores: Any applicable exams, such as A-levels, IB assessments, and AP exams, go here. You must list all the exams that you have taken or will soon take, even if you don't yet have your score report.

Curriculum: In the UK, students typically study fewer subjects in greater depth, with a greater emphasis on exams at the end of each academic year. In the US, students are often required to take a broader range of subjects, with more opportunities for elective courses and continuous assessment throughout the year.

What is the hardest university to get into in the UK? ›

The most competitive universities in the UK are often considered to be the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of St Andrews, and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Medicine

It might not come as a surprise that Medicine tops our list as one of the hardest degrees in the UK. Many students and academics accept that it's challenging in both the subject knowledge and emotional pressures of the role, but it's also one of the most competitive courses in the UK.

Figures from the admissions service Ucas show that about 37,000 offers with an unconditional component were made in 2023 – 34 per cent less than in 2022, and 76 per cent below the peak year of 2020.

Unconditional offers are still relatively unusual and represent the overwhelming minority of university offers given, however in recent years they are becoming more widespread.

The Russell Group that did give out the most unconditional offers was The University of Exeter which gave out 70 in 2023. Following Exeter is The University of Bristol with 65 and King's College London which gave unconditional offers to 60 students.

If you don't have any references for a job application , you can still apply and secure your desired position. Without professional references, you can find alternative contacts who can give positive feedback about you to a potential employer.

Do universities lower entry requirements in Clearing? Yes, some universities lower course entry requirements but not all. This will depend on the university and the course.

Offer to provide alternative references if you can't get in touch with your original reference and resolve the issue. Ask for your reference's permission before using them. That way, your reference will be ready and willing to speak to your potential employer.