what to think about if you're in y13

The UCAS deadline has now passed. Hopefully you can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing yours was submitted ages ago. If that's the case, here are the four possible responses you could be getting in the next few months:

​Unconditional: This means they'll take you no matter what. You can do no wrong (almost).
 
This is becoming more and more likely – with fewer applicants, some unis are using unconditional offers as a tactic to encourage you to make them your first choice. If it’s the uni you want, then fair enough. If not, don’t rush into anything. Remember that you hold all the cards.
 
Conditional: This means they'll take you if you meet their 'conditions'.
 
That usually means getting certain grades in your A Levels, Highers, BTEC or whatever qualifications they've asked for. They might say what grade you need in what subject or there might be other conditions such as language tests.
 
Unsuccessful: They don’t want you.
 
Don’t take it personally. We think you’re great.
 
Maybe, but first...: They might want to invite you for an interview or some kind of assessment.
 
This isn't that common and it tends to be only the more traditional universities or certain courses where they have auditions or really want to meet you before they decide.
 
For more information on everything offers-related, take a look at our guide, here.
 
If you missed the deadline for any reason and still want to apply, you can. However, it means your application will be marked as late, so universities don't have to look at it if they don’t want to or need to.
 
It's worth letting them know why it’s late in your personal statement if you have a valid reason.
 
Or, you could just wait till next year and get your application in early then.

Author

LUCY HARDING is the Editorial manager for Push. She is an English Literature grad and an MA Publishing student at UCL. She is passionate about international relations and cultural diversity, having worked closely with her university’s Erasmus society to support European students. She also spent a year abroad studying at California State University: Long Beach