JANUARY NEWS: YEAR 12 & 13

Year 12

UCAS already? 

You may have nearly a year until your uni application deadline for 2019, but if you're clever (and we’re sure you are), you'll want to be as on-the-ball as Cinderella’s godmother and get your application right at the front of the queue.

That means getting it submitted by around half term in the Autumn.

Still think you've got ages? Just think about all the lessons, summer exams, Saturday jobs, parties, holidays and procrastination that you've got to fit in. Blink and the year will be gone.

In all seriousness, by next academic year, you’ll want to know what and where you want to study (or if uni's even the right path for you), so you can focus on getting what you want.

The Summer is a bad time for deciding anything what with exams and everyone going away. So between now and April, you’ve got time to work out what you want – that’ll involve visiting some unis (maybe) and exploring which offers what.

Not even sure where to start on the uni hunt? Have a look at Which? Uni, they'll help you choose your new stomping ground. 

Researching all these course options can be equally as confusing, especially if you have a lot of interests and you're still on the fence. If you're not sure whether you want to study Polish, French or French Polishing, then take a look at bestCourse4me.

It'll tell you what courses are needed for what careers. Or you could do it in reverse and see where your favourite subjects could lead you career-wise. 

The earlier you do your research, the easier it'll be when it comes to crunch time.

Already know that uni's not for you? No problem-o. Have a look at what the Push website has to say about apprenticeships, gap years and the wonderful world of work to get a leg up on the competition. 

Or, are you in the final, dreaded camp of 'no clue whatsoever'? Panic over, we've got you covered – head over to our aptly named 'No Idea' section for some divine inspiration. 


Year 13 - Offers

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 receiving in the next few months:
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• Unconditional: This means they'll take you no matter what. You can do no wrong. Being realistic – with the exception of a few unis – this is pretty unlikely, unless you've already got your grades. Although, some unis use unconditional offers as a tactic to encourage you to make them your first choice. If it’s the uni you want, then fair enough.
  
• Conditional: This means they'll take you if you meet their 'conditions'. Which usually means getting certain grades in your A Levels/Highers or IB. They might say what grade you need in what subject and 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 need to see the cut of your jib (assuming anyone actually knows what a 'jib’ is and how they should be cut).

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.