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 receiving in the next few months:

• 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. 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.

Author

ARON TENNANT is  the Talks and Editorial manager for Push. He is originally from South Yorkshire and has a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Sheffield. He also has an MA in Creative Play and Screenwriting from City, University of London and came runner up in Nickelodeon's international screenwriting competition in 2018. Alongside Push he does screenplay work for independent production companies and is working on his own independent film projects