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Record numbers of university acceptances in Scotland

5 August 2010

Position confirming applicants as of midnight

UCAS has now processed all SQA Highers and Advanced Highers results and as of midnight (a record) 20,651 Scottish applicants were accepted into a Scottish university or college, compared to like-for-like figures of 19,944 on Highers results day last year (an increase of 3.5%). When adjusted to include CATCH figures, the percentage rise is 10.5 per cent.*

In total last year, 31,030 Scottish applicants were accepted by universities and colleges, 29,244 at institutions in Scotland.

Andrea Robertson, Director of Customer & Application Services at UCAS says: "Congratulations to the thousands of Scottish students who will be starting on their course of choice this autumn. For those who didn't get the results they needed, there are several options open, not least the chance of securing a place through Clearing. The important thing to remember is not to rush any decision, be flexible and be clear about what you want to do."

With options such as reapplying, part time study or considering other learning opportunities, UCAS advisers are on hand on 0871 468 0 468 to talk applicants through the process. To explore vacancies in Clearing, students should visit ucas.com to find out all about the courses available.

Andrea continues: "For those who got the news they wanted, www.yougo.co.uk, UCAS' own social networking site, is a great source of advice and information, as well as a chance to make new friends before term begins."

2,462 Scottish students found a place through Clearing last year, 2,331 at universities and colleges in Scotland.

* Applications previously processed by CATCH (Centralised Applications to Nursing and Midwifery Training Clearing House) have been processed by UCAS for the first time this year. Accepted applicants who would have previously been covered by CATCH =1,392.

What should students do?

  • Read through the information at www.ucas.com/students/nextsteps/clearing to find out how Clearing works and for helpful advice.
  • Look on Track at ucas.com to check the status of your application and to get your Clearing number, if you become eligible.
  • Make sure that you're available to speak to universities and colleges - treat your Clearing application like a job application - deal with it yourself. Don't leave it to your parents or friends to sort out.
  • Start contacting the universities and colleges about the courses that interest you as soon as you can. A university or college that is interested in you will ask for details such as your Clearing number and your Personal ID. You will probably also be asked questions about your exam results.
  • Vacancies will be listed at ucas.com and also in the Scottish edition of The Independent on 5 August. Make sure that the content of the course meets your needs, and check the entry requirements.
  • If you need help applying through Clearing or have a query about your application, you can contact the UCAS helpline on 0871 468 0 468 - 08:00 - 19:00.
  • For expert, independent advice on applying for university or college, taking time out or choosing to enter employment, speak to a specially trained adviser on the Exam Results Helpline - just call 0808 100 8000. Lines open on Wednesday 5 August until Saturday 29 August with extended hours on 5 August of 08:00 - 20:00.

ENDS

UCAS is a charity and is the world's leading shared admissions service for higher education. We manage applications for full time undergraduate courses, together with applications through GTTR (Graduate Teacher Training Registry), CUKAS (Conservatoires UK Admissions Service) and UKPASS (UK Postgraduate Application and Statistical Service). Since its inception in 1993, UCAS has processed around 30 million applications and placed over 5 million students on higher education courses.

Services include:

  • An informative website (www.ucas.com) enabling students and parents to access a wealth of information designed to help their application to higher education run smoothly.
  • A state-of-the-art contact centre (0871 468 0 468) providing a point of contact for students, schools and higher education institutions.
  • An online application system.
  • A simple, straightforward tracking service enabling students and schools advisers to access up-to-date information about their applications at the click of a button.
  • Over 50 higher education events each year providing 250,000 students with face-to-face advice on the UCAS process. Internationally, we participated in events in over 12 countries and also provided training and professional development throughout Europe and beyond.
  • www.yougofurther.co.uk is UCAS' student networking site. It allows future and present applicants to interact with each other and provides further advice on higher education.

Media contacts

Darren Barker, Corporate Communications Executive, 01242 545723
Lisa Davies, Corporate Communications Officer, 01242 544619
Charlotte Knowles, Corporate Communications Manager, 01242 544987
Email: communications@ucas.ac.uk
Out of hours: 07768 740461

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