UCAS - Once you've sent your UCAS application

Once you've sent your UCAS application

You need to take note of what happens after you have sent off your UCAS application.

Choices made, reference sorted, Personal Statement complete? If that sounds like the position you are in and you are certain everything is looking perfect, it's time to send off your application to UCAS.

Time to enjoy a well-earned rest? Not entirely. Apart from having to prepare for exams and coursework, there are a few more things to bear in mind once UCAS has received the application.

Once you click send, UCAS will begin to process the application and will get in touch if there are any details missing.

After it is processed, you'll receive a welcome letter that lists all you choices, whether that is one or five. Don't ignore this letter - you should check it to make everything is correct. If anything is wrong, you will need to get in touch with the UCAS Customer Service Unit as soon as possible. The welcome letter should take about a week to reach you if you live in the UK, and up to three weeks if your address is abroad.

While all this is happening, you can continue to view your application in Track with the same ID, username and password as before.

Once it has been processed, universities and colleges can start to look at your application. They won't be able to see your choices initially, though they will once you have replied to your offers. At this point some may contact you to let you know they are looking at your application, but not all, so there is no need to panic if some of your friends are receiving some kind response but you are not.

UCAS Connect blogger Thomas Chan points out: "Waiting for a reply from universities that I've applied for is, well, not easy. We're born to be impatient, especially when it's about issues which really matter a lot. Waiting hurts."

He adds: "The art of waiting is in fact a lifelong lesson I'm now learning ... I've to learn to be patient despite being nervous about the UCAS application."

Universities and colleges are now at liberty to consider your application. Remember that each one has its own set of criteria. So while some may get back to you quickly, others could take months.

Once they choose whether to accept you on the course, the universities and colleges will inform UCAS and their decisions will be displayed in Track immediately.

The trick is to stay relaxed and focus on your coursework and exams - this will ultimately get you the grades required.

UCAS Connect blogger Emma says: "Ignore external pressures, focus on yourself and what you need; stay aware of the fact that almost everyone else is going through the same process as you and will be there to help out if you want a chat."

2011-12-13

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