UCAS - Six steps to applying

Six steps to applying

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There are six main steps to follow and we explain each one on this site. Below is an overview: click on the links at the end of each paragraph to find out more.

Step 1: Choosing courses

Your son or daughter should think carefully about the course they'd like to do at university or college. There are thousands of courses available at hundreds of universities and colleges, and each one suits some people better than others. They need to choose their courses for the right reasons and do plenty of research before deciding where to go.
Go to Step 1: Choosing courses

Step 2: Applying

Your son or daughter can apply for courses using our online application system, Apply. We explain each section of the application and there's help text in Apply to answer their questions. Your son or daughter sends their completed application to us online (or to their school or college if applying through them) and we send it to the universities and colleges they choose. The date they need to send their application to us depends on their choices, so they need to check the application deadlines as soon as they can.
Go to Step 2: Applying

Step 3: Offers

Universities and colleges will decide whether to offer your son or daughter a place. They can check if they're accepted on our online tracking system, Track, which shows their choices and any decisions made by the universities and colleges. If they're accepted, your son or daughter needs to reply to their offers. If they change their mind or aren't accepted, there are other options to help them find a course.
Go to Step 3: Offers

Step 4: Results

If your son or daughter is waiting for exam results, they need to be prepared for what happens next. They check Track to see if they're accepted on their chosen course. We receive some exam results and send them to the universities and colleges. For others, your son or daughter will need to send their results themselves. Their next steps depend on if they're accepted or not.
Go to Step 4: Results

Step 5: Next steps

If your son or daughter is accepted, they will receive a letter from us that explains what happens next. If they receive different grades than expected or change their mind, there are other options available. They should check Track and look for course vacancies on our website to find an alternative place.
Go to Step 5: Next steps

Step 6: Starting university or college

Your son or daughter needs to make sure they have everything ready, such as accommodation, finances, travel arrangements, books and equipment required for the course. They should contact the students' union at their university or college to see what has been prepared for new students and to find out what support is available while they're studying.
Go to Step 6: Starting university or college