By now most of you will have completed your uni applications and even sent them off in time for the UCAS application deadline of 29 January (for September 2021 entry). I know from experience that it’s not an easy thing to put together and get sent off so well done to everyone that has done it already! If you haven’t yet, and plan to apply for 2021 intake, make sure you get your application in as soon as possible. If you are stuck for how best to complete your application, you can take a look at the range of helpful videos on the UCAS website.

If you have already sent off your application, you should hear from your chosen universities by 20 May 2021 if they wish to offer you a place. You need to reply to the offers by 10 June. I hope this brief overview of the next steps after receiving any offer(s), what to look for and how to reply is helpful.

As I am sure you will all be aware, any offers made will be displayed in the ‘Your Choices’ section of UCAS Track. Once you have heard from all of your choices, an option to reply to your offers will appear on the same page. You are not obligated to reply to any of your choices until you have received a decision from all your chosen unis/colleges. Here are a few things to think about before accepting an offer:

• Get some advice. It can sometimes be helpful to talk about your options with a careers advisor or equivalent, if you have access to such a service. Talking through your options can help you with deciding, however ultimately you must remember that its you that will be taking the course, or moving to a different city etc so it is entirely your decision!
• Think about the lifestyle that your new uni will offer. Is it in a new city? Will you move away from home? What is the area like? These are all questions you may want to consider before you make a final decision as after all you will be spending the next 3/4 or maybe even more years there so make sure its somewhere you know you will be happy!
• To find out more information about what to expect from your course provider you can take a look at your consumer rights, something that is recommended before accepting an offer
• Do your research! Try to attend as many open days/virtual open days as possible when deciding which offer to accept as this will help you to get more of an insight into each individual uni.

After carefully considering your options, you can then proceed to select your Firm (first) choice and your Insurance choice. Then you will find out on Results Day which uni you will be attending!

I hope this has helped you to start thinking about what to consider when making a decision about which university to attend, and wish you the best of luck with your higher education journey!