Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
If the UCAS application deadline feels like it's approaching quicker than you'd really like, here's our last-minute tips on pulling together the perfect university application in the nick of time.
Take your time
OK, so you’ve left it to the last few days – don’t worry, this is not unusual. Universities receive a flood of applications around the deadline, so while you may think you’re running out of time, you have just as much as many other students. Use this time to really think about what you want to study and the places where that course is available.
Once you find a course you like the look of, read the information on course content, including module descriptions as well as teaching and assessment methods. Most universities are also on social media so you can get a further glimpse into student life.
Try to visit the unis you're applying to
You may not have the time to go to an in-person open day, but an increasing number of universities offer virtual tours of facilities and accommodation which serve as the next best thing.
YouTube and Instagram videos can also give a richer impression of what it would be like to study at the uni, beyond what you can read online.
If you’re close by to one of the universities you’re considering, feel free to ask if you can drop by for a visit the next day – this shouldn’t be a problem.
Don’t panic
If at this point you simply don’t know what to do about your choices, take a breath. Yes, 29 January is the UCAS deadline for 2025 but missing it does not mean your hopes of getting onto your dream course are necessarily over.
Many universities will consider late applications (up to 6pm on 30 June - after which applicants will be automatically entered into Clearing), and with the exception of high demand courses, you may still be able to secure an offer.
You can also choose to wait until after you've had your results to apply either through Clearing or after you've taken a gap year.
So, if you still want some time to think about it, better to invest in making the right decision for you than put down a course or location that you simply know you wouldn’t be happy with.
Consider your preferences
Assuming you’ve been able to narrow down some options, the sure-fire way of checking the suitability of your choices is to consider how you might rank them. By thinking through your preferences of each university and course you are putting down on your form, you will be evaluating the positive and negatives.
Remember that from the full five options you’ve selected at this stage, you will need to narrow this down to two, and eventually to just one! So, it’s never too early to start thinking about which your first and second choices would be, and this exercise might shed new light on what is really important to you about going to university.
Gather your materials and get started on the form
You don’t need to wait until you’ve chosen your options to complete a lot of the UCAS form; plenty of the sections – from personal details to your predicted grades – can be completed straight away and in good time. The main thing not to leave to the very last minute is your personal statement.
My tip for this would be to make it relevant to the subject you are applying for, to show passion for your subject and how studying this at university will play into your future career aspirations.
There's plenty of guidance on writing personal statements but also check with the universities you're applying to about any available support.
Submit and relax
With the form ready, all that remains to do is to hit submit, and that’s it, you can put your feet up! Usually, you'll receive a confirmation email from the universities you've applied to – but as there is always a flood of applications around deadline day this might take a couple of days to come through.
Universities make decisions on applications as quickly as they can, but it’s important to read all emails from your chosen universities while you are waiting – this may include information of forthcoming events, such as course taster sessions or open days, which could be really helpful to you in terms of choosing your firm choice.
And of course, it’s never too late to change your mind – we know that circumstances or aspirations change, and it's important to make sure you're making the right decision for you.
NEXT STEPS:
