What to Do After Submitting Your UCAS Application
Submitted your UCAS application? Here’s a guide to help you stay organised and prepared, from interview prep to university visits and next steps.
Firstly, well done! You’ve clicked submit after weeks or months of researching, writing editing your personal statement and creating an application to your best ability, this deserves a congratulations! But what happens next? The time between submitting your UCAS application and receiving offers/interview requests can feel uncertain so here’s a guide to help you stay productive, informed and (importantly) relaxed while you wait.
Take a deep breath – you’ve done the hard part
Submitting your UCAS application is massive in itself. It is total normal to feel slightly anxious now but remind yourself of the hard work you have put in! Spend some time celebrating that! Go out with family or friends, spend some time on your hobbies or just enjoy some downtime before your school’s potential mock exams commence.
Keep an eye on UCAS Hub and your emails
Universities will contact you usually via email, though UCAS Hub or their application portal, so make sure you are checking these regularly as you might get invitations for interviews or requests for further information. Keep your UCAS login details and passwords somewhere safe (this is coming from someone who had to reset their password on a few occasions!)
Prepare for interviews (if applicable)
If your chosen course requires an interview or portfolio, it is certainly worth starting your preparations early. Read over your personal statement, from books you read to completed work experiences, be ready to discuss anything you mentioned. Think about what excites you about your course, be ready to answer questions and show genuine curiosity and enthusiasm.
Remember: Interviews are as much about seeing if that specific degree is right for you as much as its about proving yourself to the admission panel.
Visit or revisit your chosen universities
I know it’s quite common to be unable to visit all your universities choices before applying, and if you didn’t manage, now is a great time to attend the Open Days or if you have received an offer, attend an Offer-Holder Visit Day. These events give you a better sense of campus life, facilities available and surrounding areas of the university. For those who have already visited before applying, it might be helpful to revisit campus with the knowledge that you might actually study here. A visit may give you the reassurance and encouragement to decide between firm and insurance choices.
Focus on your studies
Although this might be obvious, it can be easy to lose motivation after submitting your UCAS application. My advice is that the best thing you can do while waiting to hear back is ensuring your grades remain strong, especially if your offer will be conditional. Honestly, you’ll be grateful on Results Day if you continue your hard work and perseverance.
Start planning for life at uni
Once offers start coming in, you’ll eventually have to choose a Firm and Insurance choice on UCAS. Consider what you would want from your university experience: do you want to live in a big city or a campus environment? Are you inclined to join a university with a big sporting communities or prefer quieter settings? Do the accommodation options align with your values? These are factors I believe could help you narrow your decisions. I also recommend looking into student finance and accommodation options, although it might feel early, having a plan will make the transition smoother.
Don’t compare yourself to others
Coming from experience, I know it’s easy to get caught up in what your classmates are hearing back from universities. Try not to panic if someone gets an offer or interview before you do. The timelines can vary greatly between courses and institutions, and every journey looks different. Whether you receive an offer or receive a rejection (which in my opinion is just redirection), trust yourself.
Stay positive and patient
Waiting is never an easy process but remember this is only a temporary stage. Soon, you could be planning your first semester, meeting new friends and moving into your new city. For now, just enjoy the present and give yourself permission to slow down, you have certainly earned it!