How to make your UCAS choices

9th January 2025 by Anita Naik

This month marks the UCAS deadline (15th January) for undergraduate courses starting in September 2025, which means it's time to consider the next step in your journey towards university. Here's what you need to know about making UCAS firm choices.

After submitting your application, you can monitor its progress through UCAS Track to see offers and updates from the universities you have applied to. Some universities may offer immediately, while others will wait until closer to March, April, and May.

What do I do once I have offers?

Once you have offers, it's time to think about what you want from university. Making your UCAS firm choices is important as your firm choices will shape your next few years.

Firstly, understand your firm choices. You can choose up to five university courses when you apply through UCAS. After receiving your offers, you'll need to decide on your first-choice university. If you meet the conditions of this offer on results day, you'll be accepted here.

You also need a backup choice in case you don't meet the conditions of your firm choice. This should be a university where you will likely meet the entry requirements.

How do I decide between my offers?

Even if you are keen on one university over another, it pays to research the universities and their offers before making your choices. Look at the university, course content and teaching styles. Some universities will offer a more theoretical approach, while others might focus on practical, hands-on experiences.

This is also the stage also to ensure you understand the entry requirements for each offer. Do your predicted grades match the offer? If there's a gap, think about how confident you are in achieving the required grades or what you can do to try and meet them.

Try to go to the Holder Days. These invite-only university events allow you to learn more about a course and university life. One-day events include mock seminars, visits to accommodation and chances to talk to other students.

Other factors to consider when considering a university:

1. Do you prefer a university in a bustling city or a quieter, more rural setting?

2. Are the libraries, student unions, labs, and social spaces what you are after?

3. The university's accommodation options.

4. Does the university offer good mental health support, academic advising, and career guidance?

5. Are there extracurricular activities that interest you?

6. Do you want a vibrant or quieter, more focused atmosphere? What kind of lifestyle do you want?

Talking to other students is an excellent way to determine if the course and university are right for you. Research student satisfaction ratings on sites like The Complete University Guide.

Understand the post-acceptance process

After you've selected your firm and second choice, you'll have to wait for your final results and the UCAS clearing process (if applicable). It's also vital to ensure you're ready for results day and know how to proceed if you don't meet the required grades.

What are conditional and unconditional offers?

Many offers will be conditional, i.e., you must meet specific grade requirements). Consider whether you can realistically meet those conditions. If your firm choice requires high grades, is it achievable based on your current trajectory?

An unconditional offer means you're guaranteed a place on a course if you accept it. This is because you've already met the entry requirements or your predicted grades and application are high enough. Even if you receive an unconditional offer, you are still expected to complete all your exams and end year 13 with your results.

What if I don't get any offers based on my choices?

If you apply by the 15 January deadline and don't receive any offers, you can use UCAS Extra to apply for available courses. The UCAS Extra service allows you to apply for courses with vacancies from late February until early July 2025.

If you haven't received offers or don't meet the conditions of your firm and insurance offers, you can apply through UCAS Clearing starting in July 2025 or after receiving your A-Level results.

Clearing is available for students who still want to secure a university place after receiving their results, but availability is subject to spaces being open at universities.