Offers and Replies
Once the application has been sent, progress can be monitored by the student through a Track account, again accessed through the UCAS website.
Applicants begin to receive replies at varying times as universities and colleges deal with applications in different ways. It is not an indication of how likely they are to be successful. However, applications submitted prior to January 15th should receive replies by early May. In 2021 the cycle has been delayed and universities have until May to reply to applicants submitting before the 29th January. Replies will then need to be made by the applicant by June 10th. If applying after the January date, different dates will apply.
Once all replies have been received Track will show the date by which the applicant needs to reply. If the student has received conditional offers, dependent on exam results, they can make a first choice called a Conditional Firm. Applicants can also, if they wish, make a second choice called an Insurance choice which should have lower entry requirements than the first choice. So if the grades for the first choice are not met, the Insurance choice comes into play.
If the offers received are unconditional, it is only necessary to make one choice.
Points offers
Some universities make offers in grades and others in points. This refers to UCAS tariff points and each grade within a qualification carries a number of points. The points offer can bring a little more flexibility for results. For example, 3 B grades at A level equals 120 points, as do ABC and A*BD. This extends further if a 4th AS subject or other qualification can be included in the points total. The entry requirements in the prospectus will state clearly what can be included, but rely on an institution's website for the most up to date information rather than a paper prospectus. If in doubt email the institution.
This table shows the UCAS tariff points for A levels, the IB, BTEC Diplomas, Scottish Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate. Other qualifications can be found here.
Applicants begin to receive replies at varying times as universities and colleges deal with applications in different ways. It is not an indication of how likely they are to be successful. However, applications submitted prior to January 15th should receive replies by early May. In 2021 the cycle has been delayed and universities have until May to reply to applicants submitting before the 29th January. Replies will then need to be made by the applicant by June 10th. If applying after the January date, different dates will apply.
Once all replies have been received Track will show the date by which the applicant needs to reply. If the student has received conditional offers, dependent on exam results, they can make a first choice called a Conditional Firm. Applicants can also, if they wish, make a second choice called an Insurance choice which should have lower entry requirements than the first choice. So if the grades for the first choice are not met, the Insurance choice comes into play.
If the offers received are unconditional, it is only necessary to make one choice.
Points offers
Some universities make offers in grades and others in points. This refers to UCAS tariff points and each grade within a qualification carries a number of points. The points offer can bring a little more flexibility for results. For example, 3 B grades at A level equals 120 points, as do ABC and A*BD. This extends further if a 4th AS subject or other qualification can be included in the points total. The entry requirements in the prospectus will state clearly what can be included, but rely on an institution's website for the most up to date information rather than a paper prospectus. If in doubt email the institution.
This table shows the UCAS tariff points for A levels, the IB, BTEC Diplomas, Scottish Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate. Other qualifications can be found here.
| ucas_tariff_examples.doc |