91% of UK university applicants are happy with the offers they have received, according to UCAS sentiment surveys in May.
Clare Marchant, chief executive of UCAS, also explained in a blog post that 281,500 UK 18-year-olds are holding a firm offer, up 7000 on last year. This is the highest on record.
‘Disadvantaged’ students least impacted
In her post, Marchant also stated that widening participation ‘remains a priority.’ She wrote: ‘Although offer rates have declined in response to more applications, it is great to see that applicants from the most disadvantaged backgrounds have been least impacted by the reduced offer rates.’
UCAS is expecting around 80% of firm offer holders to secure their place at their firm choice. Marchant said: ‘Will there be some people disappointed? Unfortunately, yes. But this isn’t new and the competition for the most sought-after courses is very much here to stay.’
Students have been encouraged to keep an open mind with regards to clearing, which opens on July 5th. More than 30,000 courses are likely to be available through clearing, and ‘applicants are more aware than in previous years of the options that could be available to them in the summer.’
Most students confident with firm choices
Despite reduced offer rates, 49% of applicants have said they are confident they’ll secure a place at their firm or insurance choice and do not plan to use clearing. Meanwhile, 21% say they are confident but could use clearing to look around at other university courses available.
Clearing is how universities and colleges fill any leftover places they still have available. Between July 5 and October 18, you can apply for a course through clearing if you are not already holding an offer from a uni. If you did not receive any offers, did not meet the conditions of your offers, or have declined your firm place, you can use clearing.
‘This cohort of students has shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity for more than two years. We are confident that with the right support they will continue to rise above any obstacles in their way and progress onto their next step,’ Marchant finished.