Universities are reassuring applicants as the vast majority of students are expected to get their first-choice course.
According to Universities UK, reports unis across the UK are gearing up to help the growing number of young people applying to university this summer, with the vast majority expected to get their first-choice course and plenty of high-quality courses expected to be available in Clearing.
University First Choice
On August 18 AS/A level, vocational qualifications including T levels and Level 3 BTEC students will have their results day.
This year there is a record number of 18-year-old applicants from the UK – including the highest proportion ever from disadvantaged communities.
The vast majority of applicants who start university this year are expected to get their first choice. Those missing out on their firm or insurance choice will have access to many other great courses available through Clearing – as over 50,000 students did last year.
UUK reassure students
Universities UK and UCAS are issuing advice to applicants and their families in order to reassure them of the high-quality courses available.
Commenting Chris Hale, Universities UK Interim Chief Executive, said: ‘Universities are gearing up to help the growing number of young people applying to university this summer, with the vast majority expected to get their first-choice course and plenty of high-quality courses expected to be available in Clearing. They are experienced at supporting students who do not quite get the grades they need, and admissions teams will be working hard to advise applicants over the summer.
‘They have taken into account that this year’s applicants will probably have a lower proportion of top grades than the last two years with the return of exams following the pandemic’s disruption. Decisions are not made on grades alone. Personal statements, references and individual circumstances will be fully considered, so those missing out on their first-course choice should keep that in mind and remember there are plenty of great options available.’
UCAS Chief Executive Clare Marchant said: ‘We are delighted to see a record number of 18-year-olds, despite the challenges of the last two years, looking to progress to higher education. Over the next few weeks, we’ll see a huge effort across the education sector to support more than 700,000 students begin the next chapter in their educational journey and we believe that record numbers of students will get their firm choice this year.
‘Securing a place in higher education, particularly at the most selective courses, has always been competitive. For a student who finds themselves without their firm or insurance choice, or if they have changed their mind, there is plenty of choices available. UCAS will help students explore degree courses alongside other opportunities such as degrees and higher apprenticeships.’