January is here which means that time is running out for those submitting applications for university for the 2023/2024 academic year. If you’ve already submitted yours, you’ll be eagerly awaiting a response, wondering when do universities make offers and how long it might take. But, if your application form is still blank, then you’ll need to know when the UCAS deadline 2023 is. You might be ahead of the game. In that case, we can tell you what to do after applying for university as well.
Maybe you started your application back in September and haven’t had the time or motivation to finish. Perhaps you were an early bird and submitted your university application before Christmas and are wondering how long it will take them to reply. Whatever your situation, it’s a tense time of year — especially if you’ve got mocks or coursework happening too. Don’t fret, we’re a one-stop read to answer all your university application deadline and response questions.
When Is The UCAS Deadline 2023?
All UCAS applications for undergraduate courses must be submitted on January 25 by 6 pm GMT. This does not apply to the courses with a deadline of October 15. Oxford and Cambridge adhere to the earlier October deadline, so unfortunately you will be too late if they were your chosen universities.
As long as you get in your application by this time, then your chosen universities must consider it. If you’re unsure whether your courses have a deadline of October or January, then you can use the UCAS search tool to get a confident answer. Typically, it will be universities that have an interview or further considerations that use the October deadline.
How Soon After Applications Do Universities Make Offers?
Universities do not have to respond to applications until after the deadline. According to The Uni Guide, UCAS gives universities a deadline of May 18 for all applications submitted for the January 25 deadline. However, between January and then it could be anytime. It can also be before if you’ve applied early! Applications have been open since September, so plenty of students have their offers already.
Often universities respond quicker than others, so don’t be alarmed if your friends receive offers before you do. It can be within days, or you could be waiting a good few weeks. If you submitted your university application before the deadline, then universities can respond as and when they receive them.
So, although you’re wondering how long do universities take to reply to applications, unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. When making your submission, you should receive an email from each university with an approximate time scale for how long you’ll be waiting.
Remember, if you know your course is a popular one, like medicine, then the number of applications will be a lot greater than the courses less in demand. Universities have to consider all applications submitted before the UCAS deadline 2023, so don’t be surprised if you’re waiting for months.
It’s not surprising that everyone’s first question after sending their application is when do universities make their offers, but hold tight as an answer will come.
UCAS will notify you as soon as there’s a change in your application, so don’t get checking the hub every day!
What To Do After Applying For University
Year 13 is a very busy year. Don’t spend your free time post-application twiddling your thumbs waiting for a response. There are a few things you can do to stay proactive with your university application.
When you go through UCAS, you’ll be prompted to pick a first-choice university and an insurance. However, you probably haven’t only applied to two universities. Carefully think about the rest of your choices and your order of preference. Way up the pros and cons of all of them. That way, even if you only get into your bottom choice, there are still positives to think about.
It’s still possible to have an interview stage or further requirements for the January deadline. Make sure you’re prepared by making a portfolio and knowing your answers to questions that may come up. Your application is only you on paper, so any face-to-face assessment is your time to prove yourself as an individual.
Visit open days! If you didn’t get a chance before applying, use the possible months before a choice to visit your choices. More than likely, you’ll get to meet your lecturers, where you’ll be staying and get a real feel for the course and campus. Going on an open day can really seal the deal about where you want to go.
Sort Out Student Finance And Accommodation Before Your University Offer
Lots of prospective students think they have to wait for a response before applying for student finance. This isn’t true and can actually hold up the student finance response time from the huge influx of applications. Now is the time to get your money sorted for university to stay ahead of the crowd. At any point in your application, you can change what university you’re applying to. In the meantime, you can get your maintenance loan sorted and have plenty of time to budget.
Student accommodation is also often on a first-come-first-serve basis. Know what your first and insurance choice for accommodation would be for each university you’ve applied to. Getting great accommodation makes all the difference to your time at university.
It’s tempting to keep checking UCAS or googling when do universities make offers, but that won’t pass the time quicker. The best thing you can do if make sure your application is in before the UCAS deadline 2023 and then be proactive about your choices. The time between now and starting university will fly by, especially with exams and results in between. Don’t waste time sitting around and waiting!