For a large number of students studying at City of Westminster College, moving on to university is the next step they’re looking to take in their academic career. To apply for a university course, CWC students must use the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (otherwise known as UCAS), who operate the application process for British universities. For those thinking of attending university next September, you will hopefully have a shortlist of universities you would like to attend and the course area you’re interested in ready to start the online application process.

All applications to UK universities for full-time undergraduates are made through UCAS’ website and there are a number of deadlines to keep in mind. While the official UCAS deadline is much later than the College deadline, it is recommended that you submit your application as early as possible. When you submit an application, it does not go straight to a university for consideration, your tutor has to add a reference and your predicated grades, which can take time given the number of students applying for university each year. “Often it’s believed that as soon as you hit submit, your application is officially in, but actually there’s a lot that has to happen behind the scenes before it goes off to UCAS,” said Simon Blackmore, one of CWC’s Career Advisors. “We would suggest that students get started on their applications now if they haven’t already the earlier they are submitted the better.

“We would hope by now that students have decided on their university choices and what courses they’re interested in pursuing as well as having attended a number of open days,” added Simon. “Students have a lot of support from tutors who will be delivering personal statement workshops and they can drop into the Information Centre during opening hours to see myself or my colleague Tom. We would recommend that they get started on their application sooner rather than later, as we can be very busy as the deadline approaches which might mean people will have to wait quite a while to be seen.”