UCAS application advice for parents on Oxbridge deadline day today

It seems like only yesterday we were talking about A-Level results and UCAS clearing but already, the next generation of potential students are applying for University and the message to Redland parents is don't panic and don't miss the deadline.

If your son or daughter is applying for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine/science, or to the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge, their application must be received at UCAS by midnight (UK time) TODAY (15 October).

UCAS adviser John Madden reiterated that, despite having a deadline of today for Oxbridge applications, pupils don't need to make all their choices now. Mr Madden saidd: "You could submit the application with the choices that do need to meet the deadline and then add further choices at a later date by logging onto Track [on the UCAS website]."

This means there is no need for them to rush their other choices if they're not sure who else they want to apply to yet. The application deadline for other courses and universities is 15 January 2012, although some art and design courses ask for applications to be in by 24 March. Applications received by these deadlines are guaranteed to be considered. An application received after this date (and before 30 June 2012) will still be sent to the universities and colleges. But they will only consider it if there are vacancies.

To make sure you stay up-to-date with the entire application process, sign up to the UCAS newsletter (www.ucas.com/parents/register) aimed specifically at parents and guardians. Mr Madden said: "If you have anything you want to ask about making the application or what will happen after it has been sent, you can find lots of valuable advice online at www.ucasconnect.com. From here you can post a question to our dedicated social media advisers on Facebook and Twitter. You can also see 30-second clips of our customer service advisers answering popular questions and in-depth video guides on UCAStv (www.ucas.tv) covering a range of issues such as entering qualifications, making sense of offers and using Track." 

UCAS has highlighted the importance of the Personal Statement. Mr Madden says: "A key part of your son or daughter's application to these early-deadline courses is their personal statement. These are highly competitive subjects and universities, so applicants are strongly encouraged to make sure this has been done to the best of their ability. Parents or guardians can play a vital role in checking over a personal statement to ensure it is error-free."

UCAS Customer Service Unit is open at 0871 468 0 468 until 5pm today - or throughout the week, Monday - Fridays.

 Photo by Ceridwen via Geograph.org.uk