Missed the university deadline? ‘Don’t panic’ says admissions expert

Students and parents concerned that they are too late to apply for university can be assured that they needn’t miss out on university – according to an admissions expert.

A student recruitment expert at UA92 is reassuring aspiring university students and their parents that there are still options for securing a university place.

Many families fear they have missed their chance to start university later this year. But according to University Academy 92, that’s not the case.

Isabelle Meacock, Non-Traditional Recruitment Lead at UA92, says panic often sets in unnecessarily once the deadline has passed.

Isabelle said: “The first UCAS deadline in January is not a hard stop – in reality it can be just one milestone in a much longer journey. Missing this deadline doesn’t mean that university is off the table. There are still plenty of routes into higher education and many institutions are willing to continue to consider new applications.”

In fact, more than 62,000 students applied to university after the January deadline last year, with many going on to start their degree in the same academic year.

Isabelle said: “Students apply later for all sorts of reasons. Some aren’t ready to decide, some change their minds and others simply need more time or opt for degree apprenticeships. None of that should be a barrier to progressing into higher education.”

UA92 is encouraging students and parents to keep a few key points in mind if the deadline has passed:

It’s not the end of your university plans

Many universities continue to accept applications after January. While some popular courses may fill up, there are still high-quality options available, particularly at smaller or more specialist institutions.

You can still start or complete your UCAS application

UCAS applications can be submitted at any point up until June 30th.

There’s time before Clearing begins

30 June is the final date for applications to be submitted to UCAS before they automatically enter Clearing. Up until then, students can still apply directly to courses with vacancies in the standard application cycle.

September isn’t your only start date

While most students begin university in September, alternative start dates are increasingly common. At UA92, students can choose to start in September, November, January, February or April, offering greater flexibility for those who need it.

You can change your mind

For applicants who have already submitted an application and either hold no offers; or have declined all their offers, they are able to use UCAS Extra from February 26th to add another choice.

Find out more about applying to UA92 here.