- guardian.co.uk, Tuesday May 1 2007 00.51 BST
- The Guardian, Tuesday May 1 2007
Timetable
2007
May Do some research into where and what you want to study. Attend open days.
June AS-level exams.
August AS-level results.
September 1 Ucas starts accepting applications. Get to work on your Ucas form and start narrowing down your choices.
October 15 Deadline for applications to Oxford and Cambridge, and for applications to dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and veterinary science.
December Interviews for Oxbridge and some courses at other universities.
2008
January Interviews.
January 1 Applications for "Route B" art and design courses.
January 15 Deadline for most courses.
January 16-June 30 Applications received between these dates are late applications. Universities and colleges will consider them if they want to make more offers.
Mid-March - June If you have not received any offers or declined all offers, you can apply for other courses, one at time, through Ucas Extra.
March 24 Deadline for "Route B" art and design courses, although Ucas strongly recommends that applications are received by March 7.
June A-level and AS-level exams
August A-level and AS-level results. Firm offers are accepted. Clearing starts on A-level or Scottish Highers results day. Course vacancies are listed in the Guardian.
September/October University terms start.
Weblinks
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
Information for students from students
Teaching Quality Information
University and college open days
Gap year ideas
Filling in the Ucas form
Practice makes perfect: photocopy your form and have a go at filling it in a few times to make sure you've got it right
By the time your form reaches admissions tutors the size will be reduced by half, so writing legibly does matter
Be as honest as you can - if, ahem, "errors" in your application come out later in the process it could seriously affect your chances of a place
The personal statement is your opportunity to show why you are committed to the course - and why you're going to be interesting to teach - so go beyond "I'm interested in this subject" or "I have read this for my course".
Extra-curricular activities count - if you're in the orchestra, volunteer, or love stamp collecting, say so, and explain why and what you get out of it. Don't make things up; make the most of what you genuinely do. Above all, remember: "socialising" doesn't count
Before you hand it over to your referee, take a photocopy of the form - you'll want to refer back to it (and your notes) if you're called for interview
