Get into university

Getting into university can be both exciting and overwhelming. You’re taking a big step in your education, and you want to make sure you’re doing everything right. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to answer some of the most common questions about applying for university and getting accepted. 

How to get into university? 

Getting into university requires more than just submitting an application. Universities will consider your academic record, personal statement, and any additional qualifications or experiences you may have. 

To increase your chances of getting accepted, it’s important to maintain good grades throughout your academic career and to take on extracurricular activities that showcase your interest and skills. 

Writing a strong personal statement that highlights your motivation and goals for your chosen programme can also make a difference.  

Some programmes and universities may also require you to take admissions tests or attend interviews, so it’s important to prepare for these accordingly.  

How to apply for university 

The application process for university is done through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).  

To apply, you will need to create a UCAS account and fill out the application form. This includes providing personal information, educational history, and your chosen programmes and universities.  

You can apply for up to five universities at once through UCAS. Along with your application, you will need to submit supporting documents such as transcripts, personal statements, and reference letters.  

These documents should showcase your academic ability, personal achievements, and motivation for your chosen programme.  

It’s important to research the admission requirements and deadlines for your chosen universities and programmes.  

When do you apply for university? 

The application window for UCAS opens in early September and runs until mid-January of the following year (most undergraduate courses in English universities use January 15th as a deadline). 

It’s recommended to apply as early as possible, as some programmes and universities may have limited places available.  

How many universities can you apply to? 

Through UCAS, you can apply to up to five universities at once. It’s important to choose universities that are a good fit for your interests, academic abilities, and career goals. 

Do you have to pay to apply for university? 

Yes, there is an application fee to apply for university through UCAS. For example, the fee for 2022 entry was £22 for a single choice, or £26 for multiple choices.  

Some students may be eligible for a fee waiver, so it’s worth checking with UCAS to see if you qualify.  

How many A Levels do you need for university? 

The number of A Levels required for university depends on the course you want to study and the university you apply to.  

Most universities require students to have at least two A Levels, although some courses may require more.  

For example, a course in medicine or dentistry may require students to have three A Levels, including chemistry and biology.  

It’s important to check the entry requirements for your chosen course at your preferred universities to see what A Levels are required. 

Are online A Levels accepted by universities? 

Yes, online A Levels are accepted by universities as long as they are accredited by an official examining board, such as AQA, Edexcel, or OCR.   

It’s important to research the accreditation of the online course before enrolling to ensure that it will be accepted by universities.  

Can you go to university without A Levels? 

Yes, there are other qualifications that can be accepted by universities in place of A Levels, such as BTECs, vocational qualifications, and an Access to Higher Education Diploma.  

However, these qualifications will depend on the course and university you are applying to. It’s important to check the entry requirements for your chosen course at your preferred universities to see what qualifications are accepted.  

Some of our NCFE CACHE and AAT courses we offer also provide students with UCAS points. We do, however, recommend to check the outcomes on the individual course pages to find out more on whether the course can provide you with UCAS points.  

Do universities look at GCSEs? 

Yes, universities will often look at GCSEs as part of their admissions process, although the importance placed on GCSEs will vary depending on the course and university you are applying to. 

Generally, universities will look at a student’s GCSE grades to assess their academic ability and potential, especially if they don’t have many or any A Levels.  

Some universities may have specific GCSE requirements for certain courses, so it’s important to check the entry requirements for your chosen course at your preferred university. 

Ready to take the next step in your education and pursue a university degree? We are here to support you every step of the way. With our A Levels, Access to Higher Education Diplomas, and other courses, we can help you meet the entry requirements for your chosen university course and your academic goals. 

Don’t let anything hold you back from your dreams. Enrol in an Open Study College course today and take the first step towards your future.