University application

jarbon

Im interested in making an application to sheffield university but im still deciding on the exact course.

Im not sure if all universities are the same but the original closing date for applications is mid january but you can still apply after this date until mid june and then it depends on how many places there are left etc.

But does anyone know if it would make a difference if i apply sooner rather than later? or do they wait till after june to decide on the applications?

GothicStirling

Best to call the University direct. I suspect that you may have to wait until the clearing process now.

podperson

Can't comment on the specific university but how they generally work it is that the second wave of applications is done in Jan, places are offered around March/April and after that any further applications have to rely on how popular the course is (whether they have filled all the places), people who drop out or go with another choice of university and people who don't meet the requirements if they are offered conditional places. I would say ideally get the application in as soon as possible as you will still need to go in for interview, etc.

MrsManda

jarbon wrote: »

Im interested in making an application to sheffield university but im still deciding on the exact course.

Im not sure if all universities are the same but the original closing date for applications is mid january but you can still apply after this date until mid june and then it depends on how many places there are left etc.

But does anyone know if it would make a difference if i apply sooner rather than later? or do they wait till after june to decide on the applications?

The earlier a student applies the better as many universities start doing interviews in January. In theory universities should treat all applications received by UCAS by the 15th January as equal in terms of opportunity for a place i.e. they shouldn't give out all the places on a course prior to receiving these applications.

Applications received by UCAS after the 15th January but before 30th June your application is sent to all the universities on your application as it would if you applied prior to the 15th January however the more popular courses are likely to have offered most if not all of their places by this time.

If you don't receive any offers or apply after the 30th June you will be entered into Clearing.

It is not worth rushing your decision as to the course/university you wish to apply to. If you are getting funding through the standard SFE package then you receive funding for a maximum of the length of your course +1 year (unless you have to drop out due to extenuating circumstances) therefore it is better to be certain the first time round - plus it's a waste of your time and money if you choose a course/university in a rush and find out you hate it within a few months.

nimbo

Call the universities involved, as there are unlikely to be places available as anyone going to university next year will be subject to higher fees... and so many were turned down last year with all the cuts…

You can apply through UCAS however there is a cost associated with this, and some universities will allow you to go through clearing before you have filled in the forms - saving you the cash if there are no places...

Oldernotwiser

You might find that there are fewer places now and through Clearing because of the fee rise in 2012.

Do you already have the appropriate entry requirements or are you working towards them?

jarbon

Well i am looking to take an access/foundation course which entitles me to do a extra year on top of the additional course years, i havent got the qualifications as it is.

jarbon

Forgot to mention i am going in as a mature student, not sure if that makes any difference.

MsHoarder

Being a mature student doesn't make any difference to the application process, just to funding.

Give the university a ring and ask about the courses you are interested in, including whether spaces are still available. Then apply through UCAS, otherwise risk having problems with student finance or not being able to enter clearing.

The sooner you can make the decision, the more likely you are to get in this year.

GothicStirling

MsHoarder wrote: »

Being a mature student doesn't make any difference to the application process, just to funding.

Not necessarily. Plenty of universities positively discriminate towards mature students. Often taking lower grade, if they have relevant work experience.