When Should You Start Thinking About University?

You do not need to decide your entire future at 14.

You also should not wait until the week before your UCAS deadline to discover that your preferred course requires a particular subject, admissions test or portfolio.

The best approach is to think about university gradually.

During Years 9, 10 and 11, this might mean exploring subjects, careers and post-16 options. During Year 12, university research becomes more focused. By Year 13, you should be ready to complete your application and make informed choices.

UCAS says that university choices and applications are usually started in Year 12 or Year 13. However, earlier exploration can help students make suitable GCSE, A-level, BTEC, T Level or other post-16 choices without requiring them to commit to one exact career.

A useful university preparation timeline is:

Stage	Main Focus
Years 7 to 9	Explore interests, strengths and careers
Year 10	Begin connecting subjects with future routes
Year 11	Choose suitable post-16 subjects and qualifications
Early Year 12	Explore courses, careers and entry requirements
Spring and summer of Year 12	Attend open days and build a shortlist
Summer before Year 13	Prepare application content and admissions tests
Autumn of Year 13	Finalise and submit the UCAS application
Spring of Year 13	Compare offers and plan finance and accommodation
Results Day	Confirm the place or explore alternatives

You do not need to complete every task years in advance.

You need enough time to investigate your options properly and avoid closing important routes accidentally.

The Quick Answer

Most students should begin serious university research during Year 12.

However, it is helpful to start thinking more broadly during Years 10 and 11, particularly when choosing post-16 subjects.

Students considering:

• Medicine.

• Dentistry.

• Veterinary medicine.

• Oxford or Cambridge.

• Conservatoire study.

• Courses requiring portfolios.

• Courses requiring admissions tests.

• Highly competitive apprenticeships.

may need to begin focused preparation earlier than students applying to courses with the main January UCAS deadline.

For 2027 entry, applications opened on 12 May 2026 and can be submitted from 1 September 2026. The deadline for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses is 15 October 2026. The main equal consideration deadline for most other undergraduate courses is 13 January 2027.

Schools and colleges often set internal deadlines before the official UCAS dates so that staff have time to check applications, add references and include predicted grades.

Is It Ever Too Early to Think About University?

It is never too early to explore possibilities.

It can be too early to pressure yourself into making a permanent choice.

A student in Year 8 or Year 9 does not need:

• A final university shortlist.

• A completed career plan.

• A preferred degree title.

• A personal statement draft.

• A list of graduate employers.

At this stage, useful questions include:

• Which subjects do I enjoy?

• Which topics make me curious?

• What am I good at?

• Do I prefer practical or academic work?

• Which careers sound interesting?

• Do any careers require particular qualifications?

• Would I enjoy university, an apprenticeship or another route?

Exploration should expand your options rather than make you feel trapped by an early decision.

Years 7 to 9: Explore Without Pressure

During the early years of secondary school, focus on learning about yourself and the range of routes available.

You could:

• Notice which subjects interest you.

• Take part in clubs or activities.

• Attend school careers events.

• Talk to adults about their jobs.

• Explore career profiles.

• Visit museums, workplaces or public events.

• Try coding, writing, sport, art, science or volunteering.

• Learn what universities, colleges and apprenticeships offer.

You do not need to choose a degree.

A student who currently enjoys biology might later become interested in:

• Medicine.

• Psychology.

• Environmental science.

• Physiotherapy.

• Neuroscience.

• Teaching.

• Veterinary science.

• Laboratory work.

• A healthcare apprenticeship.

The purpose of early exploration is to discover possibilities, not reduce them to one answer.

Year 9: Think Carefully About GCSE Choices

GCSE choices can influence which subjects you are able to study later, although compulsory subjects already provide many of the qualifications universities commonly require.

When choosing options, consider:

• Subjects you enjoy.

• Subjects you perform well in.

• Future A-level or college requirements.

• Whether a career has specific subject expectations.

• The balance of academic and practical subjects.

• Your likely workload.

Do not choose a GCSE solely because you believe a famous university will be impressed by it.

At this stage, the strongest choices usually involve subjects that:

• Keep useful options open.

• Suit your strengths.

• You are likely to engage with.

• Support your likely post-16 route.

Ask your school whether particular A-level subjects require the related GCSE.

For example, a sixth form may require a particular GCSE grade before allowing a student to study mathematics, chemistry or a modern language at A level.

Year 10: Begin Connecting Subjects With Careers

Year 10 is a good time to begin making gentle connections between:

• School subjects.

• Post-16 choices.

• University courses.

• Apprenticeships.

• Careers.

You do not need to decide which university you want to attend.

Instead, investigate questions such as:

• What can you study after enjoying geography?

• Which careers use mathematics?

• What is the difference between psychology and psychiatry?

• Which university courses involve design?

• What does an engineer actually do?

• Which careers require a degree?

• Which careers can be entered through an apprenticeship?

Try short activities, including:

• Online career quizzes.

• Virtual work experience.

• University outreach events.

• Subject lectures.

• Workplace visits.

• Volunteering.

• Reading beyond the school curriculum.

UCAS provides virtual work-experience opportunities across sectors and encourages students to explore careers and courses through its Hub, subject guides and events.

At this stage, curiosity matters more than collecting impressive achievements.

Year 11: Choose Post-16 Subjects With University in Mind

Year 11 is one of the most important early planning stages because your post-16 subject choices can affect which university courses remain available.

Before choosing A levels, BTECs, T Levels or another route:

1. Explore several possible degrees or careers.

2. Check whether they require particular subjects.

3. Check sixth-form or college entry requirements.

4. Consider how you prefer to learn and be assessed.

5. Keep more than one route open where possible.

Some university courses require or strongly prefer particular subjects.

Examples may include:

• Mathematics for some economics, computing or engineering courses.

• Chemistry for many medicine or chemistry degrees.

• Biology or chemistry for some healthcare and life-science courses.

• A portfolio for some art and design courses.

• Music qualifications or auditions for some conservatoire courses.

Requirements vary between courses and universities.

Always check actual course pages rather than relying on a general list.

Read Required Subjects Explained and Typical A-Level Requirements by Subject before finalising post-16 choices.

Do Universities Care Which A Levels You Choose?

Yes, where a course has required or preferred subjects.

For other degrees, universities may accept a broad range of subjects.

When choosing, consider:

• Required subjects.

• Preferred subjects.

• Subjects you enjoy.

• Subjects in which you can achieve strong grades.

• Your likely course combination.

• The assessment style.

• Your workload.

Do not choose three subjects you dislike simply because they sound impressive.

Universities are unlikely to be reassured by a supposedly strategic subject combination followed by weak grades, poor motivation and eighteen months of misery.

What If You Have No Idea What You Want to Study?

That is normal.

Begin by creating broad categories rather than searching for one perfect degree.

Ask whether you are most interested in:

• People and society.

• Science and health.

• Numbers and data.

• Business and organisations.

• Language and communication.

• History and culture.

• Technology.

• Design and creativity.

• The environment.

• Law and public policy.

• Practical or technical work.

Then explore related courses.

For example, an interest in people and society could lead to:

• Psychology.

• Sociology.

• Education.

• Social policy.

• Criminology.

• Anthropology.

• Politics.

• Social work.

You can narrow the list as you learn more.

Read What Degree Should I Study? A Complete Guide for a structured decision-making process.

Year 12: Begin Serious University Research

For most students, Year 12 is the ideal time to move from broad exploration to focused university planning.

UCAS materials for schools describe spring of Year 12 as a key stage for researching what and where to study, understanding application components and investigating entry requirements.

During Year 12, aim to:

• Explore course subjects.

• Compare degree types.

• Check entry requirements.

• Attend university events.

• Consider career routes.

• Build relevant subject knowledge.

• Investigate admissions tests.

• Begin discussing predicted grades.

• Consider costs and location.

• Create an initial shortlist.

You should not wait until Year 13 to discover the basic requirements of your preferred course.

Autumn of Year 12: Explore Subjects and Routes

During the first term of Year 12, focus on questions such as:

• Do I want to attend university?

• Which subjects might I study?

• Which careers require a degree?

• Would an apprenticeship suit me better?

• Do I want a practical or academic course?

• Would I prefer a single or joint honours degree?

• Do I want a placement or study-abroad year?

• Would a foundation year be useful?

Explore course titles, but do not assume similar names mean identical content.

UCAS advises students to compare course structures, modules, study methods, locations and types of undergraduate qualification. Bachelor’s degrees may focus on one subject, combine two subjects or include several disciplines, and many courses contain both compulsory and optional modules.

Read How to Choose the Right Degree Course, Joint Honours vs Single Honours Degrees and Placement Years: Are They Worth It?

Check Entry Requirements Early

For each course, investigate:

• Typical A-level, BTEC or T Level requirements.

• Required subjects.

• GCSE requirements.

• UCAS Tariff points.

• Admissions tests.

• Interviews.

• Portfolios.

• Work experience.

• English language requirements.

• Contextual offers.

Do not look only at the headline grades.

A course asking for AAB may also require:

• An A in a particular subject.

• GCSE mathematics at a particular grade.

• An admissions test.

• A portfolio.

• Relevant experience.

Entry requirements also do not guarantee an offer.

Universities may consider the wider application and the level of competition.

Read Understanding University Entry Requirements.

Understand Contextual Admissions

Some universities consider an applicant’s achievements and potential in the context of their educational or personal circumstances.

Relevant factors may include:

• Care experience.

• Estrangement.

• Financial hardship.

• School or college attended.

• Home area.

• Eligibility for certain financial support.

• Other barriers affecting education.

This may lead to additional consideration, a reduced offer or another form of support. Policies differ between universities.

Check eligibility early.

Some widening-participation programmes, summer schools and access schemes require applications during Year 12.

Do not assume that the university will identify every circumstance automatically.

Spring of Year 12: Build an Initial Shortlist

By spring, aim to identify:

• Several subjects or course types.

• A range of universities.

• Different locations.

• Realistic entry requirements.

• One or two ambitious options.

• Courses with more achievable requirements.

Your initial list may be much longer than the five choices eventually included in a UCAS application.

That is fine.

At this stage, you are comparing:

• Modules.

• Assessment.

• Accreditation.

• Placements.

• Teaching.

• Location.

• Accommodation.

• Support.

• Costs.

• Graduate opportunities.

Keep notes.

After researching twelve universities, it becomes remarkably easy to forget which one offered the excellent placement and which one simply had the excellent library photograph.

Attend UCAS Events and University Open Days

Open days can help you:

• Visit the department.

• Speak to lecturers.

• Meet current students.

• Explore accommodation.

• Compare facilities.

• Understand teaching and assessment.

• Experience the location.

• Ask about student support.

UCAS describes open days as one of the best ways to experience university life and decide whether a campus and course are a good fit. Its guidance for schools recommends that Year 12 students considering university attend at least two open days where possible.

Open days are commonly held during:

• Spring.

• Early summer.

• Autumn.

Some fill quickly, so book in advance.

Where you cannot attend physically, use:

• Virtual open days.

• Online campus tours.

• Department webinars.

• Applicant question sessions.

• Recorded course talks.

Read How to Get the Most from an Open Day and Virtual Open Days: Are They Worth It?

What Should You Look for at an Open Day?

Do not focus only on whether the campus looks attractive.

Ask:

• What will I study in each year?

• Which modules are compulsory?

• How will I be assessed?

• How many teaching hours are typical?

• Are placements guaranteed or competitive?

• What support is available?

• How does accommodation allocation work?

• What do current students like and dislike?

• What careers do graduates enter?

• Is the course professionally accredited?

• What happens if I want to change modules?

• What are the real living costs?

Explore the surrounding area.

A university can offer an excellent course while being in a location that does not suit you.

Develop Supercurricular Experience

Supercurricular activities are subject-related activities completed beyond your normal course.

Examples include:

• Reading.

• Podcasts.

• Lectures.

• Online courses.

• Academic competitions.

• Research projects.

• Museum or gallery visits.

• Subject clubs.

• Summer schools.

• Relevant work experience.

• Volunteering.

• Personal projects.

The UCAS personal statement questions allow applicants to discuss preparation outside formal education, including work experience, employment, volunteering, online learning, summer schools and personal responsibilities.

Do not collect activities simply to create a long list.

After each one, record:

• What did I learn?

• What interested me?

• Did it change my thinking?

• Which skills did I develop?

• How does it connect to the course?

• Do I want to explore the topic further?

Reflection matters more than quantity.

Read Supercurricular Activities Explained.

Do You Need Work Experience?

It depends on the course.

Relevant experience may be particularly important where applicants need to demonstrate an understanding of:

• Healthcare.

• Teaching.

• Social work.

• Veterinary practice.

• Other professional environments.

For many academic subjects, wider reading, projects and intellectual exploration may be more useful than formal workplace experience.

Where placements are difficult to secure, alternatives may include:

• Virtual work experience.

• Volunteering.

• Part-time work.

• Caring responsibilities.

• Interviews with professionals.

• Online courses.

• Relevant independent projects.

The important question is not simply where you went.

It is what you learned and how it influenced your understanding.

Summer Schools and Outreach Programmes

Year 11 and Year 12 students may be eligible for:

• University summer schools.

• Residential programmes.

• Subject taster courses.

• Widening-participation schemes.

• Mentoring.

• Campus visits.

• Application support.

UCAS lists pre-university residential summer schools for Year 11 and Year 12 students, with some programmes prioritising students who meet widening-participation criteria.

Applications may open months before the programme begins.

Check:

• Eligibility.

• Cost.

• Travel.

• Accommodation.

• Application deadline.

• Whether participation affects contextual offers.

• Accessibility support.

Investigate Admissions Tests During Year 12

Some courses require admissions tests.

Most tests take place between August and November in the year before the course begins, and some registration deadlines occur before the UCAS application deadline.

During Year 12:

1. Check every possible course for test requirements.

2. Identify the correct test.

3. Record registration dates.

4. Review official preparation materials.

5. Ask about access arrangements.

6. Check test-centre and identification requirements.

7. Begin preparation at an appropriate time.

Do not assume that your school will automatically register you.

Read Complete Guide to University Admissions Tests and the relevant test guide.

Students Applying to Oxford or Cambridge

Students considering Oxford or Cambridge should begin serious research during Year 12.

They may need to consider:

• The earlier UCAS deadline.

• College choice.

• Admissions tests.

• Written work.

• Interviews.

• Course-specific requirements.

• Additional forms.

For 2027 entry, the equal consideration deadline is 15 October 2026.

This leaves much less application time during Year 13.

Use Year 12 to:

• Compare courses.

• Attend open days.

• Explore subject content.

• Complete relevant reading.

• Investigate tests.

• Discuss suitability with teachers.

• Practise explaining academic ideas.

Do not apply purely for prestige or because other people expect you to.

Students Applying for Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Courses

These students should normally begin planning early in Year 12, and sometimes before, because preparation may include:

• Relevant experience.

• Admissions tests.

• Researching professional roles.

• Ethical and scientific discussion.

• Interview preparation.

• An early UCAS deadline.

For 2027 entry, most medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 on 15 October 2026.

Students should check each course individually.

Requirements and selection methods vary.

Read the relevant subject-specific admissions guides.

Students Applying for Art, Design or Creative Courses

Creative courses may require:

• A portfolio.

• Audition.

• Interview.

• Written task.

• Digital submission.

• Foundation course.

Begin checking requirements during Year 12 so that you have time to create, select and improve work.

Do not assume one identical portfolio will suit every course.

Universities may ask for:

• Different formats.

• Different numbers of pieces.

• Process work.

• Sketchbooks.

• Written explanations.

• Specific technical evidence.

Attend portfolio workshops and read each provider’s guidance carefully.

Students Applying to Conservatoires

Conservatoire applications can follow different dates and processes from standard undergraduate applications.

For 2027 entry, UCAS Conservatoires applications opened on 9 July 2026. The deadline for most music courses is 1 October 2026, while the deadline for most dance, drama and musical theatre courses is 13 January 2027.

Preparation may include:

• Auditions.

• Portfolios.

• Recordings.

• Repertoire.

• Performance experience.

• Travel.

• Specialist references.

Begin investigating requirements during Year 12.

Summer Before Year 13: Turn Research Into Decisions

The summer before Year 13 is an excellent time to organise everything you have learned.

Aim to:

• Narrow your course list.

• Review open-day notes.

• Check entry requirements again.

• Record admissions-test dates.

• Prepare test registration.

• Draft personal statement responses.

• Organise your activities and reflections.

• Update qualification details.

• Research contextual eligibility.

• Plan further open days.

• Discuss likely predicted grades.

Do not spend the whole summer writing a polished application before receiving guidance from your school or college.

Instead, gather the content you will need.

Prepare for the New UCAS Personal Statement Questions

For 2026 entry onwards, applicants respond to three questions:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?

2. How have your qualifications and studies prepared you?

3. What have you done outside formal education to prepare, and why are those experiences useful?

The responses share a combined 4,000-character limit, including spaces. Universities consider the responses together.

During the summer, make notes about:

• Subject motivation.

• Relevant topics studied.

• Academic skills.

• Reading.

• Projects.

• Work experience.

• Volunteering.

• Employment.

• Personal responsibilities.

• What each experience taught you.

Do not begin by trying to write a dramatic opening sentence.

Begin with evidence.

Read Understanding the New UCAS Personal Statement Format and How to Answer Each UCAS Question.

Year 13: Complete and Submit the Application

By the beginning of Year 13, you should ideally know:

• The general subject you are applying for.

• Which entry requirements apply.

• Whether an admissions test is required.

• Your school’s internal deadline.

• Which open days remain to attend.

• Which experiences you may discuss.

• Whether contextual information applies.

During the autumn term:

• Complete personal details.

• Enter qualifications accurately.

• Review course choices.

• Finalise personal statement responses.

• Complete admissions tests.

• Submit portfolios or written work where required.

• Prepare for interviews.

• Check the reference process.

• Proofread the application.

Applications for 2027 entry can be submitted from 1 September 2026.

Follow your school or college deadline even when it is earlier than the official UCAS deadline.

Do Not Rush Your Five Choices

Students can normally include up to five choices, subject to restrictions for some professional courses.

You do not rank the five initial choices in preference order.

Build a balanced shortlist containing courses that are:

• Academically realistic.

• Genuinely appealing.

• Suitable in content.

• Affordable.

• Located somewhere you could live.

• Appropriate for your likely grades.

Avoid choosing five courses with identical high requirements unless you have considered the risk carefully.

Every course should be somewhere you would seriously consider attending.

Keep Researching After You Apply

Submitting the application is not the end of the decision process.

Continue to:

• Attend applicant days.

• Compare course content.

• Research accommodation.

• Check student finance.

• Prepare for interviews.

• Respond to university requests.

• Review your choices.

• Investigate scholarships and bursaries.

Your understanding may change after visiting again or receiving more detailed course information.

Do not select a firm and insurance choice simply because you are relieved to receive offers.

Read Firm and Insurance Choices Explained.

When Should You Think About Student Finance?

Begin discussing costs during Year 12.

You do not need to complete the application that early, but you should understand:

• Tuition fee support.

• Maintenance support.

• Household income assessment.

• Likely accommodation costs.

• Travel.

• Family contributions.

• Scholarships.

• Bursaries.

• Part-time work.

• Regional differences.

University choice should not be made without considering affordability.

A course may look suitable until you compare:

• Rent.

• Contract length.

• Transport.

• Food.

• Required equipment.

• Placement travel.

Read Student Finance Explained, Cost of Living at University and Budgeting for Students.

When Should Parents Become Involved?

Parents and carers can support university planning from the early exploration stage.

Useful involvement includes:

• Discussing interests.

• Attending some open days.

• Asking practical questions.

• Helping compare costs.

• Supporting travel.

• Encouraging realistic research.

• Proofreading factual details.

• Remaining calm around deadlines.

Parents should avoid:

• Choosing the course.

• Writing the personal statement.

• Contacting universities about routine matters.

• Treating one institution as the only acceptable outcome.

• Comparing the student with friends or siblings.

• Assuming university is the only worthwhile route.

The application should belong to the student.

Read Supporting Your Child Through UCAS.

Should You Think About Alternatives at the Same Time?

Yes.

Researching alternatives does not show a lack of commitment to university.

Compare:

• Degree apprenticeships.

• Higher apprenticeships.

• Employment.

• Further education.

• Professional training.

• Gap years.

• Foundation years.

• Part-time study.

• Applying later.

A student may discover that a degree apprenticeship provides:

• The relevant qualification.

• Paid experience.

• A more suitable learning style.

Another may decide that university offers access to specialist teaching and opportunities unavailable through other routes.

The purpose of research is to make an informed choice, not defend a decision made before the evidence was collected.

What If You Start Thinking About University Late?

You may still have options.

Begin by identifying:

1. The course or subjects that interest you.

2. The relevant entry requirements.

3. The application deadline.

4. Any admissions tests, interviews or portfolios.

5. Your school or college process.

6. Suitable universities.

7. Alternatives.

Contact:

• A school or college adviser.

• UCAS.

• University admissions teams.

• Careers services.

Courses may continue accepting applications after the main deadline where vacancies remain, but applications submitted by the equal consideration deadline receive equal consideration. For 2027 entry, the main deadline is 13 January 2027.

Do not give up because you have started later than other students.

Focus on the next necessary action.

What If You Change Your Mind?

Changing your mind is normal.

Research may lead you from:

• One subject to a related subject.

• A single degree to joint honours.

• University to an apprenticeship.

• Moving away to living at home.

• A direct degree to a foundation year.

• Immediate entry to a gap year.

The purpose of beginning early is not to lock yourself into your first idea.

It is to give yourself enough time to change direction without panic.

Keep checking whether your choice still fits:

• Your interests.

• Your strengths.

• Your career ideas.

• Your likely results.

• Your finances.

• Your preferred way of learning.

University Preparation Timeline

Years 7 to 9

• Explore subjects and careers.

• Try clubs and activities.

• Attend school careers events.

• Learn about university and apprenticeships.

• Notice your interests and strengths.

• Avoid pressuring yourself into a final decision.

Year 10

• Explore careers connected to your subjects.

• Try virtual or short work experiences.

• Attend outreach activities.

• Begin thinking about post-16 routes.

• Ask whether any careers require particular subjects.

Year 11

• Research possible university subjects.

• Check post-16 subject requirements.

• Choose suitable A levels or vocational courses.

• Attend sixth-form and college events.

• Keep several routes open.

• Focus on achieving strong GCSE results.

Autumn of Year 12

• Explore course subjects.

• Compare university and apprenticeship routes.

• Check entry requirements.

• Identify required subjects.

• Begin relevant wider reading.

• Create a UCAS Hub account for exploration where useful.

Spring of Year 12

• Build an initial course list.

• Attend UCAS events.

• Book open days.

• Research contextual admissions.

• Investigate work experience.

• Explore summer schools.

• Check admissions-test requirements.

Summer of Year 12

• Attend open days.

• Compare courses.

• Narrow the shortlist.

• Organise supercurricular evidence.

• Prepare admissions-test registration.

• Begin personal statement notes.

• Review costs and locations.

• Check early application requirements.

Summer Before Year 13

• Finalise the likely subject.

• Review the five-choice shortlist.

• Draft personal statement responses.

• Organise qualification details.

• Record deadlines.

• Prepare for tests.

• Follow school guidance.

• Book remaining open days.

Autumn of Year 13

• Complete the UCAS application.

• Meet the internal deadline.

• Sit admissions tests.

• Submit portfolios or written work.

• Prepare for interviews.

• Check emails and applicant portals.

• Continue comparing courses.

Spring of Year 13

• Attend offer-holder days.

• Compare offers.

• Select firm and insurance choices.

• Apply for student finance.

• Apply for accommodation.

• Research scholarships and bursaries.

• Plan for Results Day.

University Planning Checklist

Early Exploration

• Which subjects do I enjoy?

• Which tasks do I perform well?

• Which careers interest me?

• Do those careers require a degree?

• Would I prefer academic or work-based learning?

• Which post-16 subjects keep my options open?

Course Research

• What will I study?

• Which modules are compulsory?

• How is the course assessed?

• What are the entry requirements?

• Are specific subjects required?

• Is the course accredited?

• Are placements included?

• Can I study abroad?

• What do graduates do?

University Research

• Would I prefer a city or campus?

• How far from home do I want to be?

• What does accommodation cost?

• What support is available?

• Can I afford the location?

• How easy is travel?

• What did I think of the open day?

• Would I genuinely live there?

Application Preparation

• What is my internal deadline?

• Do I need an admissions test?

• Do I need an interview?

• Is a portfolio required?

• Have I recorded my activities and reflections?

• Are my qualification details correct?

• Have I checked contextual eligibility?

• Is the shortlist balanced?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Age to Start Thinking About University?

Begin broad exploration around Years 9 to 11.

Serious course and university research should usually begin during Year 12. UCAS says university choices and applications are generally started in Year 12 or Year 13.

Is Year 9 Too Early to Think About University?

It is too early to require a final decision, but not too early to explore interests and consider how GCSE choices may connect to later subjects.

Should You Choose a Career Before Choosing A Levels?

Not necessarily.

It is useful to explore several possible careers so you can identify any required subjects. You do not need one permanent career plan.

When Should You Start Looking at University Courses?

Begin broad searches in Year 11 or early Year 12.

By spring of Year 12, start comparing specific course content and entry requirements.

When Should You Start Visiting Universities?

Most students begin attending open days during Year 12.

UCAS describes open days as a valuable way to explore campuses, courses and student life.

How Many Open Days Should You Attend?

There is no required number.

UCAS guidance for schools suggests that Year 12 students considering university visit at least two where possible.

Attend enough to compare different courses or university environments.

When Should You Start Preparing a Personal Statement?

Begin collecting ideas and examples during Year 12.

Draft the responses during the summer before Year 13 or according to your school’s schedule.

What Are the Current Personal Statement Questions?

For 2026 entry onwards, applicants answer three questions about:

• Why they want to study the subject.

• How their qualifications have prepared them.

• What they have done outside formal education to prepare.

The responses share a 4,000-character limit.

When Should You Start Preparing for Admissions Tests?

Check requirements during Year 12.

Most tests take place between August and November before university entry, and some registration deadlines fall before the UCAS deadline.

When Does the UCAS Application Open?

For 2027 entry, applications opened on 12 May 2026 and can be submitted from 1 September 2026.

Dates change each cycle, so always check the current official timetable.

What Is the UCAS Deadline for 2027 Entry?

The deadline is:

• 15 October 2026 at 18:00 UK time for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses.

• 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time for most other undergraduate courses.

Your school may set an earlier deadline.

Is Year 13 Too Late to Start Thinking About University?

No, but you will need to work quickly.

Check deadlines, entry requirements and any admissions tests immediately. Ask your school or college for support.

Can You Apply After the Main UCAS Deadline?

Courses may still consider applications where places remain, but applications submitted by the relevant equal consideration deadline are guaranteed equal consideration.

Late applicants should check availability and contact universities where appropriate.

Do You Need Work Experience for University?

It depends on the course.

Professional courses may expect evidence that you understand the role. Many academic courses place more emphasis on subject exploration, reading and relevant skills.

What Are Supercurricular Activities?

They are activities related to the subject you may study, completed beyond your formal lessons.

Examples include reading, lectures, online courses, projects, competitions and relevant work experience.

Should You Know Exactly What Job You Want Before Applying?

No.

Many degrees lead to several careers. You should understand the course and possible progression routes, but you do not need to predict your entire working life.

Is It Better to Start Early?

Yes, provided early preparation means exploration rather than pressure.

Starting early gives you time to compare options, attend open days, meet test deadlines and change your mind.

What If Your Predicted Grades Are Lower Than the Course Requirements?

Create a balanced shortlist.

You may include an ambitious option, but also choose courses close to and below your predicted grades. Check contextual-offer eligibility as well.

Should Parents Choose the University?

No.

Parents can help with research, visits, costs and practical questions, but the student should make the final decision.

Should You Consider Apprenticeships as Well?

Yes.

Comparing university with degree apprenticeships and other routes can help you decide which learning and career route suits you best.

Final Advice

You should not begin university planning with the question:

“Which university am I going to attend?”

Begin with:

“What am I interested in, and which routes could help me develop it?”

During Years 9 to 11, explore.

During Year 12, research seriously.

During Year 13, apply carefully.

Starting early gives you time to:

• Understand your interests.

• Choose suitable subjects.

• Compare courses.

• Attend open days.

• Complete supercurricular activities.

• Prepare for admissions tests.

• Consider costs.

• Change your mind.

It does not mean deciding everything immediately.

The strongest university choices are rarely made in one dramatic moment.

They develop through a series of smaller decisions, questions, visits and discoveries.

Begin early enough to explore properly, but give yourself permission to change direction as you learn more.