What to expect after you submit your UCAS application

Submitting your university applications can feel overwhelming, and the anticipation of what comes next can be nerve-wracking—I’ve been there myself, so I completely understand how you’re feeling. Waiting for your UCAS results brings so many questions and uncertainties, but don’t worry, I’m here to help guide you through the next few months. Having gone through this process a few years ago, I know how uneasy this time can seem, but I want to reassure you that everything will work out, and I’ll do my best to ease any concerns you may have along the way!

The starting gate

Once you’ve pressed submit on your UCAS application, you’ll receive an email confirming that it’s been sent to your chosen universities. That’s when the waiting game begins.

I still vividly remember the mix of excitement and nerves after hitting submit. It felt like such a huge moment, but I quickly realised that the hard part wasn’t over yet — the waiting was! I used to check UCAS obsessively every day, hoping for updates. My advice? Try not to fall into that trap (easier said than done, I know). Universities will respond in their own time, and soon enough, your offers will start rolling in.

So, how long will it take?

Unfortunately, there’s no set timeline for when you’ll hear back from universities — it varies depending on the course and the number of applications they’ve received. Some universities might respond within a week, while others could take a few months. The uncertainty can feel frustrating, but trust me, patience is key.

I remember feeling really disheartened when a friend of mine got an offer within days, and I was still waiting weeks later. Looking back, I realise that every course and university operates differently, so don’t compare your timeline to anyone else’s. Focus on what’s within your control — keep yourself busy, and before you know it, you’ll see updates on your UCAS portal.

Offers and interviews

Once responses start coming in, you’ll receive one of two types of offers: conditional or unconditional. A conditional offer means your place depends on achieving specific grades, while an unconditional offer secures your spot regardless of results.

In some cases, universities may also ask you to attend an interview, either in person or online. I know interviews can feel nerve-racking, but they’re also an amazing opportunity to make yourself stand out, ask any lingering questions about the course and get a better feel for the university. I remember attending an online interview for one of my choices and realising how approachable the course lecturers were. That experience gave me a lot of reassurance and actually made me more excited about studying there.

Making your decision

After all your offers are in, it’s time to make an important decision: selecting your firm and backup choices.

• Your firm choice should be the university you absolutely see yourself attending — it’s your top pick.
• Your backup choice is your safety net, a second option in case your firm choice doesn’t work out or you change your mind.

While it’s not mandatory to have a backup choice, I’d strongly recommend it. For me, having a backup gave me peace of mind while waiting for my A-Level results. It felt good knowing I had a solid plan B in place, just in case.

Receiving your results

Once you’ve received your A-Level results, your university place will typically be confirmed within 24 hours. Seeing that confirmation pop up on the UCAS portal is one of the most exciting and relieving moments of the whole process. I still remember the rush of joy when I logged in and saw my place at Leeds Beckett was secured — it felt like all the hard work and waiting had finally paid off.

But what happens if things don’t go quite as planned? Don’t panic — Clearing is there to help. Clearing is a system that matches students without offers to courses that still have spaces. Whether you didn’t meet the conditions of your offer, decided to change your mind, or are applying late, Clearing is an amazing second chance to secure a university place.

I had a friend who ended up going through Clearing, and while they were initially stressed, it turned out to be one of the best decisions they ever made and a super easy process. They found a course they loved, and the university was so supportive throughout. If you find yourself in Clearing, stay calm, do your research, and reach out to universities directly — they’ll be happy to guide you through. 

Using UCAS resources

If you ever feel stuck or need extra guidance, the UCAS website is a fantastic resource. It’s packed with helpful tips and information to guide you through every stage of the application process. I used it so much during my own journey — it really helped clear up any questions I had along the way.

You've got this!

Applying to university can feel overwhelming at times, but remember, you’re not alone. Everyone goes through the same process, and soon enough, you’ll have clarity about the next step in your journey. Good luck — I can’t wait for you to experience this exciting chapter of your life!