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The UCAS deadline is fast approaching. January can feel like crunch time for Year 13 students finalising their applications, but by taking the steps outlined below during the Christmas break, you’ll feel confident that your application represents you at your best.  

With organisation and a little extra effort, you’ll be well on your way to meeting the deadline and taking the next exciting step in your university journey.  

1. Perfect your personal statement 

The personal statement is one of the most crucial parts of your application. If you haven’t finalised it yet, or feel it could use some polishing, read our tips to help you get it to its best.  

• Focus on the why: Try to demonstrate in your statement what genuinely interests you about the subject you have chosen and why you're well-suited to it. Use examples from your academic and personal experiences to back these up. Try to choose examples that show skills or knowledge relevant to your chosen course. 
• Be clear and to the point: Admissions tutors read a lot of applications, so the clearer and more straightforward you can be the better to make your statement stand out. Try to avoid clichés and be direct about what makes you a strong candidate. 
• Get feedback: Have a teacher, advisor, or family member review your statement. They can provide a fresh pair of eyes and let you know how well you’re communicating your strengths and passion for the course. 

2. Check and double-check 

When you feel like you’ve been working on something for such a long time, it’s easy to overlook small details, but they matter. It’s always best to check and double-check and if you have a friend or family member to help too, all the better.  

• Check course codes: Check each course code carefully on your UCAS application to make sure you’ve listed the correct programs. 
• Double-check your references: Ensure that your chosen referee has all the information they need and is aware of the deadline. If your referee hasn’t submitted their reference yet, it’s a good idea to send a gentle reminder. 
• Update personal information: Confirm that your contact details, address, and school information are up to date. Small details like these need to be accurate to avoid any miscommunication with UCAS or your chosen universities. 

3. Make the most of university resources 

Many universities offer resources specifically for prospective students, visit the admissions, accommodation and faculty websites of your chosen universities to find the following resourses. 

• Admissions webinars or Q&As: Some universities host virtual events for prospective students who may have last-minute questions. These sessions can be a valuable opportunity to learn more about the application process or to ask any remaining questions you may have. 
• Virtual tours: Review any virtual tours of the campus and the halls that the university may host on their website or attend a virtual open day. This will give you a good feel for the place and help you decide if you want it in your final five.  
• Course videos: course videos that universities have on their websites can help you feel more informed and certain about your choices and give you insights about what and where you’ll be studying. 

4. Preparing for potential interviews 

Some courses, especially those in Medicine, Law, or at highly competitive universities like Oxbridge, require interviews. If you have an upcoming interview, use this time to prepare: 

• Practice common questions: Research common interview questions for your subject, such as “Why do you want to study this subject?” or “What are your long-term goals?” 
• Understand the course content: Familiarise yourself with the key topics on the course and how they relate to your personal interests. This will help you answer questions with confidence and show real enthusiasm. 
• Mock interviews: If possible, practice with a teacher or someone experienced in your chosen field. This can help you refine your answers and build confidence in your responses. 

5. Stay organised, but take breaks 

Staying on top of application deadlines and to-dos as well as your studies can be stressful, so be sure to balance focused work time with relaxation. 

Create a timeline by listing all your application tasks, including any last-minute personal statement edits or double-checking requirements for each university and your study commitments. Use a calendar to plan out each step. 

But most importantly, allow yourself time to enjoy the holidays! Staying refreshed will help you keep a positive mindset and approach your tasks more effectively. 

Final checklist for January 

As the deadline approaches, go over this last checklist: