Parents information - When to apply
When to apply
Application timeline
June–September
Decide on the course and institution.
September–January
Your son/daughter uses the UCAS online service 'Apply' (www.ucas.com/students/apply|) to select up to five places on full-time courses. Early application is advised, although UCAS applications may be accepted until 30 June.
January–April
Offers are received from higher education institutions. Your son/daughter will need to select two choices, one of which will be their preferred or 'firm' choice, and the other an 'insurance' choice in case they do not get the grades the first course requires. Offers are either conditional (the place depends on grades achieved) or unconditional (your son/daughter has alreadymet the entry requirements of the course).
February-June
Decide which place to select and which places to decline. Once your son/daughter accepts an offer, they are committed to it, which means they cannot apply anywhere else. They will need to reply to the offer by the date shown on the UCAS online 'Track' service (www.ucas.com/students/track|).
July–mid-September
Exam results are received. All details of offers, confirmed and declined, will be available on UCAS Track. If your son/daughter has exceeded their conditions, UCAS offers an 'Adjustment' period. If they have missed their required grades, they may still be offered a place at their firm or insurance choice. Alternatively, they will enter the 'Clearing' process. All this information, and more, can be found at www.ucas.com|
Application deadlines (2012 entry)
Please remember that specific courses and institutions have different entry dates, but for most courses, applications received up to and including 15 January 2012 will be regarded as on time and will be considered by the universities that have been chosen.
After 15 January, Southampton Solent University will consider applications that are received up to 30 June 2012, but only if we still have vacancies in the course(s) that are selected.
Some specific courses have earlier start dates, such as nursing diplomas, which can start as early as January. If your son/daughter wants to apply for a course that starts before September, they must check with the universities and colleges whether they need to apply before the 15 January deadline.