UCAS

So recently, I had my very first UCAS referee meeting and I have no idea how these things go or for that matter what UCAS even is! Coming from Canada, only a year ago, I have little knowledge of how these things go and so I have decided to compile this post with information on how to apply and the general process for application into medicine.

UCAS, which stands for The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is the British admission process for applying to universities and colleges, as nearly all British higher education institutions are members of UCAS. Applicants must submit an online form listing their subjects, grades and a personal statement, which can be submitted to 5 universities, which are all confidential so other universities cannot see the candidates other choices.Those applying for medicine (such as myself), dentistry or veterinary science courses can only make 4 choices to universities (for these courses), with the fifth being for a different course (such as biochemistry), without prejudice from any universities. 

Additionally, any applications made to Oxford or Cambridge must be made a hard deadline (typically October 15th) and candidates cannot apply to both universities and must pick one of the two. Offers are either conditional (dependant on future grades of the candidate) or unconditional, however once the student has received responses from their universities they must respond by accepting up to two, one firm acceptance and one insurance acceptance, with the others being declined. However, final place confirmations are made during August, typically after A-level results.

So there is a brief description of the application system for UCAS (in Britain) and i hope you found that useful!