Whether you’re applying to start university in 2021 or 2022, the coronavirus pandemic will affect your application. Covid-19 has impacted every aspect of the university applications, from open days to the UCAS entry process. Read on to find out how your application will be affected. 

How Will Coronavirus Change 2021 UCAS applications?

The general UCAS application deadline passed on 29 January 2021. Students who sent applications by this deadline should hear back from universities by 20 May 2021. With A Level exams cancelled, students are likely to receive grades based in teacher assessment - students could receive these results as early as mid-July. There will be an appeal process if students aren’t satisfied with their grades, but details of how this will work are yet to be announced. 

While it’s likely that competition for places will be high, University Admissions teams are fully aware of the challenges that students have faced over the past year, and will take that into account. What’s more, there’s yet to be an announcement regarding whether there will be a cap on the amount of place that universities can offer in 2021. In 2020, the cap was lifted, meaning that top universities could admit more students. What’s more, some universities have lowered their grade requirements - check individual university websites for more details. 

What if I Missed the 2021 UCAS Deadline?

You can still apply to university in 2021, even if you missed the January UCAS deadline. Oxbridge, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary courses are completely closed, but plenty of courses still have spaces. You can apply for courses via UCAS up to 30 June. However, it’s better to apply sooner rather than later, as courses gradually fill up. 

What If I Don’t Get the Grades I Need?

As A Level grades will likely be determined by teachers this year, there will inevitably be some students who feel that their final grades don’t reflect their full potential. The details of the 2021 appeal process are yet to be revealed, but in previous years, a school or college generally submits appeals on behalf of its students. In 2020, you could request a review of your final grade up until 21 September. 

Clearing will still be open in 2021 - it will start on 5 July. Clearing gives students who didn’t get their required grades to find a place on a course at another university. Currently, the 2021 Clearing process won’t be impacted by coronavirus. If you don’t get the teacher-assessed grades you feel you deserve, Clearing is a great safety net while you wait for the appeal process. 

Applying to University in 2022

If you’re a Year 12 student or a Year 13 student taking a gap year, you may have started thinking about your university application. While it’s currently impossible to predict what life will be like in 2022, it’s likely that universities will be less impacted by coronavirus restrictions. However, the application process will still be affected by Covid-19 regulations. 

How Will Covid-19 Impact University Open Days?

It’s likely that many open days will be held online in 2021. This makes choosing your top universities even more difficult. Make the most of virtual open days by making a list of questions beforehand. Virtual open days often involve an abundance of events, from video tours to mini lectures. If you’re stretched for time, prioritise student Q&A sessions - these give you the opportunity to find out about courses and student life from someone who’s actually experienced it! 

Coronavirus and Personal Statements 

Personal Statements are always one of the hardest steps in the UCAS application process, and this year, they’re especially challenging. Students haven’t had the chance to gain in-person work experience, which is especially important for STEM and medicine related courses, and volunteering opportunities have been limited. Without these experiences, it can be difficult to make your personal statement stand out. 

It’s still possible to make your application excel, though. Read, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts related to your course - these are things you can do at home to show your passion. Research leading academics in your subject area, and keep up to date with current affairs, regardless of what you plan to study. There are ways to volunteer online, too - tutoring and mentoring younger students is a great way to show leadership skills, for instance. 

Every student in the 2022 cohort will be in a similar position, and University Admission teams will understand that students will have less work and volunteering experience. That doesn’t mean you can sit back and relax, though - you’ve still got to demonstrate your passion for and interest in your subject. 

If you’re still concerned about your personal statement, though, check out our services to find out how our team can help.