UCAS

Also called University applications, UCAS tariff

The central service for applying to UK universities. One application, up to five choices, and firm deadlines.

What it is

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service handles applications to almost all UK undergraduate courses. A student makes one application listing up to five choices, with a personal statement and a school reference.

The UCAS tariff converts qualifications into points, though many universities now make offers in grades rather than points.

Where it applies

Anyone applying to a UK undergraduate course, whether from school, college or as a mature applicant.

How it works

Deadlines are fixed and matter: mid-October for Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses, and late January for most others. Applications after that are considered at the university's discretion, and Clearing runs from July.

Offers may be unconditional or conditional on results. Students hold one firm and one insurance choice.

Applicants can declare a disability or long-term condition on the form. It does not affect the academic decision and it is what triggers support conversations.

What you can ask for

Declare a disability on the application. It goes to the university's disability service, not to the admissions tutor, and it is the route to support being ready on day one.

Apply for Disabled Students' Allowance as early as possible — it needs evidence, has its own assessment, and takes months.

Ask the school when the reference will be written and what it will say about any interruption to schooling. An unexplained gap reads badly and an explained one does not.

Where to get help

ucas.com for deadlines and course search. The school or college's UCAS co-ordinator. DSA is applied for through Student Finance England.