UCAS Decisions

Once you have submitted your UCAS application, the next step is to wait for the universities to make their decision. Once a decision about one of your choices has been made you will receive a notification from UCAS track. You then need to log on to UCAS to view the decision. 

If you are interested in reading more about how these decisions are made why not have a look at our article explaining how universities and colleges reach their decisions?

There are four different decisions a university can make – unconditional offer, conditional offer, unsuccessful or withdrawn. These are explained in detail below. 

Unconditional Offer

An unconditional offer means the university is offering you a place without any conditions attached. In other words, the place is yours if you want it. 

However, there may be some other things you need to do to secure your place such as PVG checks, medical assessments or financial requirements. 

If you have received an unconditional offer its usually because you have already met the entry requirements for your course. This means that if you still have exams to take, the results will not impact your place at the university. However, you should still take them seriously and study hard. Remember, some future employers may look at your exam results.

Conditional Offer 

A conditional offer means the university is offering you a place which is subject to some conditions I.e exam results. 

You will receive an email explaining what conditions you need to meet. For example: 

Achieve Scottish Higher grades AAB

Achieve A-Level grades AAB 

Your conditional offer may also ask for specific subjects. 

Once you accept a conditional offer you will need to wait until you receive your exam results to find out if you have met the conditions of your offer. 

Remember, the university can change a conditional offer to unconditional at any time. 

Unsuccessful 

An unsuccessful decision means the university has decided not to offer you a place on the course. This could be for a number of reasons however it’s usually because you have not met the entry requirements. 

The university may send you an email explaining why they did not offer you a place. If they do not, you can always get in touch with them to ask. They will be able to offer more information about their decision. 

Withdrawn Choice 

 This is when one of your choices is withdrawn either by you I.e you have changed your mind or by the university.  They may do this if you do not respond to any correspondence sent to you by them or fail to attend interviews or assessments. 

Making your decision 

Once you have received all of your offers you need to decide which (if any) one you would like to accept. Take your time when making this decision – remember this is where you will go to study towards your chosen qualification. 

When you have made your decision you can accept an offer on UCAS’ website. 

If you decide to accept a conditional offer you can also select a 2nd choice known as your ‘insurance’. This means if you do not meet the conditions of your offer you will still have a backup. However, if you decide to accept an unconditional offer you cannot select an insurance choice. 

Your chosen university may send you an email acknowledging your acceptance of your place. 

Extra 

Some people change their mind about the courses they have applied for which is absolutely fine. If you decide not to accept any of your offers you have the option to add another choice to your application using a service called UCAS Extra. Remember, some courses may not be available. 

You can also use Extra if you do not receive any offers and you have used all five of your choices. 

Clearing 

Clearing is a tool used by universities to offer any places they still have available to applicants who did not receive any offers, chose to decline them or did not meet the conditions of their offer. 

When using Clearing you can contact universities directly to ask if they will consider you for the course. You can then add this choice on your UCAS application. Remember, you can only add one choice at a time however if you are not successful you can add another one.