Picking firm (first) and insurance (second) choice universities can be a minefield for students, so we’ve listed our top 5 tips for encouraging strategic decisions.
- Wait for all universities to reply
Students don’t have a choice with this – they have to wait for responses from all universities on their UCAS application before selecting their top two. This stops them rushing into accepting the first offer they receive and encourages a well-considered decision.
2. Consider a range of grades
A firm choice should feature predicted or aspirational grades, whereas an insurance choice should have slightly lower grades which can be relied on if exams don’t go to plan. We’d especially recommend highlighting this to students who put extra pressure on themselves during exams, or those who are worried about their results.
3. Attend offer holder days
Often, students don’t realise what they want from a university until they visit it in person. To help with this, universities put on offer holder events following the January UCAS deadline for those who have applied and received offers. These usually offer more in-depth subject information than an open day, delivered through seminar-style sessions to replicate life at university.
4. Think carefully about unconditional offers
Although the safety of an unconditional offer can be reassuring, these offers can misguide students if they haven’t fully considered the location, facilities or course content of the university itself. Furthermore, some unconditional offers must be put as a first choice as part of their terms, which means the student wouldn’t have an insurance choice lined up if they change their mind on results day.
5. Unhappy with what’s on offer? Apply to UCAS Extra
If you have students who don’t want to accept the offers they’ve received, or haven’t received any offers, you can encourage them to apply for a sixth course through UCAS Extra. This service takes place between February and July, and students will need to decline any offers they’ve received to enter into it. Clearing opens from July onwards, which offers students alternative courses if they haven’t been accepted by their firm or insurance choices.
If all offers are received by the end of May, firm and insurance choices must be submitted by the start of June. All dates and deadlines for the current academic year can be found on the UCAS website.
