Posted 12 January 2026

With the UCAS equal consideration deadline on 14 January, many students feel pressure to finalise their applications quickly, but don’t panic if your young person isn’t going to meet it. There are still plenty of ways students can apply, such as through UCAS Extra or Clearing, and the right guidance can help them navigate those options confidently. 

The UCAS Mission Cards are designed to make the application process clearer, especially the “How to Start Applying” card. It offers a helpful set of questions to ask at UCAS Discovery events, open days or guidance appointments, helping you and your young person feel informed and prepared every step of the way. 

One of the first questions you may have is “How do I apply for a university or college course?” Most full-time undergraduate courses use UCAS, but some specialised or part-time courses may follow different application routes. Getting clarity early helps ensure your application goes to the right place. 

The card also encourages asking about apprenticeships. Applying for an apprenticeship follows a different process, typically via employers, who may require CVs, interviews or assessments. Using these questions allows you to compare both routes and understand what best fits your young person’s skills, interests and timeline. 

Another useful prompt is “How many Higher Education courses can I apply to?” UCAS lets you choose up to five courses, though the ideal number depends on goals, predicted grades and how broad or specialised a chosen subject area is. Talking this through with staff can help young people build a realistic and balanced list of options. 

Equally important is the question, “When do I need to apply by?” While the 14 January equal consideration deadline is a key date, some courses, such as medicine or conservatoires, have much earlier deadlines. That means that students interested in these courses should consider alternative courses, work experience opportunities or other options before thinking about applying for 2027 entry.  

The card also invites you to ask how you can make an application stand out. A strong personal statement, relevant experience, and genuine interest in the chosen subject will all help. For apprenticeships, it could mean tailoring a CV and preparing thoroughly for interviews. 

By using tools like the UCAS Mission Cards, you’ll be better equipped to support your young people in making decisions that reflect their ambitions and feel confident no matter when or how they apply. 

 

Robb Scott, GHWY Training Delivery Officer