It’s never too late to apply – late applications.

IBDP Teacher Blogs, IBDP Student Blogs, University Advice, University Advice | June 16, 2017
It’s never too late to apply – late applications.

You have completed your exams, had fun on a graduation trip, attended the Graduation Ceremony and finally finished with school – and now you have decided that you would like to go to college/university after all.  That’s okay, because it’s never too late to apply, there is still time, you just need to follow the instructions below.

What to do for applications to the UK:

  1. Check on UCAS to see which institutions have places available.  You can do this by going to APPLY, SEARCH, input your subject choice, and then on the left hand tool bar click on COURSES OPEN TO NEW APPLICANTS. Then…..
  2. Contact the institution directly via their admission’s office.  Have your school details and your subject details ready as they will ask about this.
  3. Alternatively you can go through CLEARING which opens in July.

All information can be found on the following links:

What to do for applications to the US:

Many US universities have what is called ROLLING ADMISSIONS, in other words they continue to accept applications all year round and fill up their seats on courses on a first-come, first-served basis.  Some colleges have deadlines after the January 15th deadline. Take a look at this website for colleges with later deadlines and Rolling Admissions.

What to do for applications to other countries:

Canada: check individual institutions websites or the Ontario Application system.

Many European universities have much later deadlines than January but this can vary country to country, institution to institution and course to course. Two examples where the dates range anywhere from October through to August are below:

Ireland: http://www.cao.ie/index.php   (late application deadline May 1st for some courses)

Netherlands: http://www.studyinholland.co.uk/  (late application deadline varies according to nationality – April/May – some applications accepted in August)

February entry:

Some institutions have a two-term entry system whereby they accept new students in February.  Southern hemisphere universities (e.g. Australia) begin in February.  So it is always possible to have a 6-month “Gap Year” and then begin university/college studies in February.  Just make sure that you have all the relevant documentation from your High School (Transcripts, Reference letters, Report cards).  You may need to contact school after you leave to have reference letters sent on your behalf so you will need to arrange all of this now or as soon as school begins again in August/September.  And remember, you could always learn a new language, apply for some work experience or join a volunteer placement during those 6-months between now and December!

**For all systems it is advisable to check the individual institution websites for up-to-date information**

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