Why can't I just choose my own University options?

[Freeman]

Basically I'm wondering why I can only choose a maximum of 5 options of University through UCAS.

Why can't I go up X University and say 'I'd like to attend X University, interview me please and see what you think of me'

5 choices should be enough for most people but it isn't for me. Two of applications were completely messed up, and the others have a bad course/bad accommodation after viewing open days/interviews.

You could argue it's my fault as well, I should have maybe researched a little more? But that's not my point, my point is why do I have to go through UCAS and is there any way I can choose more than 5 options.

I really don't want to spend another year out working, I'm 20 and I really want to get my education out of the way. I've already taken 2 years out and have studied for the other 2, a third year out would be ridiculous.

Any suggestions?

 

[Freeman]

You're supposed to research your universitiess before you put them on your application

As I said, I did and after visiting the Uni and having an interview I now know these courses are not for me. I can't afford to go to every single open day as well as interviews, it's just not possible when I have to travel so many hundreds of miles.

Because otherwise everyone would select 30 odd Unis, thinking "I might as well, don't want to restrict myself", and it would put a huge strain on UCAS, the Unis, and make the selection process a nightmare.

I's not good that you're in this situation, but who else can you blame? Everyone else manages!

But why through UCAS? Why can't I, as a free individual go to the reception of the University and hand in my details (reference, qualifications and so on) It's still beyond me why I HAVE to go through UCAS. I can see the point in it for some people who want to do it that way, but why can't I have the option? I didn't need to do this for college.

 

[Freeman]

As above.

Then there's also clearing?

Yup I heard about that. I think clearing may be my best option now although that means I may miss out on accommodation.

 

[Freeman]

What you COULD do is reject all of your choice once you get your results and find another university through clearing, but that is a risky process and you'd probably get the worst accommodation.

EDIT: Aaah stealth.

I pretty much have my results as we only have 1 unit left and even if I get a merit in the last unit I still get DDM. So from that perspective at least Unis know what I am capable of. It's just one big mess at the moment. Trouble is the course I want to do is still newish. (3D modelling) and finding the right course is proving difficult, obviously.

 

[Freeman]

Frankly I see application forms as the first 'test' towards acceptance. If you fail at UCAS and at picking unis then frankly you'll fail at uni.

UCAS fail me. I applied for a BA Hons at Bournemouth so they put me down for Foundation. I phoned up asking about the mistake and they told me it's a definite no to revoke the application. Ironically I was accepted for the course with a conditional offer. It didn't only happen to me, it happened to two other people on the same course as well.

UCAS may be nice and simple for you, but it's something I really could have done without. I like to be in control of where I go and I can't be simply because I HAVE to go through UCAS.

I'm just wondering if there's any alternatives and so far it doesn't look like it.

 

[Freeman]

the ucas system works. your just worrying because you feel your going to be rejected by everyone when in fact the chances are you wont its your own fault for not doing your research youve had 2 years+ man to be researching and visiting sorry if it seems harsh but its true

I've been accepted by 5/5. My grades are good enough. I just didn't like the course once they explained it in detail.

i did a thing called 'ucas extra' when i was applying for university.. its different to clearing. you decline all your choices and then are given one more choice.. research this choice well, apply again and hope they accept you. if not you'll have to go for clearing

I just found about this earlier today, looks promising.