Are apps to the UK universities more or less rolling?

[Anonymous]

For example, if you apply early in the fall, can you expect a response in 4-8 weeks, or do you typically have to wait until March-May?

Does it differ depending on whether the school uses the Common App?

Thanks for any intel!

[Anonymous]

UCAS is how you apply to UK colleges and universities. It's not rolling and you can only apply to a maximum of 5 places. You cannot apply to both Cambridge and Oxford.

Results can be - unconditional offer - ie you're in, regardless of your exam results

conditional offer - you can attend if you get certain grades, so AAA or AAB or BBB or CCC depending on the course or the college

or you're rejected

here's the site, they accommodate overseas applicants and you should be able to find all your answers there:

https://www.ucas.com

[Anonymous]

^^ Thank you. Yes, I know the site and the school-specific websites.

It seems that many applicants may get acceptances well before the published timelines. I guess I am looking for anecdotal info as opposed to the Google-able official dates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^ Thank you. Yes, I know the site and the school-specific websites.

It seems that many applicants may get acceptances well before the published timelines. I guess I am looking for anecdotal info as opposed to the Google-able official dates.

No this is not the case. It is unusual and that would be for a star student getting an "unconditional" offer most likely.

[Anonymous]

As noted above - you must choose between Cambridge and Oxford and the application deadline for those schools is Oct 15 with decisions in January. Other schools have different deadlines (I think, perhaps after Ox-Bridge decisions).

All done via UCAS so go read up on it there. Read early though as there are exams to take and very different timelines and processes to follow (Not just for you but for teacher recommendation, counselor information, transcript). If you are a Junior I'd be reading up on it NOW. Many require APs with specific scores....and it all depends on which subject you are applying for.

Also note that in UK you are applying to a very specific major/degree at each school - not applying to a school where you can choose your major later. As a result, you need to be pretty confident in what you want to study.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For example, if you apply early in the fall, can you expect a response in 4-8 weeks, or do you typically have to wait until March-May?

Does it differ depending on whether the school uses the Common App?

Thanks for any intel!

Assuming UCAS and no common app:

Durham — should hear by December
Exeter — should hear by December
SOAS — should hear by December
St. Andrew’s — slow, February or March
Oxford - early January (assuming an interview in Dec.).
Cambridge — mid-late January (assuming an interview in Dec.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For example, if you apply early in the fall, can you expect a response in 4-8 weeks, or do you typically have to wait until March-May?

Does it differ depending on whether the school uses the Common App?

Thanks for any intel!

Assuming UCAS and no common app:

Durham — should hear by December
Exeter — should hear by December
SOAS — should hear by December
St. Andrew’s — slow, February or March
Oxford - early January (assuming an interview in Dec.).
Cambridge — mid-late January (assuming an interview in Dec.)

You forgot testing - general entry testing with Oxford.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For example, if you apply early in the fall, can you expect a response in 4-8 weeks, or do you typically have to wait until March-May?

Does it differ depending on whether the school uses the Common App?

Thanks for any intel!

Assuming UCAS and no common app:

Durham — should hear by December
Exeter — should hear by December
SOAS — should hear by December
St. Andrew’s — slow, February or March
Oxford - early January (assuming an interview in Dec.).
Cambridge — mid-late January (assuming an interview in Dec.)

OK, I understand about UCAS, but how does the US Common App fit in? I glanced over the Durham requirements and didn’t see anything about the common app, just the AP/IB equivalents for the required A-level exam scores for each major.

[Anonymous]

DS applied via UCAS and had heard from St Andrews, Durham, and Exeter before Christmas. Edinburgh took forever.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Edinburgh is the one I am focused on so thanks, PP. But many thanks to all on the other schools-very helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For example, if you apply early in the fall, can you expect a response in 4-8 weeks, or do you typically have to wait until March-May?

Does it differ depending on whether the school uses the Common App?

Thanks for any intel!

Assuming UCAS and no common app:

Durham — should hear by December
Exeter — should hear by December
SOAS — should hear by December
St. Andrew’s — slow, February or March
Oxford - early January (assuming an interview in Dec.).
Cambridge — mid-late January (assuming an interview in Dec.)

OK, I understand about UCAS, but how does the US Common App fit in? I glanced over the Durham requirements and didn’t see anything about the common app, just the AP/IB equivalents for the required A-level exam scores for each major.

Some use common app-most don’t. If you’re going to apply to a bunch you should prob do UCAS. If just maybe one, common app works fine.

[Anonymous]

My kid heard from St Andrews in the fall unconditional acceptance. But I think it can take a while.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Edinburgh is the one I am focused on so thanks, PP. But many thanks to all on the other schools-very helpful.

Edinburgh would expect to be placed as #1 choice on the UCAS list. Some universities state that they don't mind where they are placed, others are more insistent that they need to be #1 or #2 after Oxford / Cambs.

I believe Bristol started saying years ago that they needed to be #1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Edinburgh is the one I am focused on so thanks, PP. But many thanks to all on the other schools-very helpful.

Edinburgh would expect to be placed as #1 choice on the UCAS list. Some universities state that they don't mind where they are placed, others are more insistent that they need to be #1 or #2 after Oxford / Cambs.

I believe Bristol started saying years ago that they needed to be #1

I have a DD at Cambridge who applied and got into Cambridge, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, and St Andrews. You do not need to preference before admission decisions. Once all admissions are in, you select a firm and an insurance offer.

[Anonymous]

This ranges by school. St Andrews is rolling.