Navigating your UCAS application can be challenging, with lots of deadlines and steps that need to be completed in order to progress with your application. But have no fear, as this guide will tell you all the steps that need to be tackled on your journey to applying to Medicine or Dentistry.
Written by Ayma Ahmed
What Is UCAS?
UCAS stands for the University and Colleges Admissions Service, which is an organisation created in 1993 to standardise all university applications in the UK. In other countries like the USA, applicants have to submit individual application forms to each university they apply for.
In the UK, this is no longer the case, as applicants now submit a single UCAS application form that is sent to up to five universities. Bear in mind that, due to how the UK higher education system works, applicants are actually applying to specific courses rather than the university in general. This means that you could apply to the same university twice for two different courses (though this would count as two different choices).
UCAS then acts as a middleman between the universities you selected and you. You will receive updates from UCAS regarding your application, including if you have received an offer. Any offers you do receive need to be confirmed via UCAS too, who will confirm this with the university you chose.
Various aspects of the medical school application process aren’t handled directly by UCAS. This includes the UCAT, which is handled by Pearson VUE, and the interviews/MMIs, which are organised and hosted by the universities independently. For these, you will not need to interact with UCAS.
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UCAS Registration
Applications for University begin a year prior to your intended University start date. For example, those applying for 2025 entry begin their applications in 2024.
Getting signed up and prepared early on is key for a smooth application process, ideally during the summer holidays, as you don’t want to have to deal with this at the same time as your UCAT or your schoolwork.
Applications open in the middle of May, when you can begin registering for access to UCAS Hub. To those of you who are not aware, the UCAS Hub acts as a centralised point for applications, where you can view the progress you have made with your application as well as any offers or rejections you may receive from your chosen Universities. If you are still in education, this stage is often supported and organised by your school.
Completing Your UCAS Application
There are a number of sections that need to be completed here for your application to be processed. These include:
Personal Details
This is the first section you’ll complete when registering, which just requires you to provide basic details, such as your name, date of birth and gender.
Contact and Residency Details
This does exactly what it says on the tin, it is a section which requires you to fill in details in regards to your address, email and other contact details.
Nationality Details
This section is key, as it can play an important factor in being classed as a home or international student, which plays a significance in selection for interviews in Medicine and Dentistry as well as in your applications to Student Finance.
English Language Proficiency
A key requirement for many applicants is that they are able to converse in English to an adequate level. For many students who have English as a second language, they may require further evidence to support that they are able to meet the demands of an undergraduate degree.
Employment History
There is a section dedicated to paid employment. It is okay if you do not have any prior employment, you can leave this section blank.
UCAS Personal Statement
The Personal Statement is your chance to express your passion for your subject and exactly why you want to study it.
For those applying for the 2026 entry, the style of this personal statement has switched. Instead of the previous 4,000-character limit text, there are fixed questions which are asked by the UCAS, which you must answer.
The content of these questions aligns well with the previous personal statement format, so ensure you still carry out work experience and extracurriculars to help support your application. You can learn more about how to write a perfect Personal Statement within our Personal Statement Guides and Examples.
Academic References
These are often provided by your teachers or members of staff within your school. Unfortunately, you are not able to view these prior to your submission of your application, but it provides those reviewing your applications with an insight of you as an individual from an external perspective. In some cases, you will be able to discuss your reference with your referee to include specific things relating to extenuating circumstances.
University Choices
You are given 5 choices when completing your applications, but there is a limit of 4 dental/medical courses you can apply to in each application cycle. The fifth choice doesn’t have to be used, but you could use it on subjects like biomedicine or pharmacy.
Fees
To apply via UCAS, you have to pay a fee of £27.50. This grants you access to everything listed above, as well as some other support and features. This fee is increasing to £28.50 in 2025.
Now, this may seem like a lot of steps. However, the deadline to complete these is in the 15th of October for all medical, dental and Oxbridge applications. Therefore, you have plenty of time to draft and perfect your applications (as long as you give yourself enough time)!
Throughout the application cycle, you will receive updates from UCAS regarding your application status. It’s also important you check your inbox regularly, especially between November and March, as Interview offers are sent independently from the UCAS Hub by the medical schools themselves.
Pros and Cons of UCAS
The UCAS application system is well established now, and you won’t have a choice of whether to use it. However, let’s consider some of the best and worst things about how it works:
UCAS Pros:
- It’s easy to set up and complete, with lots of instruction and support.
- It lets you submit one application to all university options, so you don’t need to fill out multiple forms.
- You get updates during key stages of the process, like offers and final acceptances.
UCAS Cons:
- You can only apply to 5 universities and only 4 medicine/dentistry degrees.
- Everything is computer-based and requires internet, which may not be available for all applicants.
- You cannot customise your Personal Statement for each university you apply to.
UCAS Extra
UCAS Extra is a service provided by UCAS which allows you to apply for an additional choice on top of the maximum 5 choices that UCAS grants. This is only in circumstances where you have not received offers from elsewhere and opens at the end of February.
It is rare that any medical or dental school offers any places through UCAS Extra, but this is a great choice for those who may be considering alternative pathways to medicine and dentistry.
UCAS Clearing
UCAS Clearing allows you to apply for alternative course options that are available. These can be from any University or for any course and may require you to submit an additional Personal Statement or attend another interview.
Clearing opens at the start of July, but it can be a great choice if Results Day doesn’t go as planned or if you achieve grades higher than expected. More often than not, finding medical and dental school places can be challenging through clearing as many do not enter Clearing. However, it is always important that you make available clearing hotlines on the day of your results to maximise your chances of finding a course.
I hope this guide has taught you the important details of the UCAS application process. Remember to start this process as early as possible so that it’s done and you can focus on the UCAT, Interview prep and revising for your end-of-year exams. We have guides to help you with all of these, so be sure to check them out.
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