The problem with Unconditional offers…

Lots of universities are offering unconditional offers this year. Hopefully this article will tell you what they are, what you need to consider, and if they’re as amazing as everyone thinks…

An unconditional offer from a university means they have offered you a place with no requirements – you don’t have to get specific grades in your exams to go to that university.

If you’ve received one – congratulations. You’ve clearly impressed the university and the offer is a reflection of that. However, it can leave you feeling pressured into accepting it and unsure of what to do. Here are our tips:

• If the offer wasn’t unconditional, would that university still be one of your top choices? If not, seriously consider if you want to put this university as your first choice.
• Do your research in the same way you would with other offers – go to an open day; find out more about the course etc.
• You’re there for 3 (or more) years so it’s important you like it.
• Speak to other people. Advisers at your sixth form or college can help you consider this offer from every aspect. Book an appointment to speak to them.
• Usually there is no rush to reply to your offers, but you do have a deadline UCAS sets that you need to meet. Usually this deadline is more than enough time. Each university will hold your place until the deadline (deadlines vary depending on when you received all your offers – check UCAS). Don’t miss it – if you do all your offers will automatically be declined.

If you have got an unconditional offer, it’s a walk in the park until September, right? Wrong. Your A level grades are still important and may have implications on your future:

• Although you’re probably not giving it a lot of thought at the moment, your career may depend on how many UCAS points you got at college. Lots of employers ask for a good degree and a certain amount of UCAS points (up to 320, from 3 A levels) as a minimum. These employers recruit thousands of graduates each year, and their opportunities are seen as some of the best in the UK.
• If you decide university isn’t for you, you might consider a higher apprenticeship instead. Higher apprenticeships are for A level students with good grades – employers want the ‘best’ students (the ones with good grades).

It’s worth remembering:

• If they can, most universities will accept you if you’re slightly under your offer anyway (e.g. instead of AAB you got ABB).
• If you accept an unconditional offer, you can’t enter Adjustment if you do better than expected.
• You will have to enter Clearing if you change your mind after you accept an Unconditional offer.

Our advice:

Some universities are only offering students unconditional offers if they choose that university as their Firm (i.e. first) choice. Don’t feel pressured to do this. Take your time and make a decision regardless of the conditions (or lack of). You could choose them as your Insurance choice, then you know you have a safety net if you don’t get your Firm choice.

Also, don’t be swayed by any incentives offered – is an iPad/ laptop / cash / bedding / gym membership really worth 3 long years at a university you don’t like?

If you haven’t made a decision on your offers yet, make sure you’re happy with whichever university you choose, and don’t rush it.

Best of luck.