Late clocks
The answer you’re looking for is just a yes or no, isn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. My overall answer is: not necessarily… But each university is different so you need to check. Let me explain:
UCAS set their deadlines to ensure prospective students get their applications in on time, and their application is given the same consideration whether it was sent on 1st October or 11:30pm on 15th January. Most universities consider your application as soon as they get it, so the earlier you apply, the better. Many universities will accept applications after the UCAS deadline (if they still have spaces on the course), but they have no obligation to do this, which is why the deadline is in place. Some universities and courses are very unlikely to accept late applications (especially those with the earlier October deadline, for example, Oxbridge*, Medicine / Dentistry), so again, please check.
In theory you can apply for September 2016 entry until the end of June 2016, but many places will have been filled by then, so apply as early as possible. If you apply after 30th June, you will be placed into Clearing (a UCAS process where all unfilled places are advertised, and you apply for one course only). If you enter Clearing, you will also compete with students who receive their A level / level 3 qualification results in August, so you need to be quick in finding a place!
As the 15th January deadline has only just passed, if you’re not applying to a very competitive course or university, you may find they will still consider you application. However, check with individual universities (and do this before using them as one of your UCAS choices).
Which? University have written a good summary of what to do if you have missed the deadline for different courses: http://university.which.co.uk/advice/ucas-application/what-to-do-if-you-miss-the-ucas-deadline.
Good luck!
* = I’ve just learnt that Lucy Cavendish College at the University of Cambridge makes offers after the 15th October deadline, until 1st March (they call it the ‘March round’). Lucy Cavendish College is for women ages 21 and above, so if this is you, good luck!
Considering University? 