Image: Andrew Hurley [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Flickr
Ucas poll suggests applicants are undeterred by coronavirus outbreak
Almost nine out of 10 undergraduate applicants in the UK have not changed their mind about starting university or college this autumn, a survey has found.
Some 86 per cent of 500 A Level students who took part in the survey, carried out by Ucas and polling company Youthsight, said they were continuing with their application as planned despite the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
University applicants are awaiting details on how their grades will be calculated this year after examinations were cancelled. There is also uncertainty about when the next university academic year will begin in the autumn.
Nearly two thirds (60 per cent) of respondents said they had already chosen their firm first choice of university, with most choosing to accept a conditional offer—one that is dependent on achieving specified grades.
Research Professional News reported on 20 March that some institutions had begun upgrading “conditional” student offers to “unconditional offers” in an attempt to boost numbers—a practice subsequently put on hold by the regulator, on ministerial advice.
Just over a quarter of those responding to the Ucas survey (27 per cent) said they have received all their offers but are still waiting to make their firm choice. Deadlines have been extended to give students more time to assess their options.
Clare Marchant, UCAS chief executive, said: “Our immediate insight during these extraordinary circumstances shows students are keeping their sights on the exciting futures that lie ahead for them at university or college.
“With additional flexibility already introduced into this year’s application cycle, everyone should take the time they need to confidently make considered, fully thought through decisions.”
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, which represents school and sixth form heads, said he was “pleased to see that most applicants have not changed their mind about wanting to start university or college this autumn, and we would emphasise that there is no need for anybody to alter their plans”.
“We can reassure students that everything possible is being done to ensure they are awarded grades as fairly and consistently as possible through a system of moderated assessment, and that they will be able to progress to the next stage of their education in the normal way,” he added. “The grade they will be awarded this year will be just as valid as in any other year.”