Overview of UCAS Application Process
Most applicants for first-year entry will apply to other universities as well as to the University of St Andrews and will do so by making a single online UCAS application.
Checklist of the UCAS application process
Here is a checklist to help you with your UCAS application if you wish to apply to the University of St Andrews.
- Check the courses available by using our degree list or visit the UCAS web site where you may use the Course Search facility to look for courses in your chosen subject area.
- Check the minimum grades and any subject specific prerequisites for the course.
- Check the Faculty Entrance Requirements for the degree programme.
- If there is a choice of course between the Faculties of Arts (MA) and Science (BSc) decide which Faculty is for you.
- Draft your UCAS personal statement carefully so that it reflects your choice of course.
- Submit your UCAS application by the appropriate deadline. Medicine15 October; all other courses for UK/UE applicants 15 January; International applicants 30 June.
Personal Statement
This is a very important part of your application. Most of our applicants will be well qualified so decisions on who will receive offers will often be determined by the quality of the Personal Statement. You are encouraged to spend time drafting and re-writing your statement so that it is organised and well-written.
You should give some relevant background information about yourself, your interests and especially reasons for your choice of course. You might want to highlight any relevant work experience or voluntary work you have done. You might have some idea of what your career choice might be and if so you may wish to include this as well.
In summary, your personal statement should give the Admissions Officer(s) a picture of someone who is interested in the subject area for which you have applied and who has the motivation and potential to do well in a university environment.
Referee's Report
If you are at school your Principal or Head of Year will generally write your Referee's Report. If you are not at school you will need to supply a reference from a responsible person who knows you well enough to write about you and state if you are suitable for higher education. References from family members or close friends are not normally acceptable.
Tracking your application
You can check the progress of your application - including our decision - online by using UCAS Track.