Your offer will either be conditional or unconditional – here are some key things to think about to help you decide which is the right option for you.
Is it where you want to go?
Going to university or college is a big commitment, and it’s important that your firm choice is your preferred choice for the right reasons. Before you accept an offer, here are a few things to research to make sure it’s where you want to go:
- Do you really want to study there for the next three, four, or more years?
- Is the course right for you?
- Does the course have exams, coursework, or both?
- What’s the difference between a lecture and a seminar?
- Have you thought about where you will live and how much it will cost?
- Is it a city or a campus uni?
- What are the societies and night life like?
- Have you been to an open day, a virtual open day, or taken a virtual tour?
Remember, you can always talk to the uni or college directly to make sure it’s right for you, or speak to a teacher or careers adviser.
Conditional offer – things to think about
- It’s likely you’ll need to achieve certain grades or Tariff points in your qualifications – is the offer realistic for you?
- You get an insurance choice if your offer is conditional, so use it wisely to maximise your chances – but make sure that’s somewhere you’d still like to go!
- Work hard to get the best grades you can in your school or college qualifications.
- If you don’t meet your conditions, don’t panic – check your application to see if your uni or college has been able to confirm your place.
- You may also be able to find a place through Clearing.
Unconditional offer – things to think about
- An unconditional offer might take the pressure off, but your school or college qualifications are still important. Finishing your studies, doing the work, and taking your exams are all really important to prepare you for uni or college – you’re going to have to work when you get there too!
- A lot of employers take A levels and other qualifications into consideration when reviewing job applications.
- If you make an unconditional offer your firm choice, or a conditional offer that is made unconditional, you’ve committed to studying at that uni or college.
- You might be entitled to a scholarship or other reward if you do really well in your exams.
- You don’t get an insurance choice.
- If you change your mind, you can decline your place and apply using Clearing.
- Even though you've already met the academic requirements, you might also need to do some other tasks, such as undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check, provide proof of your qualifications, or meet some financial or medical requirements.