The education section of a UCAS application is one of the most crucial—and often error-prone—parts of the process. While it might seem straightforward, inaccuracies here can have significant consequences for applicants. Whether you’re a student filling it out or a teacher or adviser supporting hundreds of applications, it’s vital to understand why this section matters and how to get it right.
Why is the education section so important?
The education section is often the starting point for universities and colleges when assessing applications. It provides key information about your qualifications, helping providers decide whether you meet their requirements. Errors in this section can lead to:
- applicants being rejected unnecessarily
- offers being made that the applicant cannot meet
Accurate and complete information in this section is essential to avoid delays, confusion, or missed opportunities.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
Students may not always have access to all their qualifications or might be unsure about details. For teachers and advisers managing numerous applications, it can feel overwhelming to double-check everything. To make the process smoother and reduce errors, here are some top tips:
1. Use a qualification shortlist in the adviser portal
Creating a qualification shortlist tailored to your school or college can help students select the correct qualifications when filling out their forms. This is especially useful if there are similar qualifications that might cause confusion.
- How to keep it accurate: Work closely with your exams officer to review and update the shortlist annually.
More about setting up a qualification shortlist.
2. Focus on key fields
When reviewing the education section, certain fields are critical for UCAS to match qualification results with applications. Pay close attention to the following for each qualification:
- Qualification name
- Subject
- Qualification level
- Awarding body
Errors in these fields can lead to mismatches and delays.
3. Ensure names and dates of birth match official documents
The name and date of birth entered in the application should match official documentation, such as a passport or exam board registration. Discrepancies can create issues with result matching and later at enrolment.
4. Include previous qualifications
Encourage students to include all previous qualifications, such as GCSEs. While this can be tricky for students who have transferred from other schools, having qualification slips or certificates on hand can help ensure accuracy.
5. Use the 'qualifications checked' box
If you’ve reviewed the accuracy of a student’s education section, tick the 'qualifications checked' box in the adviser portal. This is shown to universities and colleges in the reference. More about checking qualifications.
What to do if you find a mistake
Mistakes happen. If you discover an error or a qualification changes after the application has been submitted:
- Complete a qualification amendment form: This is essential to notify UCAS of changes.
- Inform universities and colleges: Reach out to the providers directly to make them aware of the updated information.
Note that some changes can be made by UCAS, but others may not. Acting quickly is crucial to minimise potential disruptions. Have a look at the qualification amendment form to see what can and can’t be updated.
The education section may seem like just another part of the UCAS application, but it plays a pivotal role in the admissions process. By taking the time to ensure it’s accurate, both students and advisers can avoid unnecessary delays or complications.