Enhance contextual admissions with 2021 cycle MEM data

In MEM2020, we were granted permission to incorporate free school meals (FSM) data for the first time.

We were hoping to secure permission for use of FSM data in the 2021 cycle, but have not yet been able to do so. However, we’re currently working with the Department for Education to explore the potential to replicate the MEM2020 supply for the 2021 cycle – to include FSM within the framework. We’ll provide a further update on this before the end of the year.

Based on provider feedback, and in particular, recognition of the impact of further delays on those who are intending to make use of the MEM framework in contextual offer-making this cycle, we have decided to provide a placeholder version of MEM for 2021 cycle applicants. This version of MEM will not contain FSM data, but will incorporate:

• POLAR4 quintile
• index of multiple deprivation (IMD)
• school type

If permission is granted to incorporate FSM data into MEM later in the cycle, we’ll supply an updated version of MEM that includes FSM, but will also continue to supply the version without FSM data, to ensure consistency throughout the cycle.

Signing up for 2021 cycle MEM

This 2021 cycle MEM will be available on request. Due to changes in Ts & Cs from last cycle, all providers will need to sign up to the modernised contextual data service (MCDS) again to receive the data, even if they are an existing customer.

If you would like to receive the MEM data for 2021 cycle applicants, please register here. 

What you’ll receive

The 2021 cycle MEM data will be available from Thursday 29 October. On a daily basis, you’ll then receive two CSV files: 

1. 2021 cycle MEM data for all students who have applied to you so far this cycle. This is in-cycle data on your applicants.
2. 2014 – 2019 cycle MEM data for all students who have applied to you in the past. This is historic applicant data for carrying out your own internal analysis.

You will also receive a PDF guidance document on the data, and the data will be made available to you through MOVEit.

We hope the enriched information provides valuable insight throughout the cycle. We appreciate incorporating MEM contextual data into existing tools (such as web-link or the link products) is providers’ preference and our multi-disciplinary teams will explore options for presenting this in future cycles. 

If you have any questions, please email mcds@ucas.ac.uk.