What to Do if You Don’t Get into Your First Choice of University

Getting a UCAS rejection, especially from your first-choice university, is never easy. But it happens to thousands of students every year, often due to high competition, missed grades, or minor application slip-ups.

Understanding why you didn’t get an offer is the first step to figuring out what to do next. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common reasons for being rejected by your first-choice university and outline your alternative options.

Why would a university reject you?

Getting a UCAS rejection from your top-choice uni can be disappointing, but understanding why it happened helps you plan your next move. Here are the most common reasons student applicants don’t get accepted:

• Not meeting entry requirements: Falling short of the required A-level grades or equivalent qualifications can cost you your offer. Always double-check course-specific expectations and plan accordingly.
• Problems with your personal statement: A weak or generic personal statement won’t make the cut. This is your moment to show passion and personality and explain why you’re a perfect fit for the course. Read our guide for more tips on writing a strong personal statement.
• Interview performance: Some courses include an interview stage, and how you perform can be a key factor in the selection process. Lack of preparation or nerves can make a big difference on the day. Check out our guide on how to nail a university interview.
• High competition: Popular courses at top universities often receive far more applications than available places. Even excellent candidates can miss out when competition is fierce.
• Conditional offers not met: If your firm or insurance offers were conditional on specific grades, not meeting them can result in a rejection. If this happens, consider retakes, appeals, or clearing routes.
• Not meeting application deadlines: Missing the UCAS deadlines can mean your application isn’t even considered at all.

Learn more about university entry requirements to stay ahead of the game.

Can you appeal a university rejection?

Yes, you can appeal a university rejection, but it’s not common and only works in specific circumstances. You can’t appeal just because you disagree with the decision. An appeal is usually only considered if there’s been a significant administrative error or if the university didn’t follow its own admissions procedures. So, make sure to check the university’s website for its specific appeals policy before you do anything.

What to do if you don’t get into the uni you wanted

Didn’t get the outcome you hoped for? First things first: take a deep breath. It feels huge right now, but this is far from the end of the road. You still have great options, whether it’s your insurance choice of uni, finding a new course through clearing, or taking a year to regroup. Let’s look at your options in more detail:

1. Accept an offer from your insurance choice of uni

This is exactly what your insurance choice is for. It’s your solid plan B. This should be a university and course you were already happy with, just with slightly lower entry requirements. Before you hit accept, take a moment to review the offer and remind yourself why you chose it – think about the course content, the campus, and the city. Accepting your insurance offer is usually straightforward, as your application is already with them, meaning no extra paperwork.

2. Apply to new courses

If neither your firm nor your insurance choice feels right anymore, or you’re wondering what happens if you get rejected from all universities, UCAS Extra is your second shot. This service is for students who have used all five choices but aren’t holding any offers. It opens in February and lets you apply to one course at a time until July. It’s a chance to research different unis and courses you might have overlooked. Make sure to review your personal statement before sending out new applications and keep an open mind when exploring the possibilities.

Learn everything you need to know about UCAS in our handy guide.

3. Go through the clearing process

For many, the big question on results day is what happens if I don’t get the grades for uni? The answer is often… clearing. Clearing is a lifeline that helps match students without a place to universities with empty course spots. It usually runs from July to September. The key is to be prepared: check the UCAS Hub for vacancies, have your grades and personal statement handy, and start calling universities directly.

Read more about what clearing is and how to navigate the process and discover this year’s clearing dates on the urbanest Student Journal.

If you get rejected from a university, can you apply again through clearing?

Yes, you can even apply to a different course at a university that initially rejected you, provided they have spaces and you meet the clearing requirements.

Can you apply to uni without UCAS?

Yes, you can. Though it’s not the standard route for most full-time undergraduate courses in the UK, phoning universities directly is common during clearing and for part-time degrees, foundation courses, or certain private institutions. If you have a specific university in mind, your best bet is to check their website or contact their admissions team directly to see if this is an option.

4. Consider a gap year and reapply

Though a gap year may not have been in the plan, it can offer valuable time to build your skills, gain experience, and put together an even better application for next year, especially if you’re set on your first-choice uni. Whether you use it to gain some hands-on work experience in your field of interest, or choose to broaden your cultural knowledge through travelling, a year out isn’t the end of the world and could be one of the best decisions you ever make!

Still not sure? Read our article Should I Take A Gap Year to help you decide.

When it’s time to reapply, use what you’ve learned to build a stronger, more confident application. Here are some simple ways to boost your chances next time around:

• Improve your qualifications: If your grades were the issue, consider retaking exams. You could also take relevant online courses or find work experience that aligns with your desired degree. This shows admissions tutors you’re proactive and dedicated.
• Rework your personal statement: Reflect on what you’ve learned and use your gap year experiences to add depth and personality. Tailor it specifically to the course you’re applying for and show them exactly why you’re the perfect applicant.
• Get feedback: Ask teachers, mentors, or family to read through your new application. Fresh eyes can spot mistakes and help you clarify your message, ensuring you present the strongest possible case. You can also reach out to the university to ask why your application fell short the first time around; this shows perseverance and the willingness to improve.

5. Consider alternative options

If you haven’t been accepted into any of your university choices and aren’t keen on other courses or taking a gap year, there are other pathways that can set you up for a successful career:

• Internships and practical skills: Use the year to get hands-on industry experience. An internship shows initiative and gives you practical skills that look great on any application or CV. Read our top tips on how to secure a summer internship on the urbanest Student Journal.
• Volunteering: Volunteering is a life-changing experience that builds resilience, teamwork, and a global perspective, all qualities universities love to see.
• Foundation courses: These one-year courses are designed to bridge the gap if you didn’t quite meet the entry requirements for your degree. They build your academic skills and often guarantee you a place on the related undergraduate course upon completion.
• Apprenticeships and vocational training: Want to earn while you learn? An apprenticeship gives you on-the-job training and a qualification at the same time. Higher and degree-level apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to a traditional degree.

6. Stay positive and resilient

It’s normal to feel disappointed, but resilience is key right now. This is one of those moments that teaches you how to adapt and bounce back. Remember that your path to success isn’t defined by one set of applications. This experience can give you clarity on what you truly want and the chance to pursue it.

A UCAS rejection isn’t the end of the road; it’s a detour that might lead you somewhere even better. Whether you choose to reapply, explore new paths, or take time to regroup, remember, there’s more than one way to reach your goals, and your next chapter starts now.

Wherever you’re headed, we’re here to help you settle in. Check out urbanest’s London accommodation to find a place that feels like home, no matter which university you attend.