Optimal time to submit UCAS?

[Pepperoniplease]

DD will be applying to uni for 2024 entry. Russell Group but NOT Oxbridge or medicine etc. Should she submit her application alongside Oxbridge applicants or wait until the early entry deadline has passed so her unis don’t think they are her second choice? I ask because she is super organised and has already picked her 5 choices and drafted PS! She is in year 12

If she's sure, she can submit when it opens or soon after.

I didn't apply to oxbridge but applied with that group as I knew what o wanted to do and where.

As far as I know it didn't impact on anything.

I'm not sure they will assume that they are second choice.

I'm not in admissions but from what I saw if DS' friends the ones that submitted early had plenty of time to decide and even some early offer days.

My dd did early entry. She got offers from all 5. The thing is, because most oxbridge applicants won't get an offer, the 'second choice' is more than likely going to end up being the one that gets firmed. (As it turned out she got a Cambridge offer but thought long and hard about whether to accept it or her other favourite). They'd be cutting their noses off if they spurned early applicants with high predicted grades.

The only place I've heard can be pissy if they think they're second choice is Durham - but as they do take many who applied unsuccessfully to oxbridge I'm not sure that's accurate.

If she has definitely decided then get the application in early. Some unis and courses get their offers out v quickly, including RG. One of the earliest offers I can recall came in on October 8th, Law with German from Exeter ( a number of years ago now). The student was beside herself with excitement and ended up taking up the offer. Of course others don't give out offers until much later but at least the process of applying is done and dusted.

It all depends on year 12 mocks/predictions. If they go well and your DC gets predicted what they need, then apply in Sept. Otherwise, wait to see if predicted grades increase in the autumn term (eg. GD’s predicted went from ABC in July to A*AB in January)

Don't overthink it. Apply when she has had her PS checked, assuming school does that, and confirmation that her predicted grades are in the expected ballpark - no point having her heart set in five that offer 3 x As if she has 3 x Cs predicted.

I'd say it depends on course and where she wants to apply. DD was an early applicant this year (Oxford), and is still waiting to hear from Durham and Edinburgh (notoriously late offering). It's a loooong time to wait (especially when the first 2 got back to her very quickly after application, and Oxford had its own prescribed timeline).

from what I saw if DS' friends the ones that submitted early had plenty of time to decide and even some early offer days

Worth getting some of those - and even moreso interviews for courses that require them - out of the way sooner rather than later.

I would just apply when the personal statement is finished and not over think it too much. My dd applied I think early November and got 4 offers in just under 2 weeks. We thought Durham would be a long wait but they offered the day after UCAS closed in January.

I'd submit it when it's ready and the teachers have checked it. DS's school had a mid November deadline, presumably so the teachers could get their bit done and dusted by Christmas. But kids could submit it earlier if they wanted.

Do check with the school too. Even once your DD hits submit button the school then have to add their reference. If they have lots submitting at the same time it may be they submit some later, every school will have a different approach.

DD didn’t get her predicted grades until end of Y12 so even though your DD knows what she wants the grades may affect the institutions they have a realistic chance at. DD was almost certain of her likely predictions but not all are.

They also change their minds. DD was thinking one of her A levels at first, then a joint honours, then finally picking her chosen subject but that took several modules, open days and most of Y12 to feel confident in her choice.

A part of DD’s PS came from experiences in Y12 including an essay writing competition etc so do make sure your daughter is open to amending her statement.

DD did submit in early October as she was applying to Oxbridge but she has friends who applied later and there doesn’t seem to be any pattern re submission date, more about competitiveness of the course or university.

Our School gets them all in by Xmas. But DN’s school wait until January coz they sit mocks in December so predicted grades can change

As pp have said, schools prioritise those who have to go for early entry (oxbridge, medicine etc) and will gear up for checking personal statements/writing references for that cohort first - so even if your dd is ready they may not have the capacity to support her. Also worth bearing in mind timing of mocks and when school issues predicted grades, again as pp have said.

Earlier the better.