In what circumstances do people receive unconditional offers?

I've heard a lot of different things about unconditional offers and I'm a bit confused. Some people have said that getting one is pretty much unheard of if you're in Year 13 and haven't completed your A Levels yet, and it's usually only people who've already got their A Level results who get them, such as if they've taken a gap year and have deferred entry. Having said that though, I know people who haven't completed their A Levels who've received unconditional offers, so I was wondering what exactly is it that would convince a university to give one? Thanks

Generally what you've said is correct, but Birmingham and Leicester (and possibly more I've not heard about) seem to have taken to giving out a few unconditional offers, or some that are technically "conditional" but become unconditional if set as a firm choice.

I hope that helps!

Also, it's worth remembering that most of the unconditional offers that are given out are only unconditional if you put it as your firm choice - I know mine is.

All unconditional offers are only unconditional if you firm them. You can't have one as your insurance.

Also, it's worth remembering that all unconditional offers that are given out are only unconditional if you put it as your firm choice. I hope that helps!

All unconditional offers are only unconditional if you firm them. You can't have one as your insurance.

All unconditional offers are only unconditional if you firm them. You can't have one as your insurance.

Only certain universities give them out if you're still studying your A2s; Birmingham and Leicester are the only ones I know of that do it, though I'm sure there's probably a few others. There's nothing you can do to 'convince' them, per say; I've recently received an unconditional offer from Birmingham for English and I'm in year 13. I got AAABB in my AS-Levels, I'm predicted A*AA and study English Literature, History, Psychology and an EPQ. Admittedly, I've had a fair amount of experience (writing competitions, working at Elle magazine etc). Above all, I'd say it depends on where you apply and how capable you seem to be, though obviously academic achievements thus far and predictions help a lot. I know that Birmingham target A*AA students, though I know someone who has an unconditional with a prediction of AAA. Also, it's worth remembering that all unconditional offers that are given out are only unconditional if you put it as your firm choice. I hope that helps!

When it comes to Scottish students applying to universities here in Scotland, it's quite common to see unconditional offers being given out, given that entrance to university is based upon the results achieved in exams taken at the end of Year 12.

I've heard a lot of different things about unconditional offers and I'm a bit confused. Some people have said that getting one is pretty much unheard of if you're in Year 13 and haven't completed your A Levels yet, and it's usually only people who've already got their A Level results who get them, such as if they've taken a gap year and have deferred entry. Having said that though, I know people who haven't completed their A Levels who've received unconditional offers, so I was wondering what exactly is it that would convince a university to give one? Thanks

Hi,
firstly, can I just say that's a killer set of AS results! I'm applying to read English this year as well, though Birmingham isn't one of my five choices. Based on a subject like English where I'm guessing the personal statement will have more bearing on the overall decision as opposed to your average science, or even other humanities degree. I was wondering just how much of a factor the personal statement would be the holistic approach that many Admissions teams now seem to take.
Cheers
-Nige

Hi! Thank you - good luck with all of your choices. Obviously I'm no expert but for a subject like English, I think that the personal statement is not only a display of your academic knowledge and extracurricular experiences, but a demonstration that you are a competent writer, given that the subject is largely essay-based. I believe that it is highly likely that English admissions tutors would judge your ability to form, structure and edit your personal statement, which forms a part of their final decision of whether or not to make you an offer, however obviously academic achievements thus far are hugely important in this decision also. For pretty much all universities, it's their only chance to see your written capabilities and therefore, in my opinion, hugely important, though I speak as an amateur and only for the subject of English.

With regards to their unconditional offer scheme and in response to the question, How do you choose which applicants receive an unconditional offer? on their website, Birmingham answered: "We are choosing applicants with the best academic profile in terms of achieved and predicted academic success. We are looking for outstanding applicants whom we can be confident will make a significant contribution to the academic work of the University. The criteria for receiving an unconditional offer vary across the University, as different criteria are set for different programmes. However, each criteria will include a minimum GCSE and AS level attainment level as well as a minimum A level prediction threshold, in addition to an excellent personal statement and reference."

I hope that this helps you with your question