Gap year & applying for university?

Im going to be taking a gap year before going to uni but currently in year 12 going into year 13 I finish school in next year so 2025. Would I need to apply for uni in year 13 so during October of next year or during my gap year so October 2026.

Reply 1

McGinger

You can apply in Year 13 for 'deferred entry' (ie. to start in autumn 2026) OR you can wait until autumn 2025 and apply with achieved grades for autumn 2026 start. Applying whilst still at school means you can go on your gap year with a definite place to come back to - and school can help with your application.

Reply 2

UniofReading

Official Rep

Original post by Abbs23-

Good evening @Abbs23- ,

I was a gap year student, and I applied for my course via UCAS in September of my gap year. This was as soon as the clearing had closed and the next cycle of UCAS applications had opened. I found this most useful, as it meant I got unconditional offers in January. This was because I already had my level results, so you get swift answers.

A good thing about applying during your gap year is that you already have your entry grades, so you can look at universities which you have the grades for. This helps narrow down choices and removes some of the stress from the situation.

You will need to speak to your sixth form or college tutors to ensure they can still write your referral/ reference letter once you have left your institution. Some places charge extra for administration costs, but some do not, so it's definitely good to ask.

Alternatively, you can apply in October of year 13. However, you will receive conditional offers and then defer a year. Some Universities allow deferring, but some do not, so I highly recommend researching whether your chosen universities allow deferring a year. There is more information about deferring here.

I hope this helps; if you have any questions, please let us know.

All the best,
Ella 😀
BSc Ecology

Reply 3

Abbs23-

Original post by UniofReading

Good evening @Abbs23- ,
I was a gap year student, and I applied for my course via UCAS in September of my gap year. This was as soon as the clearing had closed and the next cycle of UCAS applications had opened. I found this most useful, as it meant I got unconditional offers in January. This was because I already had my level results, so you get swift answers.
A good thing about applying during your gap year is that you already have your entry grades, so you can look at universities which you have the grades for. This helps narrow down choices and removes some of the stress from the situation.
You will need to speak to your sixth form or college tutors to ensure they can still write your referral/ reference letter once you have left your institution. Some places charge extra for administration costs, but some do not, so it's definitely good to ask.
Alternatively, you can apply in October of year 13. However, you will receive conditional offers and then defer a year. Some Universities allow deferring, but some do not, so I highly recommend researching whether your chosen universities allow deferring a year. There is more information about deferring here.
I hope this helps; if you have any questions, please let us know.
All the best,
Ella 😀
BSc Ecology

Hi, so you applied during September of your gap year? When did you start uni then?

Reply 4

Abbs23-

Original post by McGinger

Am I able to apply during my gap year in October? When would I go to uni then if I apply during my gap year?

Reply 5

UniofReading

Official Rep

Original post by Abbs23-

Hi, so you applied during September of your gap year? When did you start uni then?

Good evening @Abbs23- ,

It's great to hear from you.

I ended year 13 in July 2022. Then, in October 2022, I applied for university via UCAS for September 2023. I hope this makes better sense. I then received my offers in December- January.

I recommend you visit the open days over the summer (after you have finished your A-Levels). This will help you decide which university you would like to apply for.

If you would like to visit The University of Reading, you can see the open events and tours here. Also, you can take part in a virtual tour here.

Also, to answer your second question, yes, you can apply to UCAS in October of your gap year. The UCAS application window is open until January. You can follow this link for the confined dates/ timeline for UCAS applications. You will start the September after you apply. So, roughly one year after your application is submitted.

I hope this helps, and answers your questions.

All the best
Ella 😁
BSc Ecology

(edited 2 months ago)