Applying to university before the deadline

My sixth form's internal deadline for UCAS applications to be submitted is Friday, 12th December 2025, but every open day I've been to has told me to submit my application in October/November time (I'm applying for midwifery). If I submit my application at this time, will it be more likely that I don't get a place at the university? At most, there are only 100 spaces too. Any advice?

Reply 1

University of Bath

Official Rep

Hi there,

For midwifery, your official equal consideration deadline is 14th January 2026.

Some subjects such as Medicine, Dentistry and Vet Science, and if you are applying for Oxford and/or Cambridge, have a deadline in mid-October, but this does not apply for midwifery.

Your school probably just want you to be organised and have time to write your reference. However if you feel like you need more time to work on your application then I'd encourage you to talk to your teachers and explain your situation.

As Bath don't offer midwifery I am unable to say whether submitting your application in Nov will mean you hear back sooner, but usually so long as you submit it by the equal consideration deadline this will not affect your chances of getting an offer.

I hope this helps - best of luck 🙂

(edited 2 weeks ago)

Reply 2

McGinger

As above, it doesn't matter when you submit your application as long as its before the January deadline. All Universities have to consider all 'on time' applicants with 'equal consideration' and cannot use any sort of time-preference. Its part of their contract with UCAS and something UCAS takes very seriously.

Some teachers can be very dim about UCAS - this might surprise you. They come up with all sorts of ideas that are actually nonsense mainly because they have no real understanding of how the Uni admissions process actually works and they just make stuff up or just 'assume', or they like you to think that they 'know everything' when actually they don't have a clue. If you are ever in any doubt about anything anyone has told you, just phone the helpline at UCAS and they can reassure you - 0371 468 0 468 - Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm.

Reply 3

Charlottemj

Original post

by _lxlsjj

This isn't true. If you submit to ucas by january 14th everyone gets fair chance. It's after that you don't. Xxx

Reply 4

HLRoberts

Agree with what others have said above about equal consideration, however….

I applied last year and am a current 1st year midwifery student, I sent my application in mid November and got my interview invite a week later.

Had my interview in person in December (I think the first interview day) and received my conditional offer 10 days later whereas others who I knew applied later in December/early Jan before EC deadline and waited 2-3 months after interview for the outcome

I’d maybe check with the admissions teams at the unis you’re applying to because some will issue offers as they interview, others will wait and send them all at once and some will do something in between like issuing a score over a certain threshold immediately

Reply 5

_lxlsjj

Original post

by HLRoberts

Agree with what others have said above about equal consideration, however….
I applied last year and am a current 1st year midwifery student, I sent my application in mid November and got my interview invite a week later.
Had my interview in person in December (I think the first interview day) and received my conditional offer 10 days later whereas others who I knew applied later in December/early Jan before EC deadline and waited 2-3 months after interview for the outcome
I’d maybe check with the admissions teams at the unis you’re applying to because some will issue offers as they interview, others will wait and send them all at once and some will do something in between like issuing a score over a certain threshold immediately

Thank you! That's really helpful, I'll check up on that 😊

Reply 6

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post

by _lxlsjj

Hiya!

As everyone’s mentioned, the equal consideration deadline for UCAS applications is 14th January 2026, so as long as you apply before then, your application will be given the same level of consideration as anyone else’s.

That said, I’d definitely recommend getting your application in sooner rather than later, you never know what might come up, and it’s always better not to leave things to the last minute. Plus, it gives you extra time to relax and focus on other things once it’s all done!

If you’re feeling unsure or just want a bit of extra reassurance, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with the admissions teams at the universities you’re applying to, they’re usually really helpful and happy to answer any questions.

Also, here’s a really useful UCAS webpage that explains more about the equal consideration deadline and how it works. It might help put your mind at ease!

https://www.ucas.com/advisers/help-and-training/guides-resources-and-training/international-advisers/why-students-should-apply-by-the-equal-consideration-date-ecd

Best of luck with your application!

Maddie, Health and Wellbeing in Society Graduate from De Montfort University