Has anyone applied to a different uni whilst being 1st year at another uni?

9

UCAS says you can do this, seems like a lot of hassle tho. for those who’ve done this.. is it hard? and is it worth it? I feel like it’s worth a try and if i don’t get in i can just continue with what i’ll be doing. I’ve already taken a gap year and i’m too wrecked to take another one icl.

Thanks

Reply 1

aspiringSapphire

OP

9

UCAS says you can do this, seems like a lot of hassle tho. for those who’ve done this.. is it hard? and is it worth it? I feel like it’s worth a try and if i don’t get in i can just continue with what i’ll be doing. I’ve already taken a gap year and i’m too wrecked to take another one icl.

Thanks

Reply 2

University of Bath

Official Rep

14

Hi Sapphire 🙂

In short, yes, you can apply to another uni whilst being in first year of another uni. If you are looking to transfer to the second year of a new course then the info on this thread is really helpful: University Transfer FAQ - The Student Room

Basically if you want to transfer you'd need to contact the admissions teams of the unis you're interested to see if the course you're interested in is open for transfers and what if any conditions you need to meet and evidence/docs you need to provide.

If you are looking to apply afresh for a new course from first year then the process will be slightly different - you will still apply in the main cycle I believe but you may need to give some transcripts from your experience at uni. If you email or call the unis they will talk you through what you need to do.

I hope this helps a little bit - best of luck with everything and hopefully you find the answers you're looking for

Reply 3

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by aspiringSapphire

UCAS says you can do this, seems like a lot of hassle tho. for those who’ve done this.. is it hard? and is it worth it? I feel like it’s worth a try and if i don’t get in i can just continue with what i’ll be doing. I’ve already taken a gap year and i’m too wrecked to take another one icl.

Thanks

Yes it's possible, however it's worth noting neither Oxford nor Cambridge historically have considered such applicants under ordinary circumstances if you're studying at a UK uni. Also most medical schools won't consider (ever) a student that started then did not complete a medical degree at another medical school, and many medical schools indicate that they either won't consider or would consider less competitive an applicant already on a course that they won't be finishing elsewhere, and would prefer they finish the course then apply as a graduate.

Also usually if you are applying again elsewhere it's for first year entry again. If you want to apply for second year direct entry to a course elsewhere (outside of Scotland anyway) after doing first year at a different uni, this is considered a "transfer" and is much more ad hoc - you would need to contact unis in advance to see if they would accept a transfer into second year, which many won't (and usually will at least expect that your course pretty closely mirrors their course for first year, and that you do very well in it).

Outside of those exceptions though yes it happens, for various reasons. The process is the same as when you applied the first time with the exception that you normally apply independently rather than through your school's buzzword, and you need to declare your university studies on your UCAS form alongside your other qualifications. Some universities may prefer to see a reference from your current uni (which may be difficult if e.g. you've not been there long), although sometimes you can contact your school and have them act as a reference again.

Generally speaking you should never start a degree you don't intend to finish though. There's a big difference between starting a course then realising it (or the uni) are not the right fit, or having some external factors mean you have to (e.g. sudden unexpected health issues/caring requirements/etc) vs. applying to courses you know you don't intend to stay on that you want to use to "leapfrog" to other unis afterwards. That essentially never works out well.

Reply 4

Kingston Sarah

Official Rep

14

Original post

by aspiringSapphire

UCAS says you can do this, seems like a lot of hassle tho. for those who’ve done this.. is it hard? and is it worth it? I feel like it’s worth a try and if i don’t get in i can just continue with what i’ll be doing. I’ve already taken a gap year and i’m too wrecked to take another one icl.
Thanks

Hello,

You can do it but you need to declare in the UCAS application that you’re currently studying in year 1.

-Sarah (Kingston Rep)

Reply 5

Muttley79

20

Original post

by aspiringSapphire

UCAS says you can do this, seems like a lot of hassle tho. for those who’ve done this.. is it hard? and is it worth it? I feel like it’s worth a try and if i don’t get in i can just continue with what i’ll be doing. I’ve already taken a gap year and i’m too wrecked to take another one icl.
Thanks

Are you studying medicine?

Reply 6

Muttley79

20

Original post

by Kingston Sarah

Hello,
You can do it but you need to declare in the UCAS application that you’re currently studying in year 1.
-Sarah (Kingston Rep)

Are you sure if they are studying medicine that this is allowed?

Reply 7

aspiringSapphire

OP

9

Original post

by Muttley79

Are you studying medicine?

yeah that’s what i applied for, i got rejected by my first choice but they actually emailed saying it was a mistake 😂😭

i’ve spent the last few days running around in circles about what to do next lol. back to intevriew prep again so i hopefully get an offer

Reply 8

aspiringSapphire

OP

9

Original post

by Kingston Sarah

Hello,
You can do it but you need to declare in the UCAS application that you’re currently studying in year 1.
-Sarah (Kingston Rep)

Thank you for your reply!! this is good to know

Reply 9

Muttley79

20

Original post

by aspiringSapphire

Thank you for your reply!! this is good to know

You cannot easily changes unis for medicine you need very compelling reasons - it's not like other subjects.

Reply 10

aspiringSapphire

OP

9

Original post

by Muttley79

You cannot easily changes unis for medicine you need very compelling reasons - it's not like other subjects.

I wouldn’t apply for transfer I’d apply to start year 1 again if that makes sense

Reply 11

Muttley79

20

Original post

by aspiringSapphire

I wouldn’t apply for transfer I’d apply to start year 1 again if that makes sense

Still not really likely to be approved except for exceptional reasons. Ask the unis.

Has anyone applied to a different uni whilst being 1st year at another uni?

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