ucas personal statement deadline 2022

• UCAS application

Personal statement

Academic reference, special circumstances.

• Declaring your disability

If you want to study at Oxford, you need to apply a year before the start date of your course by completing an online  UCAS application form .

Applications open in May so you can start work on the form from then. You won't be able to submit your application until early September. 

There is a strict submission deadline of 6pm (UK time) on 15 October. Your application must be complete - including the academic reference - and submitted before the deadline. Late applications cannot be accepted.

The deadline for applications is 6pm (UK time) on 15 October and this must be strictly adhered to.

Completing a UCAS application for Oxford follows the same process as for other universities, we just have an earlier  submission deadline of 15 October .

Please note that you should not send us as part of your application any certificates, transcripts or other documents for qualifications that you have already taken. The only exception to this is if you already have a degree from a university – see the 'Other forms' section on this page.

We will contact you for evidence of your qualifications if you are offered a place at Oxford.

Before you start:

• Choose  which course  you would like to study. You can only apply to one course at Oxford, and you can't apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same year. Read more  information on all our courses . 
• Check the  admission requirements  for your course. Specific grades and subjects required are also shown on each  course page .
• Decide whether to express a preference for a particular  college  or make an open application. If you make an open application, you will be assigned to a college which has had relatively fewer applications for your course in the year you apply.

What will the UCAS application ask for?

• Personal details including an email address. Make sure you check this address frequently.
• Details about your education, and any qualifications you have already achieved. 
• A personal statement where you tell us why you are interested in your chosen course. Read our guidance on writing your personal statement .
• Your reference. Remember that your teacher or adviser will need some time to complete your reference, and this must be completed before the deadline. Read our guidance on academic references .
• A fee payment to UCAS is required to complete the process.

Read guidance from UCAS on  filling in your application .

• Admissions tests

For most courses at Oxford you are required to take a test as part of your application. Registration for tests is not automatic and is not part of the UCAS process.

New arrangements for 2024 admissions tests and beyond are still to be confirmed but will be communicated as soon as possible and no later than the start of the new admissions cycle in early Spring. 

Other forms 

If you are applying for a second undergraduate degree, please send a copy of the transcript from your first degree to the college that is considering your application, to arrive by 10 November.

No other references, transcripts, or certificates are required or accepted except for students applying for  Graduate-entry Medicine (A101)  or  Choral or Organ Awards .

One section of the application is called your personal statement. This is where you can write whatever you’d like to say about yourself and your motivation to study your course.

People sometimes think that there is a trick to writing a personal statement for Oxford, or that we are looking for some special secret formula, but this is not the case.

It’s important to remember that you can only write one personal statement and so the same wording will be seen by all the universities you apply to.

Your personal statement should therefore focus on the course you want to study, not the universities themselves. Please read this  helpful advice from UCAS . Please also view UCAS’ guidance on the use of assistive technology (including artificial intelligence) when writing your personal statement. 

Provided that your academic referee can give us some background on the impact of COVID-19 on your education in their reference, you do not need to specifically refer to this in your personal statement. If the pandemic has shaped how you think about your subject or offered you relevant opportunities to show your interest in your subject area, you can of course include this as part of your motivation for applying for the course. Otherwise, follow the advice given below.

How important is the personal statement?

Universities build a picture of you as a student from all the different information you provide, to help decide whether or not to offer you a place.

The picture is made up of several different pieces:

• your personal statement,
• your academic record,
• your predicted A-level grades (or equivalent),
• and your teacher's reference.

For most courses at Oxford you will also need to take an admissions test or submit written work ( check the details for your course ).

If your application is shortlisted, your interview will also be taken into account. This means that your personal statement is important but it’s not everything: it’s just one part of the overall picture.

What are Oxford tutors looking for?

Tutors at Oxford are only interested in your academic ability and potential. They want to see that you are truly committed to the subject or subjects you want to study at university but it’s not enough just to say that you have a passion for something. 

You need to show tutors how you have engaged with your subject, above and beyond whatever you have studied at school or college. This can include any relevant extra-curricular activities.

Try to avoid writing your personal statement as though you are ticking things off a list. There is no checklist of required achievements, and tutors will not just scan what you have written to look for key words or phrases.

Tutors will read your personal statement to try to understand what has motivated you to apply for their course. It’s a good idea to evaluate your experiences, to show what you have learned from them and how they have helped develop your understanding of your subject.  

Where should I start?

Think about talking to your friends about what you want to study at university: what would you tell them?

What have you read or watched or seen that has inspired you? (This might have been at school, at home, in a museum, on TV, in a book, on YouTube or a podcast or anywhere else. You can also take a look at our  suggested reading and resources .) Why was it interesting? What do you want to find out next? What did you do?

If you find this difficult, it might be time to think about whether or not you’ve really chosen the right course. If you can’t think of anything that has inspired you, this lack of enthusiasm will probably come across in your personal statement, or it will become clear at interview, and you’re unlikely to gain a place at Oxford. If you find it easy to answer these questions, you will have a long list of ideas to help you write your personal statement.

When you start to write, remember not just to list your achievements but show how they have affected you, how you have benefited, and what you’d like to learn next. Be honest about yourself and what has inspired you, whether that’s been text books, museums and literature, or websites, podcasts and blogs.

Be sure to tell the truth, as tutors might check later, so don’t exaggerate and certainly don’t make any false claims. Don’t hold back either – this is no time for modesty.

When you've written a first draft, have a look back at the  selection criteria  for your course and think about the evidence you've given for each of the criteria. Have you covered everything?

Should I include extra-curricular activities?

We typically suggest that you focus around 80% of your personal statement on your academic interests, abilities and achievements. This can include discussion of any relevant extra-curricular activities. The remaining 20% can then cover any unrelated extra-curricular activities.

There’s a myth that Oxford is looking for the most well-rounded applicants, and that you will only be offered a place if you have a long list of varied extra-curricular activities. In fact, extra-curricular activities are only helpful in so far as they demonstrate the  selection criteria  for your course. 

If you are applying to other universities as well as to Oxford (you can make five choices on your UCAS form) then you may need to find out whether the other universities have different selection criteria. If they do, then you might want to provide some information about your extra-curricular interests – but keep it to a minimum.

The space in your personal statement is limited, so think carefully about what you want to include.

Do I need experience of work and travel?

We understand that not everyone has the opportunity to do work experience or to go travelling so these activities are not a requirement for any of our courses. Tutors won’t be impressed by your connections, or the stamps in your passport, but they will be impressed by how you’ve engaged with your subject.

For example, some of our applicants for Medicine may have had work experience placements in prestigious hospitals but not be able to evaluate their time there. If you have no more experience than some simple voluntary work, or even just discussing medical matters with your friends and family, you can still write an effective personal statement by reflecting critically on what you have learned and discussed. 

To give another example, for the History of Art course, tutors will not want to hear about all the galleries and exhibitions that you have visited around the world if you cannot discuss the art that you saw. You can come across more effectively in your personal statement by evaluating art you have seen, even if you’ve only seen it online or in books without ever leaving the school library.

Don’t be put off by any friends who you think have more impressive things to say in their personal statements. Remember that tutors do not have a checklist of achievements that they are looking for: they want to see how you have engaged with your subject. 

I’m applying to different courses at different universities – how should I write my personal statement?

If you are thinking of applying for completely different courses at different universities (eg Physics and Accounting, or Biology and Music) we’d encourage you to reconsider.

It’s important to choose a subject area that you really want to study, and focus on that one area when making your applications. Also, you can only write one personal statement which will be seen by all the universities to which you apply, so it needs to be relevant for all your courses.

If you are thinking of applying for related courses at different universities then we suggest that you avoid using course titles in your personal statement. We recommend that you write about your interest in the general course themes, and how you have engaged with relevant subject areas, so that your personal statement is equally relevant for each of your course choices. 

Does my personal statement need to stand out?

Students sometimes feel that they need to say something dramatic to stand out from the crowd and be really memorable in their personal statement but this is not true. Applying to Oxford is not like a talent show where you may only have a few seconds to make an impression.

Tutors consider each application carefully on its individual merits, looking for evidence of your commitment and ability. If you use your personal statement to demonstrate your academic abilities and your engagement with your subject(s), then your application will be memorable for all the right reasons.

How many versions should I write?

Ask a teacher to read through what you’ve written, listen to their feedback and then make any updates that they suggest. You may need two or three tries to get it right and it can take longer than you think, especially with the limited number of characters.

It can be tricky to get in everything you want to mention, but don't spend too much time trying to make your personal statement completely perfect - it's only one of the things that the tutors will consider.

Some dos and don’ts

• Do apply for a course you really want to study.
• Do be yourself: tell the truth about your interests.
• Do sell yourself: this is not the time for modesty.
• Do re-read your personal statement before an interview – the tutors may ask you to talk about things you've mentioned
• Do read the  UCAS guidance on personal statements .
• Don't be tempted to make anything up, as you might be asked about it at interview.
• Don't copy anyone else’s personal statement. UCAS uses plagiarism detection software.
• Don't list qualifications like your GCSE grades or anything else that's covered elsewhere on the application.
• Don't just list your other achievements: you need to evaluate them.
• Don't feel the need to be dramatic in order to be memorable.

A reference from a teacher or someone else who is qualified to comment on your academic ability is an essential part of your UCAS application. Your application will be incomplete without a reference and we will not be able to consider it.

Advice for candidates

• The process is different for those applying through a school/college/centre and those applying after they have left school or as an individual.
• Read  how to get a UCAS undergraduate reference .
• The reference must be in English. If your referee is not confident writing in English, they can ask an English-speaking colleague to help them. Alternatively, you can have a certified translation made for them to upload. Please ask them not to submit a reference in any language other than English, and to make sure that they have uploaded a reference in English to UCAS by the 15 October deadline.
• Your reference must be from someone who can write about your academic potential; it can't be from a family member.

UCAS's reference guidance

• UCAS registered centre linked applications  (for those applying through their school or college).
• Independent or individual applicants (for those who are not at school or college).

Advice for referees

• Read  how to write UCAS undergraduate references  for information about writing an academic reference for a student's application to Oxford. The format of references has changed this year. It is now split into three separate sections so it is important that all referees are aware of the new guidance. 
• References can be up to 4,000 characters (including spaces, headings and line breaks) or 47 lines of text, whichever comes first, and comprise of three sections.
• It is up to the referee how they divide the word count between these three sections but we would advise leaving plenty of space for Section three, which is where you can comment on the individual academic achievements and potential of your Oxford applicants.
• UCAS have published  sample references  which you are likely to find useful. 
• Section one: this invites referees to enter a general statement about their school, college or centre. We strongly recommend including relevant information about school closures and disruption to whole cohorts on a specifically created webpage on your school website. You can then link to this webpage in Section one of your academic reference to ensure that most of the reference word count can still be dedicated to the academic achievements and potential of your student.
• Section two: if applicable, include here any information about individual extenuating circumstances which may have impacted your applicant's education and achievements. Alternatively, if for any reason this is inappropriate, you are welcome to  contact the college  considering your candidate's application.
• Section three: use this to comment on the individual academic achievements and potential of your Oxford applicant and how these relate to the course they are applying for. 
• If the candidate is currently studying or awaiting results you will be asked to include predicted grades for these qualifications. These should not be included as part of the reference but be included in the Education section of a candidate's UCAS application. Students who are awaiting examination results or are yet to take examinations should enter 'pending' against those qualifications (including resits) when completing the Education section. Those pending qualifications will then be shown in the adviser portal and is where referees should record their predicted grades for these pending examinations. Where applicable, this is an important part of the application, so please do include predicted grades. 
• It may be helpful first for you to refer to the  selection criteria  and  admission requirements  for your candidate's chosen course.
• You may like to refer to the additional advice about writing a reference for an Oxford applicant on our  Advice for Teachers page . 

This is the section of the UCAS form where you list all your qualifications along with the grades you have already achieved and any standardised test scores. Please list everything as the admissions tutors need to see the whole picture of your academic studies so far. It doesn't matter if you have taken a lot of qualifications, a few, or none, we ask you to tell us about them. 

You also need to list any educational qualifications you are currently working towards. Students who are awaiting examination results or are yet to take examinations should enter 'pending' against these qualifications (including resits) when completing the Education section. Pending qualifications will then be shown in the adviser portal and is where referees should record their predicted grades for these pending examinations. Where applicable, this is an important part of the application, so   make sure your referee is aware of this.  

Why do we ask for predicted grades?

Using predicted grades means you can apply to study at Oxford before you have finished school (or equivalent) and you don't have to wait until all your exams are complete and your results are known. These predictions help admissions tutors understand your academic potential and let them know if you are going to meet or exceed the entrance requirements for your chosen course.

If you are made an offer of a place, it will be conditional on your achieving the required grades (based on the  entrance requirements  for your course) in any outstanding exams. 

We appreciate that many educational systems around the world do not usually predict a student's grades in this way; however without these predictions from your teacher we are unable to consider your application. There’s lots of advice for teachers in the  teachers’ section  of our website   and from UCAS about writing references and predicting grades . 

What if you can't provide predicted grades?

If you have listed any exams or qualifications as not yet taken on your UCAS form, then your teacher must provide predicted grades for them. If you can't get predicted grades, then your only alternative is to wait until you have got the final results for all your exams and qualifications before applying to Oxford. Please remember that you can only apply to Oxford between early September and 15 October.

English language qualifications

If you are not a native English speaker, please also include any English language qualifications that you have taken or are due to take. Our English language requirements page lists which tests we accept and also explains possible exemptions.

How do you declare international qualifications in the UCAS form?

You should self-report all details of your qualifications, standardised test scores, and grades on the UCAS application form under ‘Education’. It will need to be clear from your application that you are on track to achieve the admission requirements for your  course .

Please visit our  international qualifications page  for the international qualifications we accept and the level of academic attainment we would require.

For any exams you are yet to take, you will need to ask your referee (normally the teacher supporting your application) to predict your results and submit these as part of your UCAS application. Please refer your referee to our advice on writing references and predicting grades . 

You may choose to declare the results of any individual modules or internal exams in the 'Education' section of your UCAS application, but this is not essential. You may instead like to ask your academic referee to mention the results of any internal school exams in the reference, if you feel that these results will help to demonstrate your academic ability and potential. 

Please visit the  UCAS website  for further advice on how to enter your qualifications on the UCAS form.

Note:  do not send us transcripts for the qualifications you've already taken ; you will only need to produce certificates or transcripts if you are offered a place here.

However, if you are applying for a second undergraduate degree, you will need to send a transcript from your first degree separately, to the college that is considering your application. You do not upload this as part of your UCAS form.

If you have personal circumstances that you'd like to tell us about please include them in your personal statement, or ask your teacher to include the information in your reference.

If for any reason this is not appropriate, then please wait until you have had confirmation that your application has been received by a college and then  contact them directly . This is likely to be around the end of October.

You can  contact our Admissions Office  for further information and advice if you're not sure what to include. If you are applying for Medicine, please read the Medical School's guidance on submitting information about extenuating circumstances . 

Usually special circumstances are something that you as an individual have experienced, something that is unique to you. So we would not, for example, expect you to let us know about your school being closed due to COVID-19. We are extremely aware of the widespread disruption to education during the pandemic and will be asking your academic referee to tell us how this has affected your year group. 

Students with disabilities

Please visit the tab  Declaring your disability  and read our  Guidance for disabled applicants  to find out about the support we offer our students.

Other extenuating circumstances

We are sympathetic to the fact that sometimes candidates under-perform at school or college because of extenuating circumstances. If you feel that your performance has been affected in this way please let us know.

You should let us have this information in your UCAS application as we need to receive this information before admissions decisions have been made. 

Information received after admissions decisions have been made will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and if this was not available earlier.   Examples would include disruption caused by change of school or system, severe discontinuity of teachers (but not if this was due to nationwide school closures due to COVID-19), bereavement, and debilitating illness.

We take care to treat each application individually and would always take such mitigating circumstances into account, if they are brought to our attention before admissions decisions have been made.

You could include this information in your personal statement or your teacher could mention this in their reference. If for any reason this is not possible, then we would advise you to contact the college you applied to (or are assigned to if making an open application) once you have had confirmation that your application has been received. This is likely to be around the end of October.

Teachers and other academic referees should follow the  guidance provided by UCAS  in order to explain the impact of COVID-19 on your education.

Whatever your particular circumstances, the earlier we know about your individual requirements, then the sooner we can begin to meet them. 

We are committed to making sure that all our students can benefit from the great opportunities at Oxford so please do tell us about any disability, whether seen or unseen, on your UCAS application. This should include:

• Sensory and physical impairments
• Specific learning difficulties e.g. Dyslexia
• Long-term mental health conditions
• Autism spectrum conditions
• Chronic illnesses and health conditions

Please be assured that admissions decisions are made on academic grounds alone. 29% of all our undergraduate students are known to the Disability Advisory Service.

By telling us now, you will help us put in place any agreed support early and to make reasonable adjustments to facilitate your access to your course and our University. It will also mean that we can provide appropriate arrangements during the admissions process, so for any test or interview.

While you do not need to include this information at this stage, we strongly recommend you do so in order to give us time to prepare and arrange suitable support.

You’ll find the relevant section at the bottom of the Personal Details tab of your UCAS application

• Click ‘see list’ to select the relevant category
• Fill in the second box below Category to give details of any facilities or special provisions required.
• UCAS also has some  good advice  about how to tell us about your disability.

See also our further  Guidance for disabled applicants . This includes information on contacting our  Disability Advisory Service  and how to put in place any necessary arrangements for our admissions tests, if this is one of the admission requirements for your chosen course.

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International applicants

The application process for international students is exactly the same as for UK and EU students: i.e. you must apply through  UCAS  by 15 October. 

UCAS  is an independent organisation that handles all applications to study undergraduate degrees in the UK. To complete a UCAS application, you will need to  register with UCAS  and pay them a fee. The UCAS website also has  guidance for international students.

There is no separate application form for Oxford's undergraduate courses (with the single exception of  A101 Graduate Entry Medicine ), and it is not possible to apply without completing a UCAS form.

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How to Write a UCAS Personal Statement [With Examples]

James is senior content marketing manager at BridgeU. He writes and directs content for BridgeU's university partners and our community of international schools

What are the big challenges students should be aware of before writing their UCAS Personal Statement?

• The essential ingredients for writing a great Personal Statement
• How to write the UCAS Personal Statement [with examples]

Final hints & tips to help your students

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The UCAS Personal Statement can sometimes be a student’s only chance to impress a UK university. Read our in-depth guide to helping your students plan & write a winning application.

There are hundreds of articles out there on how to write a UCAS Personal Statement that will grab the attention of a UK university admissions officer.  

But if you’re working with students to help them perfect their Personal Statement in time for the  relevant UCAS deadlines , we can sum up the secret to success in three words.

Planning, structure and story. 

The UCAS Personal Statement is a student’s chance to talk about why they want to study for a particular degree, course or subject discipline at a UK university. 

As they set about writing a personal statement, students need to demonstrate the drive, ambition, relevant skills and notable achievements that make them a  suitable candidate for the universities they have chosen to apply to . 

But the UCAS Personal Statement requires students to write a lot about themselves in a relatively short space of time. That’s why lots of planning, a tight structure and a compelling story are essential if a student’s Personal Statement is to truly excel. 

As important deadlines for UK university applications grow closer, we at BridgeU have put together a guide, outlining some of the strategies and techniques to help your students to write a personal statement which is both engaging and truly individual.

Handpicked Related Content

Discover the simple steps that will boost the confidence of your native English speaking & ESL students alike in  University Application Essays: The 5 Secrets of Successful Writing .

As they begin to plan their Personal Statement, students may feel intimidated. It’s not easy to summarise your academic interests and personal ambitions, especially when you’re competing for a place on a course which is popular or has demanding entry requirements. In particular, students will likely come up against the following challenges.

Time pressure

Unfortunately, the Personal Statement (and other aspects of university preparation) comes during the busiest year of the student’s academic life so far.

Students, and indeed teachers and counsellors, must undertake the planning and writing of the personal statement whilst juggling other commitments, classes and deadlines, not to mention revision and open day visits!

Because there is already a lot of academic pressure on students in their final year of secondary school, finding the time and headspace for the personal statement can be hard, and can mean it gets pushed to the last minute. The risks of leaving it to the last minute are fairly obvious – the application will seem rushed and the necessary thought and planning won’t go into  making the personal statement the best it can be . 

Sticking closely to the Personal Statement format

The character limit which UCAS sets for the personal statement is very strict – up to 4,000 characters of text. This means that students have to express themselves in a clear and concise way; it’s also important that they don’t feel the need to fill the available space needlessly.  Planning and redrafting of a personal statement is essential .

Making it stand out

This is arguably the greatest challenge facing students – making sure that their statement sets them apart from everyone else who is competing for a place on any given course; in 2022 alone, UCAS received applications from 683,650 applicants (+1.6k on 2021) students. In addition, UCAS uses its own dedicated team and purpose built software to check every application for plagiarism, so it’s crucial that students craft a truly  original personal statement which is entirely their own work .

The essential ingredients for writing a great UCAS Personal Statement 

We’ve already mentioned our three watch words for writing a high quality Personal Statement.

Planning. Structure. Story. 

Let’s dig deeper into these three essential components in more detail.

Watch: How to Write a UCAS Personal Statement with University of Essex

Planning a ucas personal statement.

It might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s vital that students plan their Personal Statement before they start writing it. Specifically, the planning phase could include: 

• Students thoroughly researching the UK university courses they plan on applying to. 
• Deciding on what relevant material to include in their Personal Statement (we’ll cover this in more detail later on). 
• Writing an unedited first draft where they just get their thoughts and ideas down on paper. 

Structuring a UCAS Personal Statement

As we’ve discussed, the UCAS Personal Statement requires students to be extremely disciplined – they will be required to condense a lot of information into a relatively short written statement. This means that, after they’ve written a rough first draft, they need to think carefully about how they structure the final statement. 

A stand out Personal Statement will need a tight structure, with an introduction and a conclusion that make an impact and really help to tell a story about who your student is, and why they are drawn to studying this particular degree. 

This brings us nicely to our third and final ingredient…

Telling a story with a Personal Statement

The UCAS Personal Statement is a student’s opportunity to show a university who they are and how their life experiences have shaped their academic interests and goals. 

So a good Personal Statement needs to offer a compelling narrative, and that means making sure that a student’s writing is well-structured, and that every sentence and paragraph is serving the statement’s ultimate purpose –  to convince a university that your student deserves a place on their subject of choice. 

How to help your students start their UCAS Personal Statement

In order to ensure that a personal statement is delivered on time and to an appropriate standard, it’s essential to plan thoroughly before writing it. Here are some questions you can ask your students before they start writing:

How can you demonstrate a formative interest in your subject?

It may sound obvious but, in order for any UCAS personal statement to have the necessary structure and clarity, students need to think hard about why they want to study their chosen subject. Ask them to think about their responses to the following questions:

What inspired you to study your chosen subject?

Example answer:  My desire to understand the nature of reality has inspired me to apply for Physics and Philosophy

Was there a formative moment when your perspective on this subject changed, or when you decided you wanted to study this subject in more detail?

Example answer:  My interest in philosophy was awakened when I questioned my childhood religious beliefs; reading Blackburn’s “Think”, convinced me to scrutinise my assumptions about the world, and to ensure I could justify my beliefs.

Can you point to any role models, leading thinkers, or notable literature which has in turn affected your thinking and/or inspired you?

Example answer :  The search for a theory of everything currently being conducted by physicists is of particular interest to me and in “The Grand Design” Hawking proposes a collection of string theories, dubbed M-theory, as the explanation of why the universe is the way it is.

Asking your students to think about the “why” behind their chosen subject discipline is a useful first step in helping them to organise their overall statement. Next, they need to be able to demonstrate evidence of their suitability for a course or degree. 

How have you demonstrated the skills and aptitudes necessary for your chosen course?

Encourage students to think about times where they have demonstrated the necessary skills to really stand out. It’s helpful to think about times when they have utilised these skills both inside and outside the classroom. Ask students to consider their responses to the following questions. 

Can you demonstrate critical and independent thinking around your chosen subject discipline?

Example answer :  Currently I am studying Maths and Economics in addition to Geography. Economics has been a valuable tool, providing the nuts and bolts to economic processes, and my geography has provided a spatial and temporal element.

Are you able to demonstrate skills and competencies which will be necessary for university study?

These include qualities such as teamwork, time management and the ability to organise workload responsibly.

Example answer:  This year I was selected to be captain of the 1st XV rugby team and Captain of Swimming which will allow me to further develop my leadership, teamwork and organisational skills.

How have your extracurricular activities helped prepare you for university?

Students may believe that their interests outside the classroom aren’t relevant to their university application. So encourage them to think about how their other interests can demonstrate the subject-related skills that universities are looking for in an application. Ask students to think about any of the following activities, and how they might be related back to the subject they are applying for.

• Clubs/societies, or volunteering work which they can use to illustrate attributes such as teamwork, an interest in community service and the ability to manage their time proactively.
• Have they been elected/nominated as a team captain, or the head of a particular club or society, which highlights leadership skills and an ability to project manage?
• Can they point to any awards or prizes they may have won, whether it’s taking up a musical instrument, playing a sport, or participating in theatre/performing arts?
• Have they achieved grades or qualifications as part of their extracurricular activities? These can only help to demonstrate aptitude and hard work. 

How to write the UCAS Personal Statement [with examples] 

If sufficient planning has gone into the personal statement, then your students should be ready to go!

In this next section, we’ll break down the individual components of the UCAS Personal Statement and share some useful examples.

These examples come from a Personal Statement in support of an application to study Environmental Science at a UK university. 

Watch: King’s College London explain what they’re looking for in a UCAS Personal Statement

Introduction.

This is the chance for an applying student to really grab an admission tutor’s attention. Students need to demonstrate both a personal passion for their subject, and explain why they have an aptitude for it .  This section is where students should begin to discuss any major influences or inspirations that have led them to this subject choice. 

Example :  My passion for the environment has perhaps come from the fact that I have lived in five different countries: France, England, Spain, Sweden and Costa Rica. Moving at the age of 15 from Sweden, a calm and organized country, to Costa Rica, a more diverse and slightly chaotic country, was a shock for me at first and took me out of my comfort zone […] Also, living in Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, definitely helped me realize how vulnerable the world is and how we need to take care of it in a sustainable manner. 

This opening paragraph immediately grabs the reader’s attention by giving the reader an insight into this student’s background and links their academic interests with something specific from the student’s personal backstory. 

Discussing Academic Achievements 

The next paragraph in this Personal Statement discusses the student’s academic achievements. Because this student has had an international education, they frame their academic achievements in the context of their personal background. They also cite useful examples of other curricula they have studied and the grades they have achieved. 

Example : 

Throughout my academic life I have shown myself to be a responsible student as well as a hard working one, despite the fact that I have had to move around a lot. I have achieved several other accomplishments such as a high A (286/300) in AS Spanish at age 15, and also completed a Spanish course of secondary studies for ‘MEP’(Ministerio de Educacion Publica), which is a system from Costa Rica.   

You’ll notice that this student doesn’t just list their achievements – their strong academic performance is always linked back to a wider discussion of their personal experiences. 

Showcasing Extracurricular Activities

As well as discussing academic achievements, a good Personal Statement should also discuss the student’s extracurricular activities, and how they relate back to the student’s overall university aspirations. 

By the third/fourth paragraph of the Personal Statement, students should think about incorporating their extracurricular experiences, 

Another valuable experience was when my class spent a week at a beach called ‘Pacuare’ in order to help prevent the eggs of the endangered leatherback turtle from being stolen by poachers who go on to sell them like chicken eggs. We all gained teamwork experience, which was needed in order to hide the eggs silently without scaring the mother turtles, as well as making it more difficult for the poachers to find them. 

When the poachers set fire to one of the sustainable huts where we were staying, not only did I gain self-awareness about the critical situation of the world and its ecosystems, I also matured and became even more motivated to study environmental sciences at university.

This is a particularly striking example of using extracurricular activities to showcase a student’s wider passion for the degree subject they want to study. 

Not only does this Personal Statement have a story about volunteering to save an endangered species, it also illustrates this applicants’ wider worldview, and helps to explain their motivation for wanting to study Environmental Science. 

Concluding the UCAS Personal Statement

The conclusion to a UCAS Personal Statement will have to be concise, and will need to tie all of a student’s academic and extracurricular achievements. After all, a compelling story will need a great ending. 

Remember that students need to be mindful of the character limit of a Personal Statement, so a conclusion need only be the length of a small paragraph, or even a couple of sentences. 

“ After having many varied experiences, I truly think I can contribute to university in a positive way, and would love to study in England where I believe I would gain more skills and education doing a first degree than in any other country.  “

A good Personal Statement conclusion will end with an affirmation of how the student thinks they can contribute to university life, and why they believe the institution in question should accept them. Because the student in this example has a such a rich and varied international background, they also discuss the appeal of studying at university in England. 

It’s worth taking a quick look at a few other examples of how other students have chosen to conclude their Personal Statement. 

Medicine (Imperial College, London) 

Interest in Medicine aside, other enthusiasms of mine include languages, philosophy, and mythology. It is curiously fitting that in ancient Greek lore, healing was but one of the many arts Apollo presided over, alongside archery and music.   I firmly believe that a doctor should explore the world outside the field of  Medicine, and it is with such experiences that I hope to better empathise and connect with the patients I will care for in my medical career. 

You’ll notice that this example very specifically ties the students’ academic and extracurricular activities together, and ties the Personal Statement back to their values and beliefs. 

Economic History with Economics (London School of Economics)

The highlight of my extra-curricular activities has been my visit to Shanghai with the Lord Mayor’s trade delegation in September 2012. I was selected to give a speech at this world trade conference due to my interest in economic and social history. […] I particularly enjoyed the seminar format, and look forward to experiencing more of this at university. My keen interest and desire to further my knowledge of history and economics, I believe, would make the course ideal for me.

By contrast, this conclusion ties a memorable experience back to the specifics of how the student will be taught at the London School of Economics – specifically, the appeal of learning in seminar format! 

There’s no magic formula for concluding a Personal Statement. But you’ll see that what all of these examples have in common is that they tie a student’s personal and academic experiences together – and tell a university something about their aspirations for the future.

Watch: Bournemouth University explain how to structure a UCAS Personal Statement

Know the audience

It can be easy for students to forget that the person reading a personal statement is invariably an expert in their field. This is why an ability to convey passion and think critically about their chosen subject is essential for a personal statement to stand out. Admissions tutors will also look for students who can structure their writing (more on this below). 

Students should be themselves

Remember that many students are competing for places on a university degree against fierce competition. And don’t forget that UCAS has the means to spot plagiarism. So students need to create a truly honest and individual account of who they are, what they have achieved and, perhaps most importantly, why they are driven to study this particular subject.

Proof-read (then proof-read again!)

Time pressures mean that students can easily make mistakes with their Personal Statements. As the deadline grows closer, it’s vital that they are constantly checking and rechecking their writing and to ensure that shows them in the best possible light. 

Meanwhile, when it comes to giving feedback to students writing their Personal Statements, make sure you’re as honest and positive as possible in the days and weeks leading up to submission day. 

And make sure they remember the three key ingredients of writing a successful Personal Statement. 

Planning, structure and story! 

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Completing your UCAS application

• Admission tests

You apply to Cambridge through UCAS . Your school or college will be able to help you with this. You can also find general information on completing your UCAS application on the UCAS website. Once you submit your UCAS application, you can check on its progress through the UCAS Hub .

Your UCAS application is just one part of the application process. For more information, see Applying to Cambridge .

Here are some top tips for completing your UCAS application for Cambridge.

• Make sure you’ve checked the deadline for your application. For most applicants, the deadline for 2025 entry (or deferred entry in 2026) will be 15 October 2024 (6pm UK time) . There are some later application deadlines for mature students and Foundation Year applicants.
• You can only submit one application to the University in a year. Make sure you’re happy with the course you’re applying for and with your College choice.
• You will need to know our institution code (CAM C05) and your College’s campus code (you can find this on your College’s profile page). If you’re submitting an open application you should select ‘9’ as the campus code.
• Take a look at our advice on how to write a great personal statement .
• Make sure your school or college referee has looked at our advice about what we’re looking for in a reference .
• Has your education has been significantly disrupted or disadvantaged? If so, it may be appropriate for your school or college referee (or your doctor or social worker) to tell us about this. To do so, they will need to complete and submit an Extenuating Circumstances Form .
• You can nominate someone to act on your behalf in relation to your UCAS application. But we won’t automatically communicate with this person. If you want to nominate someone to act on your behalf in relation to your Cambridge application, contact the College that’s assessing your application.
• If you’re applying for the Graduate Course in Medicine or an Organ Scholarship you’ll need to complete an additional application form. Make sure you are ready for this.

How to apply to Cambridge without choosing a specific College

Making an open application.

If you don’t mind which College you attend then you don’t have to choose. You could make an open application instead.

After the closing date, your application will be allocated to a College. You’ll be allocated to a College which has received fewer applications per place for your course that year.

If you’re aged 21 or older, you will be allocated to one of the 3 mature Colleges ( Hughes Hall , St Edmund’s , or Wolfson ).

Colleges treat open applicants in the same way as applicants that apply directly to them and you won’t be asked about College choice at interview.

• If you decide to make an open application, you should select '9' as the campus code on your UCAS application.
• Entry requirements can differ between Colleges. You may be allocated to a College with a higher typical offer or that will make an offer based on particular grades in certain subjects.

We recommend that you don't make an open application if you’re an applicant with:

• unusual qualifications ( check our qualifications page )
• a mobility and/or sensory impairment
• other considerations that require particular support.

How to write a great personal statement

Your personal statement gives you the chance to tell us:

• why you’re interested in the course you want to study and what excites you about it
• about your academic interests
• how you’ve explored your interests outside of school. For example, books you’ve read or podcasts you’ve listened to

Use the answers to these questions to start writing concise sentences. Flesh these out into paragraphs. Organise them into a logical structure to make the case for why you would be well suited to the course.

• Aim for one idea per sentence, and one major theme per paragraph.
• Include common themes that tie your whole statement together.
• Don’t forget to include a brief introduction and a summarising conclusion.

Once you’ve got a draft statement together, start to rework it.

• Develop your most important points. Don’t be afraid to remove things that don’t fit into your overall statement.
• Avoid sweeping statements – be specific. Make every word count and always link your skills and interests back to the course.
• Your final statement should be a concise, logical argument, not just a list of ideas.
• Make sure it sounds like you – you don’t have to use a thesaurus for every word!

It’s important to remember that the information in your statement might be used as a basis for discussion at your interview. Make sure you know the topics you’ve covered well and that you’re ready to talk about these at interview.

You should also check the UCAS guidance on how to write a personal statement .

School or college references

Your UCAS application will ask for a reference. The reference is helpful because it tells us about your abilities and potential. Admissions Tutors look for indications that your academic strengths are well suited to the course and to the style of study at the University.

The reference is an important part of your application. We normally expect that it will be provided by a teacher or tutor in your school or college who can speak about your academic profile and suitability for admission to university. If you’re having difficulty securing a referee, please check the UCAS guidance on references .

References should be provided to you free of charge. If you wish to apply to Cambridge and are finding it difficult to obtain a reference or are being asked to pay for one, please contact the College that you are planning to apply to (or Student Admissions and Access if you’re making an open application).

Your application cannot be submitted until your chosen referee has completed and added your reference to the application.

Information and guidance for teachers on references can be found on our teachers' page .

Related Links

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Cambridge application deadlines

UCAS application deadline: 15 October 2024 (6pm UK time)

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What Is The UCAS Deadline For Personal Statements?

It’s too simple to say that there’s one UCAS deadline, especially for undergraduate applications.

Depending on your subject or university choice and your own decision-making process, you might want to take advantage of some of that flexibility before submitting your application.

So, what is the UCAS deadline that matters most to you?

The UCAS deadline for undergraduate study relates to the last day that universities are required to treat your application with ‘equal consideration’. This is usually 15 January, although extended to January 26 in 2022. Applications can be made after this time, right through until courses begin.

However, there are other UCAS deadlines that you should be aware of, and I’ll outline these clearly below, as well as give you a snapshot of key US application dates too.

What is the UCAS Deadline for Personal Statements?

The UCAS undergraduate admissions cycle opens in early September of the academic year before a course begins, and you can submit your application at any point from that date onwards.

However, it can make sense to wait a little before you send in your personal statement, as it will give you and your teachers/counsellors or readers more time to help you develop some great content.

It also gives you a little more time to establish a broader range of achievements and to complete some wider reading . An ideal time to apply is late October/early November, which gives you the first half of the autumn term to get your application pitch perfect and gives your school or external referee time to send their elements through as well.

The deadline for applications to the University of Oxford , the University of Cambridge and for Medicine, Veterinary and Dentistry courses is October 15 in the year before taking up a non-deferred place, much earlier in the application cycle.

This early date is partly due to the time needed to process what are often large numbers of applicants but also to give applicants the opportunity to sit additional tests in order to establish suitability.

If you’re a bit behind on this process, don’t worry. Just remember…

The UCAS deadline for personal statements can vary but is traditionally mid-January in the year you intend to take up a place unless you are making a deferred application. Historically the specific date was January 15, but from 2022 onwards, this has been extended to January 26.

You can check the most recent information at UCAS here .

Can I Apply to UCAS After 15 th January?

You can apply to UCAS at any point after the January deadline, up until late June. Applications for undergraduate courses can still be submitted from July onwards, but applicants will usually need to wait for Clearing to open to gain access to the courses that remain available.

However, there are a number of reasons why applying this late in the cycle is likely to disadvantage you:

• Once the January deadline has passed, universities are no longer obliged to consider your application. In other words, they do not have to read it or take the time to make an informed decision. They can simply reject you.
• The majority of competitive courses will have already reached their maximum number of offers, meaning that the later in the process you apply, the fewer spaces are available, and the less choice you will have on subjects, courses and campuses.
• Late applications can be an indication to an admissions team that the applicant is disorganised, unmotivated or unsure about their academic ambitions. That can lead to an application being rejected.
• Very late applications make securing accommodation and funding more challenging.
• The current cycle is designed to leave the spring and summer terms largely clear for study and the completion of advanced level qualifications, without the distraction of the application process. Leaving your application to the last minute can have a detrimental effect on your current studies.

If you possibly can, you should aim to beat the January deadline and submit your personal statement in early November. However, if you do miss your deadline, the best thing to do is to contact UCAS directly, usually via your student hub , and then talk directly with individual universities to establish whether a late application would be welcomed.

What’s the Deadline for Postgraduate Applications?

There is no official deadline for UK postgraduate applications . Most universities are keen to accept applications up until the July prior to courses starting in the autumn. As with undergraduate courses, the sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing a place on the course of your choice.

To be safe, apply at least six months in advance – so around March for a course that starts in September/October. UCAS

The danger with this lack of a formal deadline is that you might delay the application and end up in a rush to get your personal statement completed.

To avoid making that mistake, make sure you organise your resources in advance and prioritise your application with the same level of focus that you place on your undergraduate study.

What About Deadlines for US Uni Applications?

US undergraduate university admissions have a greater range of deadlines than the UK. They are divided into four types; regular decision, early action, early decision and rolling admissions. Different institutions have varying dates for these, so checking a specific university’s requirements is key.

The Early Decision and Action deadline for US applications is 1 November, with follow-up decisions taking place in the new year. The next Early Decision round is 15 November.

Regular Decision deadlines run throughout January, with the majority coming at he start of the month. February 1 and February 15 are also key dates for applications to reach many US universities.

Can you Apply to UK Universities Without UCAS?

As a potential undergraduate, you can apply directly to most UK universities for single courses, bypassing the need to apply through UCAS. You will not be able to apply for other courses, however. You can also apply directly for short courses that do not lead to degree qualifications.

Other specific or specialised courses at universities and other institutions in the UK often prefer direct applications, the most common of which are Art Foundation courses. These frequently do not run through UCAS, and you can find more information on these here .

Good luck with your personal statement, and don’t forget to contact me if you’d like some 1-1 support. You’ve got this! D

Research and content verified by Personal Statement Planet .

David Hallen

I've worked in the Further Education and University Admissions sector for nearly 20 years as a teacher, department head, Head of Sixth Form, UCAS Admissions Advisor, UK Centre Lead and freelance personal statement advisor, editor and writer. And now I'm here for you...

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UCAS key dates and deadlines

A guide to ucas applications, closing dates, the clearing process and deadlines..

UCAS application dates 

What is ucas.

UCAS stands for the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. All applications to UK universities are made through this service so if you want to become a full-time undergraduate student in 2024, you’ll need to register with them.  

UCAS follows a strict timetable so it’s important to be aware of key application dates and deadlines. It can feel a bit daunting, but this handy article talks you through what’s happening now and what you need to do.

Clearing dates 2024  

What is clearing  .

Clearing is a process universities and colleges use to fill places they still have available on their courses. You can use Clearing if you haven’t accepted a firm place at a university already or officially declined a firm place. It’s a bit like a second chance if you were late to the party or didn’t like the party you thought you wanted to go to. 

How does it work?  

The best way to find universities with vacancies is to check our Clearing course search , look on the UCAS website or directly on a university website. You can start finding vacant courses now, but you can only apply for a course through Clearing once you have your exam results. 

Clearing dates  

In 2024 Clearing starts on 5 July and closes on 21 October at 6pm . Here are some key dates to be aware of: 

*Many universities run open days for students in Clearing so look out for these too.  

Once you’ve got your results and found a course, it’s up to you to call the university directly. If they still have a space, they’ll take your details and either give you a decision immediately or soon afterwards. Most universities will ask you for your UCAS Clearing number so do register with UCAS now if you haven’t already done so.  

Read more about what to do and key 2024 dates in our guide to UCAS Clearing here.

If you are thinking of applying through Clearing without registering with UCAS, read our advice guide here.

UCAS deadlines 2024 entry

• 16 October 2023  - Deadline for applications to Oxford and Cambridge universities and for most medicine, veterinary, and dentistry courses. 
• 31 January 2024  - Deadline for most other undergraduate university applications. 
• 28 February 2024  - UCAS Extra opens for any applicants who received no offers, or who rejected all their offers. 
• 6 June 2024  - Reply to offers if you’ve received your decisions 16 May 2024. 
• 30 June 2024  - Applications received after 6pm will automatically be entered into Clearing.
• 4 July 2024  - Last date to add a UCAS Extra choice.
• 5 July 2024  - Clearing 2024 opens.
• 24 July 2024  – Reply to offers if you get all your decisions by 17 July 2024.
• 21 September 2024  - Final date for 2024 UCAS undergraduate applications.
• 21 October 2024  - Clearing 2024 closes.

For advice on how to complete your UCAS application, including tips on making your personal statement stand out, read our guide here.

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• UCAS explained

We know applying to university can be daunting, so we’ve made this guide to help you through the application process and answer any questions you might have.

Check your entry year

This guide is for September 2024 entry (and deferred 2025 entry) applications

Applications

Applications for our undergraduate degree programmes are made through UCAS (The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). We do not accept direct applications. Our UCAS code is UCL U80. There is no campus code.

Applying through UCAS

All applicants to UCL’s full-time undergraduate programmes must apply through UCAS. It is not possible to make a direct application.

The following dates are for all applicants, regardless of where you are applying from:

• September 2023: Opening date for the receipt of applications for September 2024 entry
• 16 October 2023: Last date for receipt of applications to Medicine (A100)
• 31 January 2024: Last date for receipt of applications to guarantee full and equal consideration
• 16 May 2024: Last date for decisions on applications submitted by 31 January 2024
• 30 June 2024: Last date for receipt of UCAS Late and Extra applications to programmes that are still open. Any applications received after this are held by UCAS and are not forwarded to institutions.

Meeting your application deadline

All applications submitted by 6pm (UK time) on 31 January 2024 are given equal consideration.

For Medicine, you must apply by 6pm (UK time) on 16 October 2023 to be considered.

LNAT and BMAT admissions tests

Applicants for Law and Medicine should keep in mind the timing of the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) and The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) tests. See the relevant programme page for further information.

Applying through a school or college registered with UCAS

This route is most commonly used by applicants in the UK who are currently at school or college.

Once you have registered with UCAS and have access to your Track/Hub account, you can add your ‘buzzword’ when you start your application to link yourself to your school or centre. Your teacher or adviser will provide you with this ‘buzzword’ if applicable.

Visit the UCAS website to learn how to link your application to you school or college .

If your school or centre is unable to provide you with a ‘buzzword’, you will need to apply as an independent applicant.

Once you’ve linked your application to your school or centre, your teacher will add their reference and any predicted grades. They will also check over your application and help you along the way.

When the time comes, they will send your application to UCAS on your behalf. 

It is important to make sure your teacher or advisor has enough time to complete their reference and checks before the application deadline. If they do not submit your application by the relevant deadline, UCAS will consider it to be late and there is no guarantee we will be able to consider it.

See the UCAS website for information on how to complete your application .

Some applicants who have recently completed their qualifications may be able to apply through their former school or college. Please contact them for further details.

Independent applicants in the UK and overseas

This route is most commonly used by international applicants and UK applicants who are returning to education.

Applicants who are unable to apply through their school or college using a ‘buzzword’ apply online independently. The application process is the same.

Please see the UCAS website for information on how to complete your application .

You are responsible for paying the correct application fee, for providing details of an academic referee and for submitting the completed application online to UCAS. This includes listing all your achieved and pending qualifications, and completing a personal statement.

Information about who can be your referee and providing their contact details, listing your qualifications and writing your personal statement can be found on this page.

If you are an international applicant, please also see our guide for international applicants which has information about entry requirements, help and support.

Applying as an international student

• Guidance for international applicants

UCL can assist you with any advice you may need about applying to and studying at UCL.

Mature students

The application process for mature students is the same as for all others, through UCAS.

Find more information on the UCAS undergraduate webpage .

UCAS Late and Extra applications

It will not be possible to submit a UCAS application for some programmes after the January UCAS equal consideration deadline.

You can search for programmes that are accepting Late and Extra applications at UCAS .

Please note we cannot guarantee the consideration of any application received after the January UCAS deadline. 

As it can take some time to consider applications received before the deadline, it may not be possible to confirm which programmes have vacancies immediately after the deadline has passed.

Please note it is not possible to apply for Medicine after 16 October 2023. 

Completing your application

Here you can find important information about completing your UCAS application to UCL.

Qualifications

Before making an application to UCL through UCAS, make sure you meet our general entry requirements.

You also need to check you meet the specific requirements of the programme you want to study, as detailed in our prospectus. 

You will need to show us how you meet our entry requirements with your current or achieved qualifications. You must enter all your qualifications from secondary education onwards – whether you have the result (including any that were ungraded) or if you’re still awaiting exams and results.

Please include as much detail as possible and make sure any results are given in the standard format awarded by the relevant examination board.

Please visit the UCAS website for information on how to complete your application .

English language

If you have taken a TOEFL or IELTS English Language proficiency test, we recommend including the registration number in your UCAS application.  

Please note, you do not need to provide this evidence as part of your UCAS application. This will not affect the assessment of your application. If required, and you receive an offer, it will be conditional on providing evidence of your English Language proficiency at the appropriate level.

Access UCL Scheme

As part of our commitment to increasing participation from underrepresented groups, applicants may be eligible for a contextual offer as part of the Access UCL scheme.

Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. 

You do not need to apply for the Access UCL Scheme. We will automatically assess your eligibility when we receive your UCAS application. If successful, eligible applicants will receive a contextual offer that is lower than the standard requirements for the programme they have applied for.

Contextual offers

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education and seeks to recruit and retain the brightest students who will thrive in our rigorous teaching and learning environment.

A resit is a second or subsequent attempt to improve a qualification outcome, for which you already hold an award. 

Examples of resits:

• A Level taken in year 12 and again in year 13,
• APs (Advanced Placements) taken multiple times in the final three years of high school.

Resits are considered for a majority of our programmes. Programmes that do not consider resits will outline this on their department webpages. Where resits have been attempted more than once, this may put you at a disadvantage.

If you are taking any resits, you must declare these in your UCAS application. Your referee should provide a predicted grade. You must also declare your previously achieved grade.

Personal statement

The personal statement is an important part our assessment of your application. It's your chance to tell us why you want to study a particular programme and highlight any skills and experiences that demonstrate your passion for the subject.

You are only able to submit one personal statement, which will be sent to all five of your UCAS choices. Information about writing your personal statement can be found on the UCAS website .

We consider the personal statement we receive from UCAS to be final and complete. We cannot consider any revisions or corrections once your personal statement has been submitted to UCAS.

UCL does not typically consider additional personal statements. If we require one, we will contact you.

UCAS applications to UCL must include an academic reference. We are unable to consider work or other non-academic references. Applications that do not include an academic reference may be disadvantaged.

Your referee must send their reference from an academic or institutional email address in the format name @ school.org (or similar). We do not accept references sent from personal addresses such as Gmail, Outlook, 163.com, etc. References sent from a personal email address will cause a delay in us processing your application.

It is not possible to submit an additional reference. We will consider your application based on the reference provided in your UCAS application.

Information about references for UCAS undergraduate applications can be found on the UCAS website.

Mitigating circumstances

Your referee should briefly mention any mitigating circumstances in their reference. We do not have a mitigating circumstances form. 

We advise you speak with your school or exam centre regarding any mitigating circumstances, so that Exam Boards can apply any special consideration.

We do not make changes to programme entry requirements in response to mitigating circumstances. 

Make sure your application is complete

We consider the information in your application to be complete and accurate when it is submitted to UCAS. This includes your personal statement, academic reference, qualifications and achieved or predicted grades.

To ensure fairness, all the information we need to complete our assessment is given in your UCAS application.

Please don't send additional documents

You should not send us any additional documents unless we ask you to. If you do, please be aware that we will not add these to your application or use them in our assessment.

Advice for schools, parents and guardians

We recommend schools, parents and guardians read our guide for counsellors and teachers to assist applicants with their UCAS application.

Advice about the AS, A Level and GCSE curriculum reforms can be found on the Entry Requirements page.

We understand the process of applying to universities can also be an anxious time for parents and guardians. We have created a guide to help you support applicants to UCL.

Further information

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Top Tips for Your 2022 UCAS Personal Statement

Year in, year out, the hardest section of the UCAS application is the personal statement. This is true of any application – college, university, jobs, research funding… you name it. It’s the one thing that stumps everyone.

Luckily, we have some top tips for you.

How Long Do You Have?

In short, you have 4000 characters and 47 lines to make your point. That might seem like a lot at first glance, but when you consider that the mean average length of a word in the Oxford English Dictionary is 5.1 letters, that’s around 800 words. You will already have written essays three times as long as this.

You have the added issue of making these 800 words about yourself. Important to remember that you do not have to use all this space. Brevity and succinctness are the most important elements here.

Consider Structure

Whether you’re a planner or someone who writes with the flow, you should consider how you’re going to structure the statement. A good rule of thumb is a “three act” approach of a beginning, middle, and end.

•          A punchy opening paragraph to explain why you’re applying including why that course appeals to you. Also, think about what you can add that other candidates might lack
•          Evidence in support of your application, including academic achievements and highlighting your strengths and any non-academic experiences. Relevant voluntary work? College commendations? Professional work experience?
•          Conclude with a summary of those points, highlighting what makes you a unique candidate and adding things that might not have gone in elsewhere. This is your concluding statement so make it a good one

Start with a plan if that helps – it doesn’t need to be complicated, a list of bullet points will usually do. You can then organise these on paper or in your head before you begin to construct your statement.

Major Points to Note

How you write your piece is up to you but always try to use your own voice – don’t be tempted to use flowery language or overwrite. Effective communication is a huge part of university life and while you will improve communication skills through your study, already having those skills will help your application.

Another good rule of thumb is to mix sentence length – some short and punchy, others longer when details need emphasising. Too much of one or the other comes across as sloppy editing (when too many too long sentences) or dull and monotone (when there are too many too short sentences).

Proofread, proofread, and proofread again. You can never check for errors too many times. One thing is sure, if you don’t check your work, you’ll spot the typo after you have submitted.

Thu 30 May 2024

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Ucas deadline 2022 explained: When you have to submit your application and what happens if you are late

For students looking to attend university later this year, the final deadline for ucas applications in looming.

Teenagers are sitting their A-levels for the first time in two years following a lengthy period of Covid-19 disruption .

The exam period finished on 28 June, allowing students to breathe a temporary sigh of relief, at least before results day .

For students looking ahead towards university, there is still time to apply to your chosen institution. Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Ucas application deadline?

For students looking to attend university later this year, the final deadline in looming.

If an application is sent to UCAS by 6pm on 30 June it will be sent to the student’s chosen universities or colleges.

Applications received after this date will automatically be entered into clearing.

More from Education

What is clearing?

Clearing is essentially a late application round for students . It is the perfect opportunity for anybody who missed out on their first-choice spot, while also giving universities the chance to fill spaces they still have left on their courses.

Clearing is open from 5 July to 18 October for any student who didn’t receive any offers, or didn’t acheive the grades they needed for their chosen universities, on A-level results day.

To apply, you will need to have your Ucas number, your clearing number, and all personal details to hand.

Ucas Track is the website thatshows you whether or not you have been offered your place at university, and will also give you your unique clearing number.

You must make a note of your clearing number as you will be asked for it when speaking to universities about courses you may be interested in.

When is results day?

This year’s A-level exam results day is Thursday 18 August. If you are sitting exams in Scotland, SQA results day is Tuesday 9 August 2022.

You can get your results from your school or college but you should contact your school for their exact opening and closing times as this may vary.

Many schools and colleges also make A-level results available online. Again, you should ask your school if they offer this. If they do you may need to have specific information to access your results, this could include your candidate number, date of birth and postcode, but check with your school to make sure.

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Blog The Education Hub

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/01/18/ucas-applications-deadline-what-you-need-to-know/

UCAS applications deadline – what you need to know

The deadline for UCAS applications is fast approaching. Here we provide everything you need to know about UCAS applications.

When is the UCAS application deadline?

The deadline for most undergraduate UCAS applications is 6pm UK time on Wednesday 25 January 2023 , which is one day earlier than last year. This deadline is known as the ‘equal consideration’ deadline.

The equal consideration deadline means course providers must consider all applications received by this time equally . Universities and colleges do not have to consider applications received after the deadline, although they can if they have spaces available once the on-time applications have been considered.

If you were thinking of applying to Oxford or Cambridge or a medicine, dentistry or veterinary course, then the deadline was 15 October 2022 for 2023 entry.

If you are unsure of when the deadline for your course is, you can use UCAS’ search tool: Search - UCAS .

What’s included in a UCAS application?

When filling out your application, it’s important to read through each section clearly.

Courses have different entry requirements that you need or that you are working towards in school or college. You can check these in the UCAS course finder tool.

You will need your:

• Personal details : your address, residency status and questions about your personal circumstances to understand you as an individual.
• Education history : your qualifications from secondary education onwards, any results you are waiting for and if you have studied at university or college before but didn’t complete the course.
• Employment history : your paid jobs, full or part-time - if you have any.
• Course choices : you can select up to five courses.
• Personal statement : this is the chance to tell universities and colleges why you’d like to study with them, and what skills and experience you have.

If you are due to take exams in 2023, more information on the examination process this year can be found here: Exams in 2023 – everything you need to know - The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk) .

Further information on the university application process can be found here: Applying to University - learn about everything involved (ucas.com) .

What happens if I change my mind about my course after I’ve applied?

If you have changed your mind about your choices, you may be eligible to apply for different course or university through UCAS Extra.

UCAS Extra is another chance for you to gain a place at university or college, between 23 February and 4 July.

It’s available for prospective students who included five choices on their application, have received decisions from all five, and weren’t accepted, or if they declined the offers they received.

More information on UCAS extra is available here: UCAS Extra | No Offers? Add More Choices With Our 'Extra' Service .

What about Clearing – can I apply for a place through Clearing now?

Not yet. Clearing comes later in the year so if you want to go to university it’s important to focus on your UCAS application now. From 5 July – 17 October 2023, you can apply for a course using Clearing if you’re not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has places.

You can use Clearing if:

• you’re applying after 30 June
• you didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept)
• you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers
• you've paid the multiple choice application fee of £27
• you’ve  declined your firm place  using the ‘decline my place’ button in your application

You can find out more about clearing here: Clearing | UCAS .

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UCAS Deadlines 2024 Entry

Make sure you submit your UCAS application on time with our list of deadlines below:

5 September 2024  - University applications can be submitted through UCAS .

You should already be thinking about your personal statement - check out our writing guide and personal statement examples if you're stuck.

16th October 2023  - Deadline for applications for Oxbridge and Medical , Veterinary Medicine/Science and Dentistry applications (including non UK/EU applicants).

31st January 2024  - Deadline for receipt at UCAS of all applications , including the UCAS reference , for all courses except those with a 16 October deadline.

28th February 2024  - UCAS Extra opens. If you are eligible to use Extra, you can refer yourself to another choice. Find out more about UCAS Extra .

16th May 2024  - Date universities will usually have made a decision about your application if you sent it before the 15th January deadline.

6th June 2024  - The date you need to make a decision on your firm and insurance choice if all your universities responded by the 18th May deadline. If UCAS do not receive your responses, they will decline offers on your behalf.

30th June 2024  - Applications received after 30 June are entered in to Clearing .

4th July 2024  - UCAS Extra closes.

5th July 2024  - UCAS Clearing Opens.

6th July 2024  - International Baccalaureate results are published.

24th July 2024 - If UCAS receive all decisions from your universities/colleges by 17th July 2024, you need to reply to any offers by this date (this includes if you are applying through Extra ).  If UCAS don't receive your replies, they will decline your offers on your behalf.

6th August 2024  - SQA Results Day. Start of Scottish Clearing vacancy information service.

15th August 2024  - A Level Results Day ; full Clearing vacancy information becomes available.

25th September 2024  - The last date UCAS will accept applications for courses starting in 2024.

28th September 2024  - The Clearing vacancy search is closed after this date. You should contact universities direct to discuss vacancies. Clearing choices can still be added in UCAS Track .

21st October 2024 - - This is the last date to add a Clearing choice.

15th October 2024 -  This is the last date a university or college can accept an applicant in Clearing.

If you've got the place you hoped for it's a good time to sort out your accommodation , finances and other things you might want to take to university .

Further information

For more tips and advice on applying to university, please see:

• 4 Ways To Avoid Missing The UCAS Deadline
• What To Do If You Miss The January 15th UCAS Deadline
• Choosing a degree
• Choosing a university
• University rankings
• International UCAS applicants
• Mature UCAS applicants

Karen Read trial live updates: Read may have had BAC more than three times limit

• Updated: May. 29, 2024, 8:53 a.m. |
• Published: May. 28, 2024, 8:42 a.m.

Karen Read listens to testimony by witness Brian Higgins during her trial in Norfolk Superior Court, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, Pool) AP

• Tréa Lavery | [email protected]
• Luis Fieldman | [email protected]

Court adjourns until next week — 4:02 p.m.

Testimony in the trial of Karen Read , a Mansfield woman charged in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O’Keefe, continued Tuesday — the only day of testimony this week.

Read, 44, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of O’Keefe, who was found cold to the touch and unresponsive on Jan. 29, 2022, outside of a home in Canton.

• Read more: Everyone you need to know to understand the Karen Read trial
• Read more: 4 takeaways from Karen Read trial: texts, taillight damage and first witnesses
• Read more: Karen Read trial: Jennifer McCabe testifies about when John O’Keefe was found dead

The final witness of the day Tuesday was Louis Jutras, information systems manager for the town of Canton. Jutras explained that the town has a security camera system across its properties that is motion-activated and takes video, but not audio, when activated. Depending on the amount of activity of the location, footage is typically kept for a minimum of 30 days, he said.

Jutras said that in early February, he was contacted by Massachusetts State Police who asked for footage from the Canton Public Library of the intersection of Washington and Sherman Streets between 12 and 1 a.m. and between 5 and 6 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022. He said only two cameras have a view of the specified area, so he was able to export and hand over the footage.

Jutras said before he provided the footage, he did not make any edits but watched the beginning and end of the video to ensure the time frame was correct.

On cross-examination, defense attorney David Yanetti asked if Jutras knew what police had done with the video after he gave it to them, which he did not. Jutras said in April 2023, police reached out again to ask him to provide the same footage to the defense team, but because of the time that elapsed in between, he no longer had access to the video.

The court adjourned for the day just after 4 p.m. The trial will not resume until 9 a.m. Monday, June 3.

Canton DPW director explains plowing procedure — 3:39 p.m.

Canton Superintendent of Public Works Michael Trotta, the next witness to be questioned, said he received a call from Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor in early February 2022 and Proctor asked about the town’s procedure for plowing roads during a snowstorm and what plow drivers were on duty during the blizzard on Jan. 28 and 29.

Trotta said the route in the Cedarcrest neighborhood, which included Fairview Road, was being plowed by one medium-sized, town-owned truck and a smaller, one-ton dump truck operated by a private contractor. He said Brian Loughlin was the driver of the truck that plowed Fairview Road.

During cross-examination, defense attorney David Yannetti asked if Proctor had specifically asked who had plowed Fairview Road and if Trotta had given him Loughlin’s name or recommended he check with the Public Works department’s operations manager. Trotta said he believed he had given Proctor Loughlin’s name and directed him to the operations manager but couldn’t be sure.

Read could have had BAC more than three times legal limit — 3:13 p.m.

The next witness to take the stand was Nicholas Roberts, a former employee at the state toxicology lab.

Roberts explained that serum testing performed in hospitals separates the serum, or the liquid part of the blood, to test for alcohol and usually results in a slightly higher result than a “whole blood” test because alcohol “likes to stay in the liquid portion more than throughout the whole blood.”

Roberts said at the toxicology lab, they are able to perform a mathematical conversion on serum test results to estimate what the level of alcohol would be in a whole blood test and provide a range of levels to account for differences between individuals that could affect the result.

When staff at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton drew Read’s blood for testing at 9:08 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022, hospital staff measured 93 milliliters for deciliter of alcohol through a serum test.

Roberts said this level works out to a low of 0.078, a high of 0.083 and an average of 0.081 blood alcohol concentration.

Roberts also explained that it is possible to perform a “retrograde extrapolation,” or a calculation to estimate what a person’s BAC would have been at a time before their blood was drawn and tested. He said at 12:45 a.m. Jan. 29, when they estimated Read had her last drink, her BAC would have been between 0.135 and 0.292.

In Massachusetts, the legal BAC limit to be able to drive is 0.08.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Little questioned the wide range of possible BAC levels, pointing out that the unknowns in the case, most importantly when Read had her last drink of the night, meant the answer was uncertain. In addition, she said, usually the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab performs multiple tests to confirm the accuracy of their test results.

“In this case, obviously, you didn’t conduct any of the testing. You’re just assuming the accuracy of a single test,” she said.

Roberts agreed but said throughout his testimony that small variations in the time of the last drink, even of up to 30 minutes, would not significantly impact the result.

“That’s why we give a range,” he said. “You could be on the outskirts of either side.”

Before concluding Roberts’ testimony, Little asked him if the 12:45 a.m. estimate came from Read herself, and he said the time came from a police report.

Pathologist explains blood alcohol testing performed on Read — 2:33 p.m.

When court resumed after breaking for lunch, Good Samaritan Medical Center Chief Pathologist Gary Faller took the witness stand. Faller oversees testing at the hospital, where O’Keefe and Read were both brought after O’Keefe’s body was discovered on Jan. 29, 2022.

Faller said it is not standard but not abnormal for a patient’s blood to be drawn and tested for drugs or alcohol when they are brought in due to mental health concerns under the state’s Section 12 law, like Read was that day.

He explained the process for testing alcohol at the hospital is called a “serum test” and tests only the liquid part of the blood to determine alcohol levels, as medical professionals are focused on what they need to know to treat a patient and not legal alcohol levels.

Read’s blood was drawn at 9:08 a.m. on Jan. 29 and was found to contain 93 milligrams per deciliter of alcohol. Faller did not say what level this amount would work out to in a “whole blood” test, which could provide the typical blood alcohol concentration measurement used in legal settings.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Little asked Faller about ways this test may return an inaccurate result, which he said was possible in some cases, such as if the patient had elevated lipid levels. However, he said, the machine used by the hospital will flag samples that may return an inaccurate result or even not report a result at all, and this did not happen with Read’s blood sample.

“Last I looked ... of the I think 5,000 hospitals testing for alcohol, over 80% of them are using our methodology,” Faller said. “I can’t imagine why if there were any major issues with alcohol testing in that methodology, it would be that high.”

O’Keefe’s body temperature was 80.1 degrees when he arrived at the hospital — 12:53 p.m.

Dr. Justin Rice, an emergency medicine physician who was practicing at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton at the time of John O’Keefe’s death, took the witness stand when court resumed after testimony from O’Keefe’s minor niece and nephew.

Rice was on duty when O’Keefe was brought to the hospital after being discovered on the lawn outside of 34 Fairview Road on Jan. 29, 2022. He said when O’Keefe arrived in the ambulance at 6:47 a.m. medical personnel were performing CPR and he had been fitted with a breathing tube.

According to Rice, O’Keefe’s body temperature was 80.1 degrees, indicating hypothermia. Medical staff attempted to warm him using a “bear hugger,” a blanket that pumps warm air underneath it, as well as warmed intravenous fluids, but “there was not a significant warming of his core temperature.”

O’Keefe was also in cardiac arrest and asystole when he arrived at the hospital, meaning his heart was not pumping blood and had no detectable electrical activity. He had a cut about 7 millimeters long and swelling on his right eyebrow and scratches on his right forearm.

Rice said O’Keefe was presenting at a three on the Glasgow Coma Scale, which measures the responsiveness of a patient, the lowest possible score. He was pronounced dead at 7:50 a.m.

Rice was also the attending physician that morning when Read was brought to the hospital at 7:51 a.m. for mental health concerns after her mother requested she be involuntarily detained under the state’s Section 12 rule. He said blood was drawn when she arrived and alcohol was detected in her system at 93 milligrams per deciliter.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Little began cross-examination by asking Rice if he recalled treating Read, which he disagreed with, saying that he oversaw her care but did not personally treat her. Little asked if he personally drew and packaged her blood or sent it for lab work, which he said he did not.

Little then asked if any first responders had told Rice they believed O’Keefe had been struck by a car, which he said they did not. She also pointed out that Rice had not reported any other injuries that O’Keefe had sustained, such as broken bones, which he confirmed.

Before Rice was allowed to step down from the witness stand, prosecutor Adam Lally asked if there was a reason those injuries would not be included in the medical report. Rice explained that the focus of emergency medicine is on resuscitation, not things like broken bones, which in O’Keefe’s case, would not have been pertinent to the treatment of his hypothermia.

“The mind can only focus on so much,” Rice said. “In cases like this, because the attention is on resuscitation of someone’s heartbeat, their life, there’s less focus on injuries or observations that don’t coincide with the resuscitation effort or are not pertinent to the resuscitation effort.”

Rice left the stand at 12:50 p.m., and the court went into recess for lunch. Testimony is expected to resume at 1:30 p.m.

Testimony closed for juvenile witnesses — 10:32 a.m.

There was no transmission of video and audio from the courtroom starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday as O’Keefe’s niece and nephew, both minors, were called as witnesses. O’Keefe was caring for his niece and nephew after their parents died.

A court order released May 7 instructed members of the media not to film, photograph, transmit or audio record testimony by the minor witnesses or any exhibits containing prior interviews with them, and members of the media were not allowed to use any electronic devices in the courtroom during their testimony Tuesday. The media has also been instructed not to disclose the names of the children, their town of residence or the schools they attend.

Lally told jurors during opening statements about the Aruba trip when a 20-minute screaming match took place between Read and O’Keefe in front of his nephew and niece.

In addition, Read told Brian Higgins in texts that she and O’Keefe had had arguments over the children’s care.

“It’s just a very very complicated dynamic with the four of us. He isn’t cut out for what he’s doing and the kids present constant issues ... his heart isn’t in it,” Read wrote Higgins, according to text logs he read in court on Friday. “I try very hard, but they are very spoiled, and they’re not my family. My parents keep telling me I’d feel different if they were mine or my own sister’s.”

Brian Higgins confirms destruction of cell phone — 10:09 a.m.

Defense attorney David Yannetti began Tuesday’s cross-examination of Brian Higgins where his colleague Alan Jackson left off on Friday by asking Higgins about the destruction of his cell phone in October 2022 (Jackson was not present in court Tuesday).

Through his answers to a series of yes-or-no questions from Yannetti, Higgins confirmed that he received a protection order in September of that year instructing him not to delete anything from his cell phone or destroy his phone and never received anything in writing canceling that order. However, he said he made a decision to dispose of his phone, and threw it away in a dumpster on a military base on Cape Cod.

Higgins denied doing a factory reset of the phone before throwing it away but confirmed that he did not transfer any data, including photos, videos, and text messages, off of the phone before doing so. When Yannetti asked if he had taken out the SIM card and cut or broken it before throwing away the phone, saying it was what the witness had said in previous testimony, Higgins disagreed that that was what he said.

“What I said was, that might have been the extent of it if I was to have done that,” Higgins said, later elaborating that he didn’t remember destroying the SIM card but believed it may have been what he had done to prevent someone using the card in another phone.

He also added that he had learned the protection order was denied before throwing away the phone.

Higgins confirmed that he did not save any text messages other than those he provided to police, including those with Brian, Kevin and Nicole Albert.

“It was important to you that no one see those text exchanges that you had with those three members of the Albert family,” Yannetti said.

“No sir, that’s not true,” Higgins said.

After Yannetti finished his questioning, prosecutor Adam Lally asked more questions of Higgins, starting with the morning of Jan. 29, 2022, before O’Keefe’s body was found. He asked Higgins about testimony he gave Friday that when he left 34 Fairview Road earlier that morning in his Jeep outfitted with a plow, he drove a short distance before realizing the plow was down and grinding on the ground.

Higgins said he drove about a foot before lifting up the plow to drive away.

Lally also asked if Higgins had told anyone about the flirty text messages he had exchanged with Read that month, which he said he had not, in part because he tends to keep personal issues to himself.

“I was a little embarrassed. I wasn’t really proud of [the text messages]. They maybe didn’t show me in a good light with respect to that I was John’s friend,” he said.

Lally also asked Higgins about two short phone calls that showed in his call logs at 2:22 a.m. on Jan. 29 between him and Brian Albert, which Higgins has said he does not recall. Lally pointed out that on an iPhone, when a call begins, the phone begins counting seconds for the duration of the call whether or not the other person picks up, implying that Albert and Higgins may not have actually spoken during the one- and 22-second calls.

He also provided Higgins with a log of all door access records at the Canton police station on Jan. 29, when he visited after learning O’Keefe had been found on the lawn of 34 Fairview Road. The 116-page log included 18 instances where Higgins had swiped his access card, according to Lally.

The prosecutor then turned to the cell phone that Yannetti had asked about earlier. Higgins said he was motivated to get a new phone number when he received a call from the target of an investigation he was working on July 25, 2022, and the target told him his girlfriend had found Higgins’ number on the internet.

Higgins also said he had more of a personal attachment to his work phone than his personal phone, which was why he had not transferred any data off of the phone before throwing it away.

“I’m divorced. I don’t have kids. I didn’t have the type of memories that somebody would’ve had on their phone that they wanted to preserve,” he said. “They were more like the text messages with the defendant, where it would be a drink glass at a bar, food, something along those lines.”

He also said it was common for him to throw away trash or recycling on the military base while driving through to get gas or stop at the duty-free store and that he had not gone there specifically to throw away the phone but had thrown it away along with other trash. He explained that his other home in Barnstable did not have a trash pickup, so he had to throw all the garbage away on the base or at his home in West Roxbury.

Finally, Lally asked Higgins what he would have done if he had seen O’Keefe on the lawn on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022.

“I’ve spent my whole life between being a firefighter, working in the profession that I work now, being a tactical medic,” Higgins said. “If I had saw John O’Keefe on the side of the road, I would’ve done something to make a difference.”

Before Higgins was allowed to step down from the witness stand, Yannetti asked a few final questions, with Higgins confirming that even though he got the call from the target of an investigation in July 2022, he did not change his phone number until September.

Yannetti also asked if Higgins had told his boss about the text messages with Read, as Higgins had testified on Friday that he told his boss about the kiss. He said Tuesday that he knew he had told her about the kiss and did not remember telling her about the texts, but said it was possible he did tell her and would not deny it.

After a short recess, the court was expected to continue with questioning of a juvenile witness, which will not be livestreamed to protect their privacy.

Karen Read trial recap — 7:30 a.m.

Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated. Read’s attorney, David Yannetti, said during the trial’s opening statements that her car never struck O’Keefe and that others are to blame for his death.

The trial is taking place in Dedham’s Norfolk County Superior Court.

On Friday, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent Brian Higgins, a friend of O’Keefe’s, testified about flirtatious text conversations he had with Read in the weeks before O’Keefe’s death, as well as a moment they shared when he said Read kissed him after a party. Defense attorneys are expected to finish cross-examining Higgins Tuesday morning.

The trial resumes Tuesday after the long weekend. Tuesday will be the only day the trial is in session this week.

More about the case

• Everyone you need to know to understand the Karen Read trial
• Karen Read trial: Read kissed Brian Higgins 2 weeks before O’Keefe’s death
• New evidence could be used in ‘Turtleboy’ blogger’s trial, report says
• Karen Read trial: Witness says Read kicked car door to get out when O’Keefe was found
• Karen Read trial: Witness says defense attorney is 'spinning all of this'

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