Key takeaways
- University applications usually open in September
- Deadlines vary for medicine, Oxbridge, and art courses
- Submit early to maximize opportunities
When to start researching universities

When to start writing your personal statement
Even if you haven’t picked your top choice university yet, you should still start writing your personal statement. This will be the same letter you send to all universities, so make sure to not include any university names! Most students start writing their personal statement in September, as this gives them plenty of time to perfect it before submitting. The earlier you begin writing, the less stressed you will be when the deadline approaches. Beginning your personal statement will also depend on when your deadline is, which we’ll go into now! Here are our best tips for writing a great personal statement when applying to universities.When should you normally apply to university – Average course deadlines

Oxford and Cambridge deadlines

Medicine, veterinary, medicine/science, dentistry deadlines
The medicine, veterinary, and dentistry-related courses had the same deadline as Oxford and Cambridge courses; the 16th of October. If you’re unsure whether the course you’re applying for falls under this category, you should be able to find out that information on your university website. If you can’t find it there, it’s always worth ringing the university or UCAS, as they will be able to help you. This deadline is also in October every year, so again, it is worth starting your personal statement earlier than September.What happens if you miss the deadline?

When should you apply to university if you’re an international student?

What if you want to take a gap year?


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Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.
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