Deadlines can be tedious and sometimes downright inconvenient but there are some important dates coming up. Your application must be with UCAS or other institution no later than the date shown. Remember that your Referee will need time too. You need to have finished your parts of the form well before these dates. Try to get your application in early, do not leave it until the last minute.

Applications through UCAS will need to be made online using the 'Apply' system. Paper forms are no longer available except for exceptional circumstances. You need to register with the system by providing your personal details and your school's or college's 'buzzword'. You can complete the form in stages and there is plenty of online help. Start the process sooner rather than later.

If you are applying to institutions outside the UCAS scheme you will need to ensure you keep to whatever timetables they specify.

These are some of the more critical dates. Make sure you know which ones apply to you. You may have more, so add them to the list. Don't even think about going on holiday unless you are certain you've got them all covered!

Applications received between 16th January and 30th June will be stamped late and considered at the discretion of the institutions. If you leave things late you may find that all the places are already allocated. Any applications received after 30th June will be entered through the Clearing Scheme.