After you've applied

• What happens to my application?
• What happens if I have an interview?
• What if I have a query?
• How will I know if I get an offer?
• What is the difference between a conditional and an unconditional offer?
• How do I decide which offer to accept as firm and which as insurance?

What happens to my application?

UCAS passes your application form to us electronically. The admissions tutor for your chosen course then uses it to decide whether or not to offer you a place. The admissions tutor will:

• look carefully at your academic record, reference and personal statement; and
• decide if we need to interview you.

You can follow the progress of your applications online through UCAS Track, which you also use to reply to any offers you receive and update your details (change of address or email, for example). Applicants should normally receive our initial decision within five to ten working days of receipt of application for courses that select on application alone.

What happens if I need an interview?

Some courses at Kingston University have an interview as part of the selection process. If you don't have an interview, we'll invite you to an Open Day.

One or two people usually interview you. They will want to find out if you have the intellectual capability, knowledge and passion to benefit from your chosen course.

If you're invited for an interview you can prepare by:

• finding out as much as you can about the University and your chosen course;
• thinking of some questions not covered in the course literature;
• carrying out a mock interview;
• remembering to dress smartly and arrive in plenty of time; and
• not worrying – our tutors understand that this can be a nerve-wracking time for you!

What if I have a query?

If you have a query about your application, you should first check UCAS Track.

If you still have a problem, contact the Kingston University Admissions team (020 3308 9932 or email admissionsops@kingston.ac.uk). Remember to quote your UCAS serial number and the title/code of the course if you've already applied.

How will I know if I get an offer?

UCAS will let you know via UCAS Track whether or not the universities you've applied to have offered you a place.

If we offer you a place, we will also send you an email or letter with details of our Getting Ready website, which covers the next steps you need to take. So it's important to make sure we have your correct contact details. You can update these on UCAS Track if they have changed.

Remember that:

• most offers are conditional on you achieving certain grades;
• for some courses you also need passes in specific subject areas; and
• you must reply to UCAS by the specified deadline (which will depend on when you receive your offer from us).

Visit the UCAS website for full information.

If we make you an offer, we'll invite you to an Open Day if you haven't already had an interview.

What is the difference between a conditional and an unconditional offer?

If we make you a conditional offer you must fulfil certain criteria before you can be accepted on to the course.

We will make you an unconditional offer if we are happy you have already satisfied the criteria and can attend the course.

How do I decide which offer to accept as firm and which as insurance?

• Your firm choice should be the university/course you want to attend the most – even if it has a lower points requirement than some of your other offers. By making it your firm choice, you're committing to taking up that place if you meet the conditions of the offer.
• For their insurance choice, most people choose an offer that has a lower points requirement than their firm choice. The insurance choice is your 'back up' in case you don't get the grades you are hoping for.
• If you've not received any offers (or changed your mind about what you want to study so want to decline your offers) you still have a chance to go to university this September. Visit UCAS Extra to apply to other universities and to search for courses still available, or wait for Clearing in August.

Find out more about how to reply to your offers on the UCAS website.