One of the first decisions in your UCAS application is how many universities or courses to apply to. UCAS allows up to five choices, but should you always use all five? Or is it better to be selective?
At RevisionDojo, we guide IB and A-Level students through every step of UCAS, helping them make smart choices that maximize success. This article explains how many UCAS choices to make and how to balance ambition with realism.
Quick Start Checklist
When choosing how many UCAS choices to make:
- Remember you can select up to five courses
- For Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary, you can apply to four in that subject plus one alternative
- Choose a mix of aspirational, realistic, and safe options
- Avoid applying to courses you wouldn’t actually attend
- Make sure all choices align with your predicted grades and interests
The UCAS Limit Explained
Most applicants can choose five courses. This may be:
- Five courses at different universities
- Different courses at the same university (depending on their rules)
- A mix of similar and varied courses
Special rules apply for Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science. You can only apply to four courses in these fields, plus one additional choice in another subject.
Should You Use All Five UCAS Choices?
The short answer: yes, if they’re meaningful choices.
Using fewer than five may limit your chances, especially in competitive subjects. However, don’t apply just for the sake of filling slots. Every choice should be a course and university you’d genuinely consider attending.
Strategic Breakdown of UCAS Choices
To balance risk, consider dividing your five choices into:
- Aspirational choices (1–2) – Courses where entry requirements are slightly above your predictions.
- Realistic choices (2–3) – Courses that closely match your predicted grades.
- Safe choice (1) – A course with entry requirements below your predictions, as a fallback.
This structure helps ensure you have strong options regardless of final results.
What If You’re Applying for Medicine?
For Medicine, many students apply to:
- Three or four Medical Schools (to maximize chances)
- One safe choice in a related subject like Biomedical Sciences or Pharmacy
This backup ensures you don’t end up with no offers if Medicine applications are unsuccessful.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying only to highly competitive universities without any safe options
- Choosing courses just to “use all five” without genuine interest
- Ignoring subject prerequisites (like required HL subjects in the IB)
- Failing to research entry requirements carefully
Tips for Choosing Wisely
- Compare entry requirements against your predicted grades
- Think about location, course style, and teaching methods
- Use UCAS Hub to shortlist and track your choices
- Seek advice from teachers and advisers before finalizing
- Choose courses you’d actually attend — every option should be meaningful
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have to use all five UCAS choices?
No, you don’t have to. But using fewer choices reduces your chances of getting offers. Most students benefit from applying to the maximum number, provided they genuinely want to attend each option.
2. Can I apply to five different courses at the same university?
Sometimes. Some universities allow multiple applications to different courses, while others restrict you to one. Always check the university’s rules before submitting multiple applications.
3. What happens if I only get one offer?
If you only receive one offer, you’ll need to decide whether to accept it as your firm choice. If you decline, you’ll be entered into UCAS Extra or later into Clearing, where you can apply to other available courses.
4. Should I apply to “easier” courses just to be safe?
Yes, but only if you’d actually consider attending. A safe choice should still be relevant to your academic goals. Don’t waste a UCAS choice on a course you’d never accept.
5. Can I change my choices after submitting?
Not freely. Once you’ve applied, you can’t swap choices unless through UCAS Extra or Clearing later in the cycle. That’s why choosing carefully before submitting is so important.
Conclusion
UCAS gives you up to five choices, but the key is to use them wisely. A balanced mix of aspirational, realistic, and safe courses will keep your options open while aligning with your goals.
At RevisionDojo, we encourage students to make thoughtful, strategic applications that maximize their chances of success.
Call to Action
Ready to choose your five UCAS options wisely? Explore RevisionDojo’s expert resources to strengthen your personal statement, refine your strategy, and approach UCAS with confidence.
