Access during university application process
General application
There will be opportunities during the online UCAS form and further in the university application process for you to state disabilities, conditions or SpLDs you may have. Don’t be worried that declaring a disability will hinder your application, this is absolutely not true; in the 2023 UCAS admissions round the acceptance rate for those with a declared disability was exactly the same as those without at 82%.
Some universities also have a form where you can detail your mitigating circumstances, e.g. at Cambridge there is the Extenuating Circumstances Form (ECF). This is not just for people with disabilities, but also if your education or home life has been significantly disrupted for any reason. These forms allow you to explain gaps in your education or performance, which helps universities to contextualise your application and appreciate the extra hard work you’ve put in to get there.
Admission exams
Some universities (Oxbridge) and certain courses (Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, some Law courses) will have admission exams. If you normally have exam access arrangements such as extra time, rest breaks, large text etc. these can be arranged for these tests, but you must let your college / assessment centre know in advance.
Interviews
Access – costs:
Many interviews are now held online and tend to use common video conferencing platforms (e.g. Zoom, Teams) and may also use interactive virtual whiteboards. Some interviews, usually science based, require more interactive ability such as a touchscreen device with a stylus so you can write and draw. You will be provided more information about the interview process and you will not be expected to purchase equipment for your interview. The university should discuss arrangements with schools and applicants to find a solution if you do not have access to the appropriate technology.
Almost all universities will help with travel costs for in-person interviews if you’ve ever been in care, or a state-school pupil eligible for free school meals, or over 21 and eligible for certain government benefits.
Some colleges/universities offer free accommodation to all interviewees or those who can’t travel on the day due to disability or living far away.
Access – disability:
Just like the tests, if you require access arrangements you should make your college/university aware in advance. If you declare your condition on UCAS & other application forms, the university/college should contact you regarding your needs prior to interview. Of particular importance:
- Your safety – for example if you need to evacuate from a building during a fire
- Your ability to access your interviews – for example if they take place up three flights of stairs (particularly the case in old Oxbridge buildings)
- Other considerations:
- Extra time for pre-reading documents
- Room arrangement/lighting e.g. allow for lip-reading
- Extra time to process questions
- Guide to your interview room
- Rest time between interviews
- Platform using captions for online interviews
Disclosing your disability will NOT harm your application chances – if anything it will impress them with how much harder you have worked to get to this point – it also ensures that you get the extra support you need to perform your best.
See Lucy’s experience here of access arrangements during the application process for Cambridge.
About Us
The general aim and objective of Head Up! is to promote the interests of young people with disabilities, physical and/or mental health conditions, specific learning difficulties and neurodivergence; offering them practical advice and support concerning their education and welfare.