University challenge gets tougher
Spare a thought at this time of year for the thousands of young people who are in the middle of their university applications.
It is stressful at any time. But this year, when England has seen a sharp rise in university applications, it is tougher than usual.
Some will be anxiously awaiting an offer of any place at all. Others will be worrying which of several offers to accept.
With record numbers expected to be left without a place this summer, decisions are harder than ever to make.
In past years, over 75% of applicants have managed to get into university.
This year experts predict the success rate could fall as low as 65%.
That is a substantial drop in just one year, after many years of a largely unchanged success rate.
If it is hard this year for applicants, it is also hard for university admissions staff.
With an across-the-board rise in applications of 22% by the January deadline – and even bigger increases at many of the newer universities – the experience of past years is of little help.
Some universities which, historically, have had to work hard to “recruit” enough students are suddenly finding themselves in the novel position of having to “select” because of an over-supply of candidates.
Universities are caught in a bind.
It is unfair to raise offer levels mid-way through the admissions process, but if they make offers at the same level as previous years they could risk being fined for over-recruitment.
