Step Two: Applying for University

Once you know which universities you like, it’s time to apply. Universities have a legal duty to make sure disabled applicants aren’t disadvantaged during any part of the admissions process, including applications, tests, and interviews 

Sharing Your Vision Impairment 

Sharing your vision impairment is a personal decision, but doing so can help universities put the right support in place from the beginning. During your UCAS application, you’ll be able to indicate that you have a disability. If you choose to share your vision impairment, it will not negatively affect your application. In fact, it allows the university to begin early conversations with their Disability Service, who can help plan any necessary adjustments. If you don’t feel ready to disclose in your UCAS form, you can still do it later with each university. The earlier you let them know, the easier it is for them to support you. 

University Admissions Tests 

If you’re applying to university and are blind or partially sighted, it’s important to know that admissions tests offer accessibility options so If you are planning on applying to courses that require you to take admissions tests such as Oxbridge,UCAT for medicine and dentistryor LNAT for law,here are some top tips.

Top Tips  

• Inform them of your vision impairment early and clearly communicate your needs to allow time for adjustments. 

• Plan admissions tests carefully, each has unique deadlines and accessibility procedures. 

• Gather all necessary medical evidence in advance. 

• Practice tests digitally and prepare for interviews.  

Admissions Interviews 

If your course requires an interview, remember you have the right to a fully accessible process. Once you get an invitation, contact the admissions team to discuss any adjustments you require.  

Top Tip!

For in-person interviews, let them know if you have a guide dog or need any physical adjustments and for online interviews, check that the platform works with your assistive technology.  

The university’s disability team can coordinate with admissions to make the process fair and welcoming. Being open about your needs ensures the interview tests your potential, not your ability to navigate inaccessible formats.

Clearing  

Clearing is a UCAS service for applicants to apply for university or college places that haven’t been filled. It takes place from 5 July to 20 October and is available to any UCAS undergraduate applicant. If you are an international students,UCAS has a helpful guide explaining your options.  

You can use the clearing system if you: 

• Have not achieved the grades you needed. 

• Have not received any offers. 

• Have decided to decline the places you have been offered. 

You can also contact universities directly to go through clearing soStudent Roomhave created a list of contact details for Clearing services at UK universities.Coventry University also have a guide to Clearing which covers the process and some top tips.  

Clearing Plus 

Clearing Plus is a UCAS service which complements the usual clearing process by offering applicants an opportunity to be matched with suitable courses. The aim is to help you find the right course more easily, rather than searching through the Clearing system yourself. 

You can be matched with courses based on: 

• Your original course choices and current qualifications and grades. 

• Course availability and entry requirements. 

• Trends from previous years of clearing. 

Check out the Through Our Eyes podcast episode taking you through theapplication processas a blind or partially sighted student. If you need advice on applying for or communicating access arrangements as part of your admissions process, contact ourEducation Information Advice and Guidance Service.