Decision making

Step 3: Auditions and offers

Applicants will normally need to have auditions before the conservatoires can make their decisions. The time taken to organise and hold auditions is the main factor that determines how long conservatoires need to make their decisions.

More information about auditions>>

Conservatoires send their decisions to us and not directly to the applicants. We show all decisions on the Track service. Applicants have a username and password to view decisions or any changes to their applications on Track.

The conservatoires are responsible for making all decisions. CUKAS has no involvement in the selection or decision-making process.

Conservatoires can make the following types of decision.

Audition pending (AP)

Conservatoires send audition pending (AP) decisions when applicants have been invited to audition. They send the audition date, time and payment status with the AP decision. An AP decision is an official invitation to audition, sent by the conservatoire. Conservatoires use different methods of communication and may not send the applicant any further correspondence about the audition.

Guaranteed unconditional (GU)

Conservatoires offer guaranteed unconditional (GU) places when they are satisfied that applicants have met all the entry requirements. Unless their application and/or qualifications are subsequently shown to be fraudulent, if an applicant accepts a GU offer it is binding upon the conservatoire.

Guaranteed conditional (GC)

Conservatoires offer guaranteed conditional (GC) places to applicants who still need to pass examinations or meet other entry requirements. Unless their application and/or qualifications are subsequently shown to be fraudulent, if an applicant accepts a GC offer and meets the conditions it is binding upon the conservatoire.

If they are applying in the 2012 cycle, applicants must meet all the conditions of their GC offers by 31 August 2012, regardless of whether the place is for 2012 entry or for deferred entry in 2013, unless an alternative date is specified by the conservatoire.

Reserve unconditional (VU)

From the information the applicant has given, the conservatoire is satisfied they have already met the conditions for entry and have offered a place on their reserve list. In order to be considered for a guaranteed place (should one become available) the applicant needs to accept the offer. Find out more about reserve offers>> (this link will take you to the students' section).

Reserve conditional (VC)

The conservatoire has offered a place on its reserve list subject to the applicant meeting certain conditions, usually examination results. In order to be considered for a guaranteed place (should one become available) the applicant needs to accept the offer and meet the conditions of the offer. Find out more about reserve offers>> (this link will take you to the students' section).

If they are applying in the 2012 cycle, applicants must meet all the conditions of their VC offers by 31 August 2012, regardless of whether the place is for 2012 entry or for deferred entry in 2013, unless an alternative date is specified by the conservatoire.

Unsuccessful (R)

Conservatoires make unsuccessful (R) decisions when they do not want to offer applicants any type of place.

Withdrawal (W)

Withdrawal (W) decisions are recorded with a reason when applicants do not want to be considered by a particular conservatoire. Both CUKAS and the conservatoires record withdrawal decisions depending on who the applicant contacts.

Conservatoires may use UCAS Tariff points when they make offers. Visit the UCAS website for more information about the Tariff.

Find relevant dates and deadlines>>