Questions have been raised over the chancellor's commitment to education, despite the creation of an extra 20,000 university places.
Alistair Darling suggested that "it will be the ambition of our young people that will carry the country to success" when announcing the new places.
However, Ucas chief executive Mary Curnock Cook has claimed that more could have been done to boost the number of students in the UK.
She explained that there has been a "significant rise in applications" for universities this year and that it could prove a real challenge for applicants based on levels of competition.
Ms Curnock Cook cast speculation over the 20,000 new places' ability to help young people find meaningful employment and cut the UK's jobless rate.
Ucas communication executive Darren Barker advised would-be students to use the organisation's 'extra' service before attempting to gain admission through clearing.
He added that those who fail to gain a place could then look towards vocational or part-time courses.
