Chart 1 shows the number of applications submitted to the Fast Stream in each of the last ten years. The significant fall in 2004 reflects the introduction of online self-assessment, which has proved effective in discouraging unrealistic applications. However, this does mean that the sequence of events from 2004 onwards is not exactly comparable to that of previous years. An application is now deemed to have been submitted only if the applicant has completed the online self-assessment and proceeds to the online test stage.
Chart 1 – Applications to the Fast Stream 1998-2008