What is it?
Clearing is essentially where all universities advertise the places left on their courses. Last year, 64,900 students found a university place via Clearing, so if you are in Clearing, you’re not the only one! Lots of students have found places this way and have had an amazing time at University.
It’s a great opportunity for lots of students, but we realise it’s a scary time! Clearing is for those who are:
- Applying ‘late’ (on or after 1st July)
- Not holding any offers on results day
- You don’t meet the conditions of your offer (usually qualification related)
When does it open?
Clearing is open now for students who are applying ‘late’, or who are not waiting on results (e.g. you did you’re A levels last year). If you’re waiting for results, you can add your Clearing choice from 3pm on 17th August.
UCAS is listing all courses available through Clearing now. You may also want to have a look at a University’s website, or the Telegraph (they advertise Clearing vacancies on A level results day too). There are lots of courses available, but some are very unlikely to enter Clearing (e.g. courses like Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Nursing, Social Work, Teaching etc.).
How do I know if I’m in Clearing?
If you’re unsure if you’re in Clearing or not, check UCAS Track – it should say ‘You are in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’. If you have a conditional place at a University, check Track on results day for confirmation (it opens at 7am).
What can I do now?
Do your research to avoid as much stress as possible – if you know you’ll be applying for a Clearing place look at the courses and Universities you’re interested in, visit them if you haven’t already and try to find out as much as you can about the course, accommodation (if you will be living there), the place itself.
What do I do on Results Day?
Your teachers, careers advisers and sometimes local universities are there at your school or college on results day to congratulate, reassure and advise you, if you need it.
If you do find yourself in Clearing unexpectedly, speak to the universities you are interested in. Call them – it’s quicker. There’s no commitment when you call them – you are just making enquiries. If a university offers you a place, they may put a time restraint on their offer. Make sure you respond or keep in contact with them by the deadline they set – you may want to ask if they can extend it so that you can visit the campus, for example.
Once you find the course and University you want to apply to (and they’ve informally offered you a place), you need to add it on UCAS Track. You can do this from 3pm on 17th August. Once you add a Clearing choice on UCAS it’s final, so only add your choice when you a sure!
Best of luck on results day and fingers crossed you get the grades you’re looking for. If not, applying through Clearing isn’t a bad thing!
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