Clearing is the process through which prospective UK university students gain entry via UCAS once the advance level results have been published. Courses (with vacancies) will be listed in the UK national press. Students can contact the education provider, preferably by telephone, on the day the results have been released in order to secure a place. Clearing is actually for anyone who hasn't received an offer of a place at university after receiving their exam results. You may have better results than expected or only thought about higher education at the end of term. If you manage to find yourself in clearing here is a guide to help you.
Ask for advice
Your personal tutor will be able to give you assistance and guide you through the alternative courses/subjects you could apply for. Also use this opportunity to update your personal statement.
If you have missed your grades by a few marks; your chosen university may still offer you a place, so contact them first before speaking to other universities.
Talk to the universities your interested in
Give them your clearing number and your Personal ID number which will let them see your application online. Ask if they will accept you they may reconsider you for the same course if you applied earlier in the year.
Visit the university you intend to attend, take a look around and see what the university is like before making your decision; you will most likely be spending at least three years at there. It will also give you a good idea what the city/area is like in general and if it suits you, before making a firm commitment.
Also look at the content/ structure of your course, how flexible it is and whether it is assessed mainly through coursework or exams. Speak to students currently on the course so that you can get an impression of what the course is actually like, in terms of; timetable schedules, research demands, projects, lectures and assignments.
Look at the universities success rate for students who have graduated with the degree you intend to read, what class of honours they have received and the careers they are pursuing and the drop-out and unemployment rates.
When researching subjects find the course codes as courses have similar names but very different content.
Always telephone yourself universities are not very impressed if you get someone to call on your behalf and are unlikely to offer a place unless they are actually speaking to the candidate.
Stay positive
Don't be disheartened or give up if the first university you call do not offer you a place, keep trying till you find the right university.
Be patient
You do not need to accept the first offer that you receive, take your time when deciding as you may get more suitable offers from other universities.
Complete the clearing process
Once you receive an offer that you are happy with accept it and ask to be sent a 'clearing entry form'. This will enable you to officially accept your place. When the form arrives complete and post it as soon as possible. After doing this you will receive a letter of acceptance from your university.
Ask for advice
Your personal tutor will be able to give you assistance and guide you through the alternative courses/subjects you could apply for. Also use this opportunity to update your personal statement.
If you have missed your grades by a few marks; your chosen university may still offer you a place, so contact them first before speaking to other universities.
Talk to the universities your interested in
Give them your clearing number and your Personal ID number which will let them see your application online. Ask if they will accept you they may reconsider you for the same course if you applied earlier in the year.
Visit the university you intend to attend, take a look around and see what the university is like before making your decision; you will most likely be spending at least three years at there. It will also give you a good idea what the city/area is like in general and if it suits you, before making a firm commitment.
Also look at the content/ structure of your course, how flexible it is and whether it is assessed mainly through coursework or exams. Speak to students currently on the course so that you can get an impression of what the course is actually like, in terms of; timetable schedules, research demands, projects, lectures and assignments.
Look at the universities success rate for students who have graduated with the degree you intend to read, what class of honours they have received and the careers they are pursuing and the drop-out and unemployment rates.
When researching subjects find the course codes as courses have similar names but very different content.
Always telephone yourself universities are not very impressed if you get someone to call on your behalf and are unlikely to offer a place unless they are actually speaking to the candidate.
Stay positive
Don't be disheartened or give up if the first university you call do not offer you a place, keep trying till you find the right university.
Be patient
You do not need to accept the first offer that you receive, take your time when deciding as you may get more suitable offers from other universities.
Complete the clearing process
Once you receive an offer that you are happy with accept it and ask to be sent a 'clearing entry form'. This will enable you to officially accept your place. When the form arrives complete and post it as soon as possible. After doing this you will receive a letter of acceptance from your university.