For many students, the prospect of entering university through the traditional UCAS application process can be both exciting and rather nerve-wracking at the same time. But what happens if your results aren't what you hoped for or you have a change of heart about your course choices? This is where UCAS Clearing comes in and it offers another way of securing a place at university. In this blog, we'll explore what UCAS Clearing is, how it works, and provide essential tips to help you make the most of Clearing opportunities to achieve your goals.
Lots of students have heard of “Clearing”, but sometimes the process isn’t fully understood. Clearing is an annual process and this year it opened on 5th July and it will remain open until 17th October 2023.
It is designed to provide additional opportunities for students to find a university course and for universities to fill their places. It can offer a lifeline to students who either missed the main deadline (end of June), or who didn't meet the conditions of their original university course offers and those who want to change their course choices after exam results. For universities, Clearing offers a way to advertise courses that still have vacancies - it is worth bearing mind that universities will be very keen to fill every spot.
Who can use UCAS Clearing?
If you are not sure whether Clearing is for you, here is a breakdown of who could use it.
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Students who have paid the £27 multiple choice application fee
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Students applying for a university place after the 30th June 2023 deadline
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Students without any offers from the universities that they applied to
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Students who gain higher final grades than predicted and who now want to apply to other courses (where vacancies still exist)
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Students who didn’t meet the conditions of their conditional offers
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Students who change their mind and now wish to apply to other courses.
We recommend that every student should take a look at the courses in Clearing ahead of results day to identify a possible Plan B just in case things don’t work out as planned. Here is what you should do:
What can you do before results day?
- Research and Preparation: Before you get your results and as soon as possible, explore courses and universities that still have available places. Make a list of university contact numbers and their websites, so you're ready to act swiftly, if needed.
- Clearing Vacancy Search: Find vacancies at UCAS Clearing Search. This will display courses with available places. You can still apply to universities that have rejected you previously. This is a fresh application to a different course.
- Identify a course that interests you: Once you've found a course you're interested in, think about why it interests you and why your skills make you a suitable candidate for it. Make some notes!
What should I do on results day?
- Get a clearing number On the day you receive your final grades, you'll be able to see whether you've met the conditions of your conditional offers. If you haven't, UCAS will automatically provide you with a Clearing number.
- Look out for UCAS Clearing matches: If you don’t get the grades you were hoping for, UCAS will show you other courses matches. This can speed up the time you need to spend finding an alternative course. When you select some that interest you, universities can then contact you directly. Stay positive - remember universities are trying to fill their places!
- Contact the university: If you find other courses that interest you, then contact the university directly to discuss your qualifications, interest in the course, and why you think you’d be a great fit for it.
- Be ready to ask a few questions: When you speak to the university be ready to ask any further and relevant questions about the course and anything else you need to know like what accommodation is still available?
- Verbal offer: If a university is interested in offering you a place, they will give you a verbal offer.
- Formal acceptance: If you're happy with the offer, add the course as your Clearing choice on UCAS Track to formally accept it.
- Act quickly: Clearing places are limited, so act promptly to secure the best possible course that matches your interests and goals.
- Confirmation Letter: After accepting the offer, you'll receive a confirmation letter from the university and this will officially confirm your place.
Our Top Tips for Clearing Success
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Stay calm and positive: Clearing can feel daunting but try to remain positive and approach it with an open mind. Many students do find excellent alternative courses through Clearing and it can be onwards and upwards from there.
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Research thoroughly: Take the time to research courses and universities that interest you. Consider factors like course content, location, facilities, and graduate prospects. Head to UCAS Clearing Search
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Get prepared for some phone calls: When calling universities, be prepared to discuss your qualifications, your skills and passion for the subject. Show enthusiasm and ask any questions you may have.
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Seek Advice: Don't hesitate to seek support and guidance from your teachers, parents or a careers adviser. They could offer valuable insights and perspectives that will help you during the Clearing process. If you would like to reach out to our careers advisers for some one-to-one careers advice and guidance, then you can contact us at helpline@futuresmartcareers.co.uk
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Consider other options: If you didn’t get want you want in the mainstream or Clearing processes, why not consider a gap year or applying to an apprenticeship. There are lots of other opportunities out there!
And finally…
Using UCAS Clearing can be a fantastic way to secure a place at university. Embrace the process and remember that many students do find their dream courses this way. With some good research, a positive attitude and taking prompt action, you can find a course that excites you and sets you on the way to fulfilling your ambitions.
If would like to talk to any of our careers advisers for specialised one-to-one personal careers advice and guidance about navigating Clearing and understanding your options, please do reach out to us at helpline@futuresmartcareers.co.uk
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