Understanding and preparing for Clearing

Most people believe that Clearing is for students who didn’t get the grades they needed on results day. Nobody wants to imagine themselves in that position, so it’s not widely discussed. Clearing does support these students, but it’s also for students who:

• Didn’t receive any offers
• Change their mind and want to study something or somewhere different
• Don’t meet the requirements for another reason
• Decide to apply to university late in the cycle, after 30 June.

Whatever the reason, anyone can apply through Clearing if universities still have places available. Prospective students can search for courses on UCAS and filter the search to show Clearing places (these are simply places that are yet to be filled). During Clearing, grade requirements are often lowered, so the options available may surprise you.

Once they have found a course of interest, your child should visit the university website for a little more information and to obtain the Clearing phone number. The next step is to call the university to enquire about a place.

The busiest day of the Clearing period is A-level results day. You may find yourself consoling an upset teenager on this day. However, rest assured, there are thousands of places still available on UCAS every year, and every university has a room packed with people ready to answer the phones. Whilst we encourage your support, it must be the person applying who makes the phone call. We can only offer spaces to them directly.

If requirements are met over the phone, then the university will make an informal offer and send an email with further instructions. Now here’s the good bit: your child can receive as many informal offers as they like. This means they can keep their options open. Some universities even offer a Clearing open day immediately after A-level results day, so applicants can make an informed decision before accepting a Clearing offer.

Once a decision is made, the applicant must add their Clearing choice on UCAS. They can only do this for one place at a time, so must be sure about the decision. All the information about how to do this will be included in the informal offer email.

Students can call back anytime to ask the universities additional questions. They might want to ask about accommodation or check the progress of their application if they’re feeling anxious. We’re always happy to help.

Finally, they should update their information with student finance if they have previously applied elsewhere. And that’s it. Relax. It’s easier than you think!