Clearing
Results not what you hoped for? Here's what you need to know about the clearing process.
Clearing
Clearing is the system of filling spare places on courses once the A-level/Higher results have been announced. If you don't make the grades required for the courses you applied for, or your application was late, you can still get into university through clearing.
Clearing works by universities publishing details of their available spaces, and you applying. They are published online and in national newspapers. You don't want to commit to an unsuitable course or university just because you are panicking, so stay calm and take your time. Do your research and ideally go and visit potential universities.
Although you can informally be offered places from more than one university, you can only select one choice. You submit your choice through the UCAS website, and the university will confirm that it accepts it. Once you get a letter from UCAS, this means you've officially got a place at that university.
Can I use clearing?
If you have applied to university this academic year you will be able to use clearing as long as you have not withdrawn your application and one of the following applies to you. You have:
If, for whatever reason you don't gain a university place this year, it doesn't have to mean the end of the world.
- No offers
- Not got the grades for your offer
- Declined your offers or not responded by the due date
- Applied after 30 June
Where do I start?
The first thing to do is check whether you have still scraped a place, despite getting lower grades. This information can be found in the 'Track' section of your UCAS account. If you haven't been accepted, you will be given a clearing number that helps identify you to universities. Once you have this information you can start applying for places.
Clearing this year - what's changed?
Most students who haven't met the required grades or haven't been accepted to a university can often gain a place through clearing. But this summer may be difficult for thousands of college leavers, with fewer applicants gaining university places.
Right now, the competition for vacancies is fiercer than ever. The global recession has led to increased numbers of potential students keen to acquire new skills and improve their employability. The available government funding can't cover the demand and universities have been told they will face financial penalties if they over-fill their courses.
If, for whatever reason you don't gain a university place this year, it doesn't have to mean the end of the world. Think about taking a gap year or doing some volunteering. There are plenty of alternatives to university, so take time to consider your options.
Print this page Email this page to a friend Add to favourites
