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TSR Wiki > University > Applying to University > Clearing > Guide to Clearing

So, you're entering the dreaded Clearing. You've probably heard many horror stories about it, and you're scared. But it doesn't have to be the mad scramble like the media make out. You can take on Clearing and survive!

What to do first

You've already bought your copy of The Independent. You did that on your way to pick up your results, right? The Independent is the only newspaper that lists full details of all vacancies, so it's an essential buy. And it's rather good at killing spiders too. Other newspapers may have Clearing information in, but will only be smaller (probably regional) guides.

Vacancy information is also available on the UCAS website, although that will probably be very busy and thus may be slow or even unavailable. Some unis will have lists on their own websites, and may even have webforms to fill in and request further details.

Once you've got your copy of The Independent, you'll probably be daunted by how large it is. Well, that's a good thing. It shows just how many things are available. In 2006, 38032 people got places through Clearing. In 2007, this fell slightly to 29,686, but that's still a lot!

A few Clearing facts:

• You can apply for any subject you like, as long as you're sufficiently interested in it to want to study it for 3 or more years.
• Most unis will have places in Clearing, so don't think it's just limited to the crap unis or all ex-polys.
• Just because a course is in Clearing does not mean that it's a really bad course.
• Just because you're in Clearing does not mean you're a bad person or have failed! A lot of people go in Clearing with really high grades. I personally did it with AAB. Some people who applied for popular courses will even have higher grades. Equally, if you have lower grades, it doesn't mean that you won't find anywhere.

How do I enter Clearing?

If you missed your firm and insurance offers

If you missed both your firm and insurance offers, then you don't need to do anything. UCAS will send out your Clearing Passport in a few days, and you can start looking for places and applying as soon as you want to.

If you didn't have an insurance offer, then the above also applies to you. However, if you didn't have an insurance place because you only originally applied to one university, you will need to pay an extra £10 since you will have paid the reduced fee of £5 with your application.

If you change your mind about your firm or insurance

If you no longer wish to go to your firm and/or insurance but you met the offer (or they're accepting you with lower grades) then you'll have to phone the universities concerned and beg them to release you. They'll probably want reasons, and they might not do it straight away. It could take up to 2 weeks for it to be processed, which is a long time in Clearing. So do this asap so you don't miss out on the best places. Ideally, if you knew that this applied to you before results day then you will already have done it.

If you never made a firm choice

If you didn't make a firm choice, but did apply through UCAS, you will have automatically been entered into Clearing. You may have already received a Clearing passport as UCAS sends these out as soon as you enter the process. You may not have made a firm choice for a number of reasons: if you rejected all your offers; if you were unsuccessful in your applications; or if you changed your mind about the courses you applied to. Most people will not fit into these categories.

If you have not applied through UCAS yet

If you apply through UCAS after 30th June (12 June for Art & Design courses) then you'll only be going through Clearing. You need to complete a UCAS application as normal on the UCAS website, including all of the usual things such as a personal statement and a reference. The only thing different is that you will not be able to choose 5 universities/courses to apply for. This will cost the usual £15 fee. UCAS should send you your Clearing Passport shortly after you apply, so you should receive it before August 16th and must keep it in a safe place.

Records of Prior Acceptance

It may be possible to get a place at a university independently of the UCAS system. Not all unis will accept applications this way, so it is strongly advised that you send an application through UCAS rather than relying on this method. If you are sure you want to go to uni you need to be sure the university will accept your application.

To do this, you would need to contact the university you wish to apply to and explain your circumstances. If they can accept you this way, they will give you a form called a “Record of Prior Acceptance”. They should also be able to advise you how to complete this and when you need to return it by.

When does Clearing start?

Clearing starts fully on A Level results day, which is August 14th 2008. However, Scottish students receive their results earlier, so they can start on August 7th.

If you know before this that you will be in Clearing, you can start looking for information and trying to decide where you want to go. Unis may publish vacancy information on their website as soon as they've got it. This may potentially be from the start of results week. Some may say you can contact them before results day to discuss things, but unless they specifically say you can do not call them until the Thursday.

Clearing will remain open until 20th September 2008.

How long does Clearing take?

Clearing officially is open until September 20th. However, most people won't take that long. It depends how quickly you can make your mind up where you want to go. If you're absolutely certain which uni and course is right for you, you can get it done in a few days. But if you can't decide, you may want to take a bit longer. Many people wish to visit several universities, and they may have special open days set up to help with your choice. Of course, if you entered Clearing by getting released from your firm or insurance choice then you might not actually be eligible for a few weeks. In this case, Clearing will take longer for you.

I'm going on holiday on results day/soon after

In short, don't do it. I went to Reading Festival which is a week later, and I was all sorted by then but some of my friends weren't. Clearing doesn't finish until September 20th, so ideally you should make yourself available until then. That's only a month, and you've got the rest of the summer to make other plans. If you are on holiday, it will be hard to discuss things with the unis you're interested in. Be prepared for a huge phone bill! Also, your Clearing Passport will be sent to your home address so you'll need someone there that you trust to open it and send to the appropriate uni. And how are you going to get your results in the first place?

Hang on a minute. What's my Clearing Passport?

A Clearing Passport is a special form that UCAS will send to you as soon as you're eligible for Clearing. You'll need to keep it safe, as you can only have one. When you've decided which university you want to go to, you'll give them your Clearing Passport to secure your place. You must give the Clearing Passport to the university themselves; do not send it to UCAS. You can only give it to one university, so be sure that you want to go there. If you change your mind later, you'll have to try and get released to do the whole thing again. If you're not certain that's the uni for you, explain to them and ask them to wait until you make your mind up. The best way to send your Clearing Passport to the uni is to take it there yourself. You can have a look around whilst you're there, which will help you decide if you want to go there. If you hand in your Clearing Passport to a uni, you can be 99% certain that they'll accept you. They wouldn't take your Clearing Passport off you otherwise, as you can only give it to one university. So then you can go home happy, and can wait for your confirmation letter from UCAS in the post. If you really can't visit, or if you receive your Clearing Passport from UCAS after you have visited the uni, then you'll need to post it. I would recommend using Recorded Delivery at least so that you know it gets there.

Do I have to wait until I receive my Clearing Passport to apply?

No. As soon as you know you're in Clearing you can start phoning unis. If you had to be released by either your firm or insurance, you will need to wait for confirmation that this has been done, which may take a few weeks. Otherwise, you can start straight away. Your UCAS Track page should show that you're in Clearing.

Universities may ask for details that you don't have, such as your Clearing number, but explain that you haven't received your Clearing Passport yet and it will be fine. Update them as soon as you have got it.

How many universities can I apply to?

Well, as I said earlier, you can only send your Clearing Passport to one uni. So in that sense, you can only apply to one. But feel free to contact as many unis as you like before you get to that stage. Find out as much as you can before deciding where you want to spend the next 3 years of your life. Don't just pick the first one that shows any interest in you, because there's so much choice you can end up somewhere you'll be happy.

Where can I go to get advice?

People nearby

The most important place to look for advice is from people that know you. Talk to your parents, your teachers, and even your friends if they're not too busy panicking about their own situation.

UCAS

You can talk to UCAS by phoning 0870 1122211. This is just for queries about your application, or for general Clearing queries. They won't help you decide where to go or anything like that. They are running extended opening hours over the Clearing period which you can check here.

UCAS are also running an exam results helpline: 0808 100 8000. This is a free number, and promises "expert, independent advice on applying for university or college, taking time out or choosing to enter employment."

If you're really stuck, you could try the Stamford Test which is available on the UCAS website. This can show you which areas of study you may be interested in, although if you have already applied then you've probably either completed this test or have found that information elsewhere.

Learn Direct

Learn Direct can offer careers advice, and advise you on a wide range of courses in the UK. They can help you decide if uni is right for you, and tell you about other courses or possibilities. You can visit their website, phone them for free on 0800 100900, or fill in their contact form.

BBC One Life

The BBC has a lot of information on its website, such as this page. They also run an advice line, but currently the details for that are not available. You may hear adverts for their services on their radio stations, such as Radio 1.

TSR

Well, you've already found this page! But you can ask questions in the applications and UCAS forum or try the subject or university specific forum. Do think about where you're putting your question before posting it though: TSR gets very busy during the results period, and you'll receive a better response in the right forum.

Do unis accept lower grades through Clearing?

Some will, but some won't. It depends on many factors really. The only way you'll know for sure is by asking them or looking on their website. They may be willing to accept you with lower grades if you're enthusiastic about the course, or if you have relevant work experience etc, so make sure you really try to sell yourself when talking to the admissions tutor. This is why it may help to have a copy of your personal statement to hand.

Can I use Clearing if I want a deferred offer?

Yes, you can. Just make sure you tell the uni as soon as you contact them that you want to defer your offer.

However, since you're taking a gap year anyway it might be better to reapply through UCAS in September. Then you'll have the choice of all unis and courses rather than just the limited selection in Clearing. You'll also have the advantage of knowing your grades when reapplying, so you can make informed choices.

So, I want to apply. What do I do now?

Well, the most important thing is not to rush. It's probably a good idea to talk things through with as many people as possible before deciding. You might want to go to university in Outer Mongolia, but that's no good if you're relying on your parents to drive you and your stuff there. But remember that in the end it is your decision: so if you're really sure Outer Mongolia is the right choice for you, go for it!

What kind of things should I say?

This is where your pen and paper come in handy. Make some notes on why a particular course and university interest you. Have a look at your personal statement (if appropriate) and jot a few ideas down from there if you think it might help an admissions tutor accept you. If you have any notable achievements, then mention them. Have you done anything more recently that wasn't on your PS? Did you get any particularly good results? If a certain part of their course interests you and you've done any extra reading on it, then say so. There isn't any one thing that you can say to be accepted. If there was, and I wrote it here, then everyone would say it and it wouldn't work anyway. The best thing to do is show your passion. They want to know about you personally, so try to sell yourself as best you can.

How soon shall I apply?

Don't rush to contact them, as you want to make a good first impression. Yes, Clearing places do go quickly but a few minutes to prepare yourself will help you more than hinder you. If they're the type of university that will offer places to the first people to contact them rather than those who want to go there most, do you really want to go there anyway? Do phone as soon as you feel ready. But if you need to go home and have something to eat first then it will be fine. It's best to go home anyway, since someone else will probably pay the phone bill. Obviously, make sure you ask the bill payer's permission first.

How do I contact them, and what happens?

It's probably best to phone the university. And if so, do it yourself. Keep your notes, your pen, and your UCAS number handy. Eventually, you'll need your Clearing Passport too, but don't worry if you haven't received it just yet. They will be very busy, so be prepared to wait. And if you contact them any other way, then they might not get back to you for a while. At this stage, you might just get through to an advisor who will take a few details. Then after that, if your grades and experience match what they're looking for, you'll either get called back later by an admissions tutor or might have to call them back later. You'll have a chat which won't be that formal but remember you're trying to impress them so they accept you, rather than wanting to be their new best friend.

Some universities will have a form on their website to contact them, and if so it's a similar process. You fill in the form, and will get a reply later. This may be by email, so check your emails (including junk mail) carefully.

If you leave a mobile number, then try to keep your phone with you. Also remember that they may be leaving a voicemail, and comedy messages may not seem as funny to them.

Do I have to visit the unis I apply to?

You'll probably be invited to an open day. It's a good idea to go, as you can meet the tutors and other applicants, and can see the uni. If you don't like it, then it's better to know before you've decided to spend the next 3 years of your life there. Even if you have already visited the unis when you first filled in your UCAS form, that was quite a while ago so it's a good idea to refresh your memory.

Also, as mentioned above, you need to ensure your Clearing Passport gets to the uni. If you take it there yourself then you'll know it gets there, and it's probably quicker than posting. You don't have to go, but you should have a really good reason if you don't.

• If it's too far then are you sure you'll cope with being that far away from home, and will you be able to get there when you start (and go home for holidays)?
• If you can't afford it then they may be able to help with travel costs, or your school might be able to help. It's also possible that other people from your school will be going, so you may be able to share transport.
• If you're too busy, then is whatever you're doing really more important than securing your future?

If I go through Clearing, will I have to live in a tent?

Only if you really want to. You could try taking a campervan and only paying car parking fees rather than accommodation fees though, as that would be better. Or I've always wanted to live on a houseboat... But if you want more normal accommodation, you can have it. Some universities will guarantee accommodation for people who come through Clearing. This can usually be found on their websites, or is the kind of thing that you should be asking at an Open Day. Any uni that cannot guarantee accommodation will still help you find somewhere to live. They'll provide lists of approved landlords, or details of private accommodation such as Unite as appropriate.

Juno 01:15, 31 July 2007 (BST)

Also See

• Guide to Results Day
• After results day