Guide to Clearing

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Clearing - You can do it!

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!

• Do remember to check Track for your eligibility for Clearing (UCAS will not be writing to people about this any more)
• Do be flexible and consider alternatives to what you had originally planned
• Do get organised, and if you know are going to be in Clearing do your homework beforehand [to be added]
• Don't believe all the scare stories in the papers about there not being enough places to go round. There will be some people who will not get the places they wanted this year, as there always are, but there will be just as many others who will be successful in gaining a place and happy with their choice.
• Don't just take the first offer that's made to you - do your research as you normally would, and definitely go and visit unis you are interested in before hitting those Track buttons.
• Don't assume that you *have* to go to uni come what may. If you aren't sure that you really want to do the courses offered to you, it's OK to decide not to go and leave it for another year.

How does Clearing work?

New for 2009: Clearing has gone 'electronic'; paper Clearing Passports are no longer being used. This means that your eligibility for Clearing will show up on your Track, where you will find your Clearing Number (unis will want this so that they can access your application) and the 'Add a Clearing Choice' button.

In Clearing, applicants contact unis direct to talk to them about the courses available and whether their application can be considered. You can contact as many unis as you like, and may receive offers from several. Each will provide you with a course code and institution code. When you have decided which offer you want to take up, you must enter the details on Track. You can only enter one choice, and you must have discussed your application with the university first. If you enter a choice without doing this you are likely to cause yourself significant delays and may even lose out on a course you were really interested in.

Record of Prior Acceptance (also known as Direct Entry)

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.

Clearing: 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, 38,032 people got places through Clearing. In 2008, 43,890 people did - around 9.5% of all people who were accepted for a place at university that year.

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 and they both rejected you

If you missed both your firm and insurance offers, then you don't need to do anything. Your Clearing number will show on Track. Start phoning around universities - with your Clearing number admissions tutors will be able to see your full application and might ask you to apply. If they do this then it's an offer of a place, if you want to take up that place then add it as a Clearing Choice.

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 original 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. Once your release has been processed, your Clearing number will show on Track. Start phoning around universities - with your Clearing number admissions tutors will be able to see your full application and might ask you to apply. If they do this then it's an offer of a place, if you want to take up that place then add it as a Clearing Choice. .

If you are not holding any offers

If you are not holding any offers, but did apply through UCAS before 30 June, you will have automatically been entered into Clearing, and your Clearing number will be on Track from mid July. Start phoning around universities - with your Clearing number admissions tutors will be able to see your full application and might ask you to apply. If they do this then it's an offer of a place, if you want to take up that place then add it as a Clearing Choice. You may be in this position 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.

If you have not applied through UCAS yet, or applied after 30 June

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. Your Clearing number will show up on Track in mid July or as soon as your application has been processed by UCAS if submitted later than this. Start phoning around universities - with your Clearing number admissions tutors will be able to see your full application and might ask you to apply. If they do this then it's an offer of a place, if you want to take up that place then add it as a Clearing Choice.

When does Clearing start?

Clearing starts fully on A Level results day, which is 20 August 2009. However, Scottish students receive their results earlier, so they can start on 5 August (for Scottish universities only).

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 21 September 2009.

How long does Clearing take?

Clearing officially is open until 21 September. However, most people won't take anything like 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 21 September, 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! And how are you going to get your results in the first place?

Do I have to wait until my Clearing Number comes up on Track to apply?

Yes - but that doesn't mean you can't approach universities informally. Most of Clearing happens over the phone - it's only the last step that requires a Clearing number/'Add a Clearing Choice' button on Track. 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 up to a fortnight.

How many universities can I apply to?

You can approach as many unis as you like over the phone or by email - but you can only add one Clearing Choice on Track. Don't add a Clearing choice on Track before a university asks you to apply to them - if you do they may well just reject you (and until they reject you you can't apply anywhere else). 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.

unistats.com has historical UCAS tariff point records of students at University subject level from the 06/07 Admission Cycle. This information is an indication of what results courses may require this year. However there are a number of issues, including:

1. data is from 2 years ago.
2. course competivity this year may be different from the historical position.
3. UCAS tariff includes points from all qualifications and not just those that make up a course's typical offer.
4. You don't know if applicants who got in with lower points did so via clearing or held pre-Results Day offers and were let in despite under-performing.

Can I use Clearing if I want a deferred offer?

Yes, you can, although the unis generally expect to deal with applications for entry for the current year. Just make sure you tell the uni as soon as you contact them that you want to defer your place, and don't be surprised if they say no.

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?

You shouldn't apply for a place in Clearing until a university asks you to (if you apply without being asked then in most cases you'll just get rejected). The first step in Clearing isn't applying - it's approaching universities by telephone and email, and before you start doing that you need to prepare:

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 contact them?

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 is best to phone the university - and that means YOU phone them not your mum. Keep your notes, your pen, and your UCAS number handy. Eventually, you'll need your Clearing Number too, but don't worry if you haven't got 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 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. Remember with webforms and emails though that it's easier to ignore a full inbox than a ringing phone - if you want to be at the front of the queue then the phone is always a better bet.

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'm thinking of going 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. 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.

Also See

• Clearing - all the clearing related content on TSR in one place.
• Guide to Results Day
• After results day