Ask a student who went through Clearing!

y thank ye Edmin

I spoke to about 15 universities I think?
Sheffield gave me the least time (2 hours)
the others gave me offers and I took about 3-4 hours deciding which to take!

That's great!

On the phone, did you prepare a script beforehand? And what kind of things were you asked?

The thing applicants sometimes don't realise is that the uni staff are generally kind and helpful, it's nothing to worry about having to talk to them on the phone! My daughter got into Lancaster uni via Clearing and I still remember how lovely some of the staff were to her at a time when she was feeling vulnerable. There was a tutor at Swansea who was so friendly to her I've got a soft spot for Swansea even now, and an Admissions tutor at Lancaster suggested a clever way to get her onto a course she didn't officially have the grades for

That sounds very reassuring. I certainly for one hate calling people especially when all they want to do is seem to waste my time and I get nowhere with what I want to sort out. Anyways, clearing has been something I've been seriously considering for a while 1) I'm kinda worried I might not get the grades and 2) I don't think my firm choice is the right place for me and I want to have other options open to me.

The year my daughter used Clearing was also a really difficult one since it just before tuition fees rose so no none was taking a gap year - the unis had so many applicants they didn't have to be flexible, but they still tried hard to help because they know how hard it is for young people who are disappointed by their results. I think this will be a good year for applicants going into Clearing and whether or not you get the grades, there will be other good options to explore

Sorry to hear that your daughter's experience of Clearing was really difficult but like you've said, unis want to help and recruit students via clearing and adjustment so they need to be approachable. As for Clearing and Adjustment this year and getting into uni overall, UCAS Alan said that this cycle should present a good opportunity as compared to those born later than 2000/2001, there's less competition for spaces. Should I have any questions, I'll be on here tagging you lot.

hi, I've got a question, if I meet my requirements for a conditional firm offer, can I still go through clearing ? thanks

is there going to be more vacancies once the results are out?

The thing applicants sometimes don't realise is that the uni staff are generally kind and helpful, it's nothing to worry about having to talk to them on the phone! My daughter got into Lancaster uni via Clearing and I still remember how lovely some of the staff were to her at a time when she was feeling vulnerable. There was a tutor at Swansea who was so friendly to her I've got a soft spot for Swansea even now, and an Admissions tutor at Lancaster suggested a clever way to get her onto a course she didn't officially have the grades for

Yes, for the first time this year UCAS have introduced a change that allows you to release yourself into Clearing, rather than having to get permission from the uni that has made you a firm offer. There are advisory posts about it on TSR - including one at the top of this forum page. The main point is that you need to be very sure that you have a better offer lined up before you release yourself into Clearing. As a minimum, you should have a verbal offer from another uni that they will accept you and preferably an emailed offer. Don't just switch to a different uni on impulse, think about it carefully including things like will accomodation be available to me at the new uni.

If you don't make the requirements for your firm and insurance choices can you still apply to the same unis and courses for clearing?

Just wondering who should I call on results day? Admissions or the department of the subject that I want to study?

Just wondering who should I call on results day? Admissions or the department of the subject that I want to study?

I’m in a bit of a weird position - I applied via a form to the university direct instead of using UCAS (long story short I don’t have A-levels). That was last week. How long will it take until I hear back from them to know whether I’ve got a place?