Mega UCAS Clearing FAQ and Help 2022
Mega Clearing FAQ 2022
Clearing, Self-Release into Clearing and Changes since the COVID-19 Pandemic FAQ
Back by popular demand is our FAQ Megathread for Results and Clearing for 2022!
This thread contains several FAQs with the most common questions asked by students on TSR each year. From Clearing basics (what it is and how to apply), to troubleshooting and changing your mind, we’ve compiled a list of popular questions and answers from previous years, all updated for 2022 applicants.
We have also added an extra bonus FAQ focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While most processes have returned to near-normality, there is still some impact which is worth being aware of.
Use these links to quickly jump to the Clearing FAQ section relevant to you!
How it Works and Eligibility
Finding Vacancies and Contacting Universities
Once You've Secured a Verbal Offer
Troubleshooting - When things don’t quite go to plan...
Self Release into Clearing FAQ - Using the 'decline my place' button to place yourself into Clearing
Changes to Clearing since the COVID-19 Pandemic FAQ
We also have some other threads on Clearing topics which might be useful:
See our thread on the old Adjustment service here - no longer offered in 2022
See our thread on the new 'Clearing Plus' service here!
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
(edited 1 year ago)
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Clearing - How it Works and Eligibility
What is Clearing?
Clearing is essentially a way to apply to university for people who either did not apply in the main cycle or for those who do not hold any offers. It provides access to a pool of places which have not been filled in the main application cycle.
How is Clearing different from the main UCAS application cycle?
In Clearing, the onus lies with the applicant to search for available places, and then contact universities directly. Universities will speak with the applicant and review their UCAS application to determine their suitability.
Applicants then obtain 'verbal offers' - this is a verbal commitment for a place from the university. Once this is received, the applicant can then add the course and university onto their UCAS account as a clearing choice. The university will then accept this, and the place is confirmed.
Who is eligible for Clearing?
Essentially, anyone who does not hold an offer of a place when Clearing opens on 5th July is eligible.
There are many situations where someone might be placed into Clearing. this might be because:
In order to be eligible for Clearing you need to have an application in the current UCAS cycle and to have paid the full application fee - you must complete these in order to access Clearing if you have not done so already as part of the main application cycle.
You also need to have a Clearing number (sometimes referred to as a Clearing ID) which will be provided to you automatically when you meet the above criteria.
What is a Clearing number?
To apply via Clearing you must have a Clearing number. A Clearing number or Clearing ID is a number which appears on your UCAS homepage once you login and currently hold no offers. When you speak to universities, you will need to provide this number in order for them to find your application and view it on UCAS.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
What is Clearing?
Clearing is essentially a way to apply to university for people who either did not apply in the main cycle or for those who do not hold any offers. It provides access to a pool of places which have not been filled in the main application cycle.
How is Clearing different from the main UCAS application cycle?
In Clearing, the onus lies with the applicant to search for available places, and then contact universities directly. Universities will speak with the applicant and review their UCAS application to determine their suitability.
Applicants then obtain 'verbal offers' - this is a verbal commitment for a place from the university. Once this is received, the applicant can then add the course and university onto their UCAS account as a clearing choice. The university will then accept this, and the place is confirmed.
Who is eligible for Clearing?
Essentially, anyone who does not hold an offer of a place when Clearing opens on 5th July is eligible.
There are many situations where someone might be placed into Clearing. this might be because:
•
You applied directly to clearing as a late applicant
•
You did not receive any offers from your original choices
•
You failed to meet the conditions of your firm and insurance offers
•
You asked a university you were placed with to place you into clearing
•
You used the 'decline my place' feature to release yourself from an unconditional offer
You also need to have a Clearing number (sometimes referred to as a Clearing ID) which will be provided to you automatically when you meet the above criteria.
What is a Clearing number?
To apply via Clearing you must have a Clearing number. A Clearing number or Clearing ID is a number which appears on your UCAS homepage once you login and currently hold no offers. When you speak to universities, you will need to provide this number in order for them to find your application and view it on UCAS.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
(edited 1 year ago)
Clearing - Finding Vacancies and Contacting Universities
How does the Clearing application process work?
During Clearing, you are able to directly contact universities to see if they have a place available on a course you wish to access. Generally, this is done by phone (although some universities are utilising social media too). You can search for available vacancies via the UCAS website, make a list of universities you think you may be interested in and then give them a call.
Universities can then make you a verbal offer. Once you have this, you can enter it into your UCAS Track. On Results Day, this can be done from 3pm - this allows you to call several universities and gives you some time to consider your options. Universities will often give you a time period to enter your choice on Track - they don’t want to hold places for people who may not be interested. Once you’ve submitted the choice on Track, the university will then formally accept your place.
How do I know if a specific university has spaces available on my chosen course?
Clearing vacancies are published only on the UCAS website. Newspaper listings are no longer available, as these are unreliable and do not reflect the dynamic, changing nature of Clearing. You can search for Clearing vacancies here: https://digital.ucas.com/search.
Clearing vacancies change all the time - what is available on the 5th of July is likely to be very different from what is available after Results Day, for example, so it is well worth regularly checking for new vacancies.
Is Clearing only for unpopular courses? What about Law and Medicine?
There is a common misconception that Clearing only has vacancies for unpopular courses where there weren’t enough applicants. Courses may be in Clearing for many reasons. Some of these include:
In recent years, we’ve occasionally seen a very small number places for Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Sciences and other very popular courses at top universities appear in Clearing. This is almost never more than a handful of places over one or two institutions, and many of these courses will not appear in Clearing at all. Bear in mind that any available places are usually snapped up very quickly. Securing a place on a high demand course in Clearing is not something you should expect or rely upon, as the vast majority (if not all) places will have already been filled in the main application cycle, or via waiting lists. Please see your relevant subject-specific forum for advice on Clearing for specific courses or universities.
Will universities reduce their entry requirements in Clearing?
Potentially - there unfortunately isn’t any way to predict whether entry requirements will reduce, and, if so, by how much.Some universities have the option to be more flexible depending on the strength of the rest of your application - this particularly applies to vocational courses. Grade requirements may also change as Clearing progresses - universities may decide to make further reductions if Clearing is well under way and they are struggling to fill the course. For courses with requirements for GCSE English and Maths at a particular grade, these are highly unlikely to be lowered as these form basic minimum requirements for the course.
How do I contact universities to get an offer in Clearing?
Clearing is quite different to the main UCAS process in that it works based on verbal offers. The onus is on the applicant to contact universities, obtain a verbal offer (or multiple verbal offers if they wish) and then choose one offer to enter onto UCAS Track, which the university will then confirm. The applicant needs to search clearing vacancies, identify universities and then contact them directly to open a dialogue.
Traditionally, the contact was always by phone, however in recent years we have seen many universities active on social media - offers have been given on Facebook and Instagram, as examples. Bear in mind that not all universities use social media in this way - we recommend this as a good thing to do if you find yourself stuck on hold on the university phone lines.
What do I say when I call the universities?
You simply need to say that you are interested in X course and would like to make a Clearing application if so. You will likely then be asked to provide your Clearing number/ID so that the university can access your application.Universities might ask you to confirm personal details or academic results, so it’s a good idea to have a transcript of your results to hand. The operator will guide you in terms of any information they require from you - this will vary by university and course. You should always take a note of the name of the person you spoke to and any important information they give you, so keep a pen and paper handy!
Can I call as many universities as I like?
Of course! It’s a good idea to consider all of your available options. There is no limit to the number of verbal offers you can hold, although you can only add one choice on UCAS Track. It’s a good idea to prioritise the universities you want to go to most, as these offers are on a first-come-first-served basis, and obviously if you decide you no longer want a place at a university, it’s a good idea to let them know so that that place can be offered to someone else.
Can I call a university even if they haven't advertised any clearing vacancies for my course?
Yes, however it’s unlikely they will have places. Universities do, occasionally, operate internal clearing lists for very popular courses, or courses where there may only be one or two places, to avoid the university being flooded with applications.If there is a particular course or university you have your heart set on then it may be worth a try, however you should be aware it’s very likely you will not be successful. It is generally better to use your time focusing on securing verbal offers at universities which are advertising places.
Will universities speak to me without a clearing number? Can I speculatively contact a university to see if they will consider me?
They may or may not. Universities might be able to give you limited informal information, however strictly speaking, they should require you to have a Clearing number in order to speak to you about a place, and certainly to give you a verbal offer.
Will I need a new personal statement?
Universities you apply to in Clearing will see your original UCAS application. If you are applying for a different course, you will need to explain this to the university and ask if they would be willing to consider an additional statement. This is fairly common and universities will know how to deal with this. Obviously, you would need to have this prepared in advance, so if you are thinking of a course change, it is good to make an early start when it comes to writing your additional personal statement.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
How does the Clearing application process work?
During Clearing, you are able to directly contact universities to see if they have a place available on a course you wish to access. Generally, this is done by phone (although some universities are utilising social media too). You can search for available vacancies via the UCAS website, make a list of universities you think you may be interested in and then give them a call.
Universities can then make you a verbal offer. Once you have this, you can enter it into your UCAS Track. On Results Day, this can be done from 3pm - this allows you to call several universities and gives you some time to consider your options. Universities will often give you a time period to enter your choice on Track - they don’t want to hold places for people who may not be interested. Once you’ve submitted the choice on Track, the university will then formally accept your place.
How do I know if a specific university has spaces available on my chosen course?
Clearing vacancies are published only on the UCAS website. Newspaper listings are no longer available, as these are unreliable and do not reflect the dynamic, changing nature of Clearing. You can search for Clearing vacancies here: https://digital.ucas.com/search.
Clearing vacancies change all the time - what is available on the 5th of July is likely to be very different from what is available after Results Day, for example, so it is well worth regularly checking for new vacancies.
Is Clearing only for unpopular courses? What about Law and Medicine?
There is a common misconception that Clearing only has vacancies for unpopular courses where there weren’t enough applicants. Courses may be in Clearing for many reasons. Some of these include:
•
Not enough applicants meeting the minimum entry requirements
•
More applicants than expected performing poorly at interview
•
Poor advertising of the course
•
More applicants than expected failing to meet the conditions of their offer
•
More applicants than expected changing their mind - applying elsewhere, deferring or taking a gap year.
In recent years, we’ve occasionally seen a very small number places for Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Sciences and other very popular courses at top universities appear in Clearing. This is almost never more than a handful of places over one or two institutions, and many of these courses will not appear in Clearing at all. Bear in mind that any available places are usually snapped up very quickly. Securing a place on a high demand course in Clearing is not something you should expect or rely upon, as the vast majority (if not all) places will have already been filled in the main application cycle, or via waiting lists. Please see your relevant subject-specific forum for advice on Clearing for specific courses or universities.
Will universities reduce their entry requirements in Clearing?
Potentially - there unfortunately isn’t any way to predict whether entry requirements will reduce, and, if so, by how much.Some universities have the option to be more flexible depending on the strength of the rest of your application - this particularly applies to vocational courses. Grade requirements may also change as Clearing progresses - universities may decide to make further reductions if Clearing is well under way and they are struggling to fill the course. For courses with requirements for GCSE English and Maths at a particular grade, these are highly unlikely to be lowered as these form basic minimum requirements for the course.
How do I contact universities to get an offer in Clearing?
Clearing is quite different to the main UCAS process in that it works based on verbal offers. The onus is on the applicant to contact universities, obtain a verbal offer (or multiple verbal offers if they wish) and then choose one offer to enter onto UCAS Track, which the university will then confirm. The applicant needs to search clearing vacancies, identify universities and then contact them directly to open a dialogue.
Traditionally, the contact was always by phone, however in recent years we have seen many universities active on social media - offers have been given on Facebook and Instagram, as examples. Bear in mind that not all universities use social media in this way - we recommend this as a good thing to do if you find yourself stuck on hold on the university phone lines.
What do I say when I call the universities?
You simply need to say that you are interested in X course and would like to make a Clearing application if so. You will likely then be asked to provide your Clearing number/ID so that the university can access your application.Universities might ask you to confirm personal details or academic results, so it’s a good idea to have a transcript of your results to hand. The operator will guide you in terms of any information they require from you - this will vary by university and course. You should always take a note of the name of the person you spoke to and any important information they give you, so keep a pen and paper handy!
Can I call as many universities as I like?
Of course! It’s a good idea to consider all of your available options. There is no limit to the number of verbal offers you can hold, although you can only add one choice on UCAS Track. It’s a good idea to prioritise the universities you want to go to most, as these offers are on a first-come-first-served basis, and obviously if you decide you no longer want a place at a university, it’s a good idea to let them know so that that place can be offered to someone else.
Can I call a university even if they haven't advertised any clearing vacancies for my course?
Yes, however it’s unlikely they will have places. Universities do, occasionally, operate internal clearing lists for very popular courses, or courses where there may only be one or two places, to avoid the university being flooded with applications.If there is a particular course or university you have your heart set on then it may be worth a try, however you should be aware it’s very likely you will not be successful. It is generally better to use your time focusing on securing verbal offers at universities which are advertising places.
Will universities speak to me without a clearing number? Can I speculatively contact a university to see if they will consider me?
They may or may not. Universities might be able to give you limited informal information, however strictly speaking, they should require you to have a Clearing number in order to speak to you about a place, and certainly to give you a verbal offer.
Will I need a new personal statement?
Universities you apply to in Clearing will see your original UCAS application. If you are applying for a different course, you will need to explain this to the university and ask if they would be willing to consider an additional statement. This is fairly common and universities will know how to deal with this. Obviously, you would need to have this prepared in advance, so if you are thinking of a course change, it is good to make an early start when it comes to writing your additional personal statement.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
(edited 1 year ago)
Clearing - Once You've Secured a Verbal Offer
I’ve got a verbal offer - now what do I do?
Once you’ve secured a verbal offer, you can enter it into UCAS Track. This is your formal submission of your offer. You absolutely must make sure you enter this offer within the timeframe stated by the university - failure to do so can mean you lose your place. Universities set a time limit to avoid applicants holding their places for too long - remember that the universities will be keen to fill their course and offer the place to someone else.
When can I enter a clearing choice on track?
If you already have your exam results, you can enter a choice as soon as Clearing opens. If you have results to collect on Results Day, you won’t be able to enter a choice until 3pm that day. This gives you time to look at your options, call some universities and make a decision. You can only enter one choice in Track - so you need to make sure it’s the right one!
Will I need to attend an interview?
For most applicants, it’s unlikely. Most universities don’t have the capacity/facility to hold interviews during Clearing. There are, however, some exceptions to this.
For healthcare courses (Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine etc.), you may need to attend an interview which may be remote or in person. The Clearing admissions contact will advise you on this. Often universities are required to interview prospective students as part of the requirements of their professional regulatory body. You may also be required to attend for an Occupational Health appointment. This is worth bearing in mind if you are applying to a university a considerable distance away.
For Art and Design courses, you will usually be required to send over a web-based portfolio before being given an offer. It’s therefore really important that you’ve had a look at portfolio guidelines beforehand and have one prepared.
Performing arts courses may require provision of a video audition (usually pre-recorded). It’s a good idea to have a selection of monologues, music or choreography as appropriate prepared.
Do I need to contact universities I held a verbal offer for but didn't choose?
You aren't obligated to. Universities will hold your place for a specified amount of time, and then will release it and offer it to someone else. You should not prioritise contacting these universities - it is far more important that you have sorted and secured your own place.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
I’ve got a verbal offer - now what do I do?
Once you’ve secured a verbal offer, you can enter it into UCAS Track. This is your formal submission of your offer. You absolutely must make sure you enter this offer within the timeframe stated by the university - failure to do so can mean you lose your place. Universities set a time limit to avoid applicants holding their places for too long - remember that the universities will be keen to fill their course and offer the place to someone else.
When can I enter a clearing choice on track?
If you already have your exam results, you can enter a choice as soon as Clearing opens. If you have results to collect on Results Day, you won’t be able to enter a choice until 3pm that day. This gives you time to look at your options, call some universities and make a decision. You can only enter one choice in Track - so you need to make sure it’s the right one!
Will I need to attend an interview?
For most applicants, it’s unlikely. Most universities don’t have the capacity/facility to hold interviews during Clearing. There are, however, some exceptions to this.
For healthcare courses (Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine etc.), you may need to attend an interview which may be remote or in person. The Clearing admissions contact will advise you on this. Often universities are required to interview prospective students as part of the requirements of their professional regulatory body. You may also be required to attend for an Occupational Health appointment. This is worth bearing in mind if you are applying to a university a considerable distance away.
For Art and Design courses, you will usually be required to send over a web-based portfolio before being given an offer. It’s therefore really important that you’ve had a look at portfolio guidelines beforehand and have one prepared.
Performing arts courses may require provision of a video audition (usually pre-recorded). It’s a good idea to have a selection of monologues, music or choreography as appropriate prepared.
Do I need to contact universities I held a verbal offer for but didn't choose?
You aren't obligated to. Universities will hold your place for a specified amount of time, and then will release it and offer it to someone else. You should not prioritise contacting these universities - it is far more important that you have sorted and secured your own place.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
(edited 1 year ago)
Troubleshooting - When things don’t quite go to plan...
Anything that happens outside of the ‘normal’ UCAS process has the potential for issues to occur. By following the advice above, you should limit the chances of any problems, however things unfortunately do still go wrong on occasion. The process is not perfect, and mistakes can be made on both the side of the applicant and the university. Here’s how to deal with the most common issues.
Can I be rejected after I’ve entered a Clearing choice on Track?
Yes - there are three main reasons why this may happen.
The first is failing to obtain a verbal offer before adding the choice on Track. The university won’t accept someone they have never heard of - some applicants seem to think this is worth a try, however this is always unsuccessful and only serves to waste time. If you’ve done this, you would need to contact the university to explain, and ask them to make a decision on your application asap so that you can apply elsewhere.
The second possible reason is that you have failed to add the choice by the deadline specified by the university at the time of the offer.
The third reason is some sort of error or misrepresentation - perhaps the university misunderstood your grades, or there is an issue with your transcript. This is more complex and it is important to have a record of exactly who you spoke to and what they said. In this scenario, please start a thread or comment, so we can provide additional help.
If you do find you have been rejected and can’t work out why, it’s important that you contact the university as soon as possible to find out the reason so it can be addressed.
Universities are not permitted to change their mind once a verbal offer has been made. Universities should not give out verbal offers and rescind these unless you have misrepresented yourself or have given false or incorrect information.
I accepted a Clearing offer and added it to Track, but I’ve changed my mind. What do I do?
Once you have accepted a verbal offer and added it to UCAS Track, you are committed to that offer to some degree, so it’s important you are sure about your choice before entering it.
If you definitely do not wish to attend that university, you would need to contact the university, explain the situation and request that they place you back in Clearing. The university is under no obligation to do this quickly, and are likely to prioritise their applicants who want to attend their university. It's a good idea to ask what their timescale for this is, and also to contact the university you actually want to go to in order to make them aware of the delay, and make sure that they are happy to wait.
I have been accepted into my firm/insurance but I’ve seen something I love in Clearing. Can I apply?
Firstly, you would need to call the university in Clearing to see if the place is still available and get a preliminary idea of whether they would accept you. Bear in mind that without a Clearing ID, the university may not wish to make any commitment or give you any indication, in which case you need to decide whether the risk is worthwhile to you.
Only once you are absolutely certain this is what you want to do, and that you understand you will hold no university place, you can use UCAS Track to place yourself in Clearing. You can do this by following the ‘Decline my place’ option on Track and filling in the form. Once you have been placed into Clearing, you can follow the normal Clearing process of adding the choice to your UCAS track.
Do be aware that there is risk associated with this - you will hold no confirmed place during this process and will need to work to the timescales set by the new university. Be aware that UCAS are often unable to assist with this.
I have been accepted by my firm but I now want to go to my insurance, what do I do?
You would need to follow the same steps as above, as once you have met the conditions of your firm choice, your insurance offer ceases to exist. You would initially need to contact the insurance choice to explain the situation, and see if they still have places and would be willing to consider you.
I’m waiting for a decision from my firm/insurance, but I've found a course I like in clearing, what do I do?
You can call your firm/insurance to let them know you no longer want to be considered so that they can record an unsuccessful decision and then you can be placed in Clearing.
It is important to ask them the timescale for this and to follow up regularly - universities will generally prioritise filling their courses.UCAS will normally be able to help you out in this situation if you are having trouble with delays from your original university.
I’m worried about accommodation. Won’t it all be taken by the time I apply?
This is something it’s important to discuss with universities at the time when you are given a verbal offer. Some universities may have places in their own accommodation, others may not. Some universities can offer you additional support if you are accepted in Clearing to secure private accommodation.
Generally it’s unlikely you would be stuck without any accommodation at all - even if what is available would not be your first choice.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
Anything that happens outside of the ‘normal’ UCAS process has the potential for issues to occur. By following the advice above, you should limit the chances of any problems, however things unfortunately do still go wrong on occasion. The process is not perfect, and mistakes can be made on both the side of the applicant and the university. Here’s how to deal with the most common issues.
Can I be rejected after I’ve entered a Clearing choice on Track?
Yes - there are three main reasons why this may happen.
The first is failing to obtain a verbal offer before adding the choice on Track. The university won’t accept someone they have never heard of - some applicants seem to think this is worth a try, however this is always unsuccessful and only serves to waste time. If you’ve done this, you would need to contact the university to explain, and ask them to make a decision on your application asap so that you can apply elsewhere.
The second possible reason is that you have failed to add the choice by the deadline specified by the university at the time of the offer.
The third reason is some sort of error or misrepresentation - perhaps the university misunderstood your grades, or there is an issue with your transcript. This is more complex and it is important to have a record of exactly who you spoke to and what they said. In this scenario, please start a thread or comment, so we can provide additional help.
If you do find you have been rejected and can’t work out why, it’s important that you contact the university as soon as possible to find out the reason so it can be addressed.
Universities are not permitted to change their mind once a verbal offer has been made. Universities should not give out verbal offers and rescind these unless you have misrepresented yourself or have given false or incorrect information.
I accepted a Clearing offer and added it to Track, but I’ve changed my mind. What do I do?
Once you have accepted a verbal offer and added it to UCAS Track, you are committed to that offer to some degree, so it’s important you are sure about your choice before entering it.
If you definitely do not wish to attend that university, you would need to contact the university, explain the situation and request that they place you back in Clearing. The university is under no obligation to do this quickly, and are likely to prioritise their applicants who want to attend their university. It's a good idea to ask what their timescale for this is, and also to contact the university you actually want to go to in order to make them aware of the delay, and make sure that they are happy to wait.
I have been accepted into my firm/insurance but I’ve seen something I love in Clearing. Can I apply?
Firstly, you would need to call the university in Clearing to see if the place is still available and get a preliminary idea of whether they would accept you. Bear in mind that without a Clearing ID, the university may not wish to make any commitment or give you any indication, in which case you need to decide whether the risk is worthwhile to you.
Only once you are absolutely certain this is what you want to do, and that you understand you will hold no university place, you can use UCAS Track to place yourself in Clearing. You can do this by following the ‘Decline my place’ option on Track and filling in the form. Once you have been placed into Clearing, you can follow the normal Clearing process of adding the choice to your UCAS track.
Do be aware that there is risk associated with this - you will hold no confirmed place during this process and will need to work to the timescales set by the new university. Be aware that UCAS are often unable to assist with this.
I have been accepted by my firm but I now want to go to my insurance, what do I do?
You would need to follow the same steps as above, as once you have met the conditions of your firm choice, your insurance offer ceases to exist. You would initially need to contact the insurance choice to explain the situation, and see if they still have places and would be willing to consider you.
I’m waiting for a decision from my firm/insurance, but I've found a course I like in clearing, what do I do?
You can call your firm/insurance to let them know you no longer want to be considered so that they can record an unsuccessful decision and then you can be placed in Clearing.
It is important to ask them the timescale for this and to follow up regularly - universities will generally prioritise filling their courses.UCAS will normally be able to help you out in this situation if you are having trouble with delays from your original university.
I’m worried about accommodation. Won’t it all be taken by the time I apply?
This is something it’s important to discuss with universities at the time when you are given a verbal offer. Some universities may have places in their own accommodation, others may not. Some universities can offer you additional support if you are accepted in Clearing to secure private accommodation.
Generally it’s unlikely you would be stuck without any accommodation at all - even if what is available would not be your first choice.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
(edited 1 year ago)
Self-Release into Clearing FAQ
Since 2019, UCAS has allowed applicants to release themselves into Clearing through a 'decline my place' button. This is an irreversible decision and it is therefore extremely important that students fully understand the implications.We’ve compiled a few FAQs to help you understand what self-release is, how to do it and what happens if things go wrong.
What is Self-Release into Clearing and how does it work?
In previous years, applicants who no longer wished to take up their unconditional offer and wanted to apply elsewhere would need to contact the university they had been placed with and ask to be placed into clearing.
The problem with this was that universities tend to be really busy on Results Day, and weren’t prioritising these students - naturally, they gave more time and attention to the ones who actually wanted to go there. This resulted in huge amounts of stress for students, as their new university would often only agree to hold their place for a limited amount of time.
To tackle this, UCAS is allows applicants to release themselves in to Clearing using a 'decline my place' button on their Track.
Declining your unconditional firm place - what is it and how does it work?
Essentially, this button allows an applicant who holds an unconditional offer to place themselves into Clearing. This declines their place and allows them to apply to other universities which have vacancies. This can be done via UCAS Track and doesn’t require the applicant to contact the university they want to be released from.
Who can decline their place? Is it open to everyone?
'Decline my place' is open to any applicant who has been placed with a university and has an unconditional offer. You might have an unconditional offer early if you already had your results, or, more commonly, your offer will turn unconditional on Results Day, once you meet the conditions set out in your offer.
If you are eligible, you will see a button on your UCAS Track stating ‘Decline my place’ from 5th July.
When should I release myself into Clearing?
You can press the button from any time when you have an unconditional offer, however you should only actually press the "decline my place" button once you have a verbal offer from a university.
Of course, you should only release once you are satisfied you are completely sure you do not wish to attend the university you have been placed with.
I want to be placed into Clearing but I don't have an unconditional offer yet - my university hasn't made a decision. How do I do this?
The 'decline my place' process discussed in this part of the FAQ is only applicable to people with an unconditional offer - people who have met the conditions of their offer and have secured a place at university.
If you want to be released into Clearing from a conditional offer, unfortunately you are unable to place yourself into Clearing. You would instead need to contact the university directly, and ask them to decline your application on UCAS. It is worth bearing in mind that universities often do not prioritise this sort of task over assisting people who actually want to go there, so this can take some time. We advise getting as much information as you can around timescales, especially if you are also liaising with a new university. Remember that communication is key and it is really important that you keep everyone aware of the situation and timescales, and make notes of who you spoke to and when.
What are the benefits of releasing yourself into Clearing?
Firstly, it’s a lot quicker than the old method. It can be done in a matter of minutes. You’re also totally in control - you aren’t relying on administrative staff from a university. It’s also hoped that this method will reduce a lot of stress associated with Clearing.
What are the risks?
Once you are placed in Clearing, your place at your original university becomes available to others and is no longer associated with you at all. There is no easy way to reverse this and it may mean you lose your place if it is offered to someone else.
Additionally, if you place yourself in Clearing and subsequently fail to secure a place at a new university (for example, if you don’t find anything you like the look of or if universities aren’t willing to offer you a place) then you may find yourself without any offers and facing the possibility of needing to reapply.
This therefore isn’t a decision you should ever take lightly.
Can I press the "decline my place" button by accident?
Potentially, but UCAS makes it very hard to do so.
In addition to clicking the ‘decline my place’ button, you would also need to complete a drop-down questionnaire.
You shouldn’t proceed with the self-release unless you are 100% sure you do not want to attend the university you have been placed with.
I pressed the "decline my place" button and now I wish I hadn’t. What do I do?
You will need to phone up your original university which you were placed with as soon as possible. Once you have been placed in clearing, your spot at that university becomes up for grabs.
You need to contact the university to explain you made a mistake and that you still want the place. They will then instruct you about next steps.
It is possible that the university will already have filled your place, particularly if there is a time gap between your self-release and you contacting the university. If this is the case, you may unfortunately need to look for another place elsewhere.
Have questions that aren’t answered here? Need more information before making a decision? Post below and one of our UCAS trained Applications and Clearing Advisers will do their best to help!
(edited 1 year ago)
Changes to Clearing since the COVID-19 Pandemic FAQ
In recent years we saw some changes in the way Clearing worked due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This primarily impacted UCAS and university call centres. We also saw more students considering deferring their application, or with concerns about remote teaching. Whilst many areas have now returned to normality, there are some ongoing changes which it's worth being aware of to inform your Clearing decisions.
Here is a summary of the key changes and frequently asked questions relating to the impact of the COVID pandemic.
Will unis be more flexible about entry requirements considering the current situation?
Universities were been encouraged to be flexible considering the methods used to award grades in recent years. Now that exams have returned in most cases, grades are still slightly inflated. Exam boards have prepped higher education providers on this, to help them make informed choices when accepting students onto their courses.
We have found that universities are generally trying to be sympathetic and to support students. Probably more so than previous years, personal statements, work experience and other qualifications have been playing a big part in applications, and we expect this to continue.
I am worried I won't have the university experience or might miss out on face-to-face learning, should I consider deferring?
Deferring is a very personal choice.
It is important that students recognise that a lot of the blended learning methods we have seen during the pandemic have actually been in the pipeline for a long time, and that virtual learning was always going to happen. There has been a huge investment into remote learning, so universities are likely to continue with this into the next year in some form regardless of the COVID pandemic situation. Universities generally see this as a benefit to students. Deferring to avoid remote learning is therefore generally not a realistic approach.
Remember that universities may be limited by the number of places they have on a particular course, and they will consider each request to defer on a case-by-case basis. Students cannot hold a deferred offer and also make a new UCAS application in the next cycle.
What happens about the 31st August deadline for meeting conditions?
Normally students need to meet all of the conditions of their offer by 31st August. For 2022 this has been extended to the 7th of September.
At the moment all indications are that the 15th Oct deadline will be retained for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary courses.
Is it still possible to call UCAS in the case of problems?
UCAS and universities are being honest in that they feel it will be a longer call wait. They are generally expecting more calls and many staff will still be home-based which adds an extra layer of technical challenges, and may mean it is tricky to be transferred between departments.
What will university contact look like on results day?
Universities will have options - either a partially physical location or fully remote service. Generally they will be doing more remote work and things like live chat will be utilised more than in previous years.
If you need to be transferred to another department it may mean a longer wait than usual as many of the advisers and staff will be working from home.
For courses requiring an interview, universities will have academics on standby, but again, this may mean a longer wait than in previous years.
What about IELTS exams?
IELTS exams require physical attendance which is not possible for most people due to travel restrictions. Universities generally have implemented alternative options such as online tests. Speak to the university directly to find out your alternative options.
How will Clearing work for Advisers and teachers this year?
Your school advisor (this will likely be your careers advisor or head of year at school) is able to login to their version of Track early every year, and there is a feature to let them know about their unplaced applicants. This means your teachers will already know who needs additional support and while they can't tell you in advance of Track opening, they will be ready to help you.
Have a question we didn't answer? Need more information? Post below and one of our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
(edited 1 year ago)
Brilliant info
Hiya, how does it work if I go into clearing now without my results? do I get a conditional offer?
Original post by Eastpara03
Hiya, how does it work if I go into clearing now without my results? do I get a conditional offer?
Great question, unfortunately you can't secure a place through Clearing without your results, as universities have no ability to give conditional offers at this stage - they can only give you an unconditional offer.
You can however browse for courses and research, but can only approach universities and try to get a verbal offer once your results have come through.
Original post by Charlotte's Web
Mega Clearing FAQ 2022
Clearing, Self-Release into Clearing and Changes since the COVID-19 Pandemic FAQ
Back by popular demand is our FAQ Megathread for Results and Clearing for 2022!
This thread contains several FAQs with the most common questions asked by students on TSR each year. From Clearing basics (what it is and how to apply), to troubleshooting and changing your mind, we’ve compiled a list of popular questions and answers from previous years, all updated for 2022 applicants.
We have also added an extra bonus FAQ focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While most processes have returned to near-normality, there is still some impact which is worth being aware of.
Use these links to quickly jump to the Clearing FAQ section relevant to you!
How it Works and Eligibility
Finding Vacancies and Contacting Universities
Once You've Secured a Verbal Offer
Troubleshooting - When things don’t quite go to plan...
Self Release into Clearing FAQ - Using the 'decline my place' button to place yourself into Clearing
Changes to Clearing since the COVID-19 Pandemic FAQ
We also have some other threads on Clearing topics which might be useful:
See our thread on the old Adjustment service here - no longer offered in 2022
See our thread on the new 'Clearing Plus' service here!
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
Mega Clearing FAQ 2022
Clearing, Self-Release into Clearing and Changes since the COVID-19 Pandemic FAQ
Back by popular demand is our FAQ Megathread for Results and Clearing for 2022!
This thread contains several FAQs with the most common questions asked by students on TSR each year. From Clearing basics (what it is and how to apply), to troubleshooting and changing your mind, we’ve compiled a list of popular questions and answers from previous years, all updated for 2022 applicants.
We have also added an extra bonus FAQ focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While most processes have returned to near-normality, there is still some impact which is worth being aware of.
Use these links to quickly jump to the Clearing FAQ section relevant to you!
How it Works and Eligibility
Finding Vacancies and Contacting Universities
Once You've Secured a Verbal Offer
Troubleshooting - When things don’t quite go to plan...
Self Release into Clearing FAQ - Using the 'decline my place' button to place yourself into Clearing
Changes to Clearing since the COVID-19 Pandemic FAQ
We also have some other threads on Clearing topics which might be useful:
See our thread on the old Adjustment service here - no longer offered in 2022
See our thread on the new 'Clearing Plus' service here!
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
Hello, is it possible for a course that was not originally there to end up in clearing if some people miss their offer/decide they do not want to do the course anymore/get their first choice and not their insurance? Thank you!
Original post by Mirtuki52
Hello! I have a question:if a course is not originally in clearing, is it possible that it will be if some people miss their offers/decide they don't want to do the course anymore/get their first choice instead of their insurance? Thank you!
Courses are added and removed from clearing throughout July, August and September.
most changes happen around A level results day.
Original post by e1zab3th
I’m on holiday for results day and won’t have service as I’ll be flying back home but do you think clearing will still be open the day after results day?
Clearing is open until 18th October, however the majority of places available will be released on Results Day, and universities will be looking to fill these as soon as possible. Entering Clearing after results day will mean you have fewer options available to you.
Honestly, if you feel there is a chance you need to use Clearing we would to recommend making every effort to be available on Results Day morning to give yourself the best chances of getting placed at a university/course you want to go to. No one can do Clearing on your behalf and it is an involved and often stressful process where you really do need to be able to give it your full focus. I would very strongly suggest trying to get some sort of wifi access and/or changing your plans if possible as this is potentially the next three years of your life. Otherwise, unfortunately, you would just need to deal with whatever the situation was on your return.
Original post by Charlotte's Web
Clearing - Once You've Secured a Verbal Offer
I’ve got a verbal offer - now what do I do?
Once you’ve secured a verbal offer, you can enter it into UCAS Track. This is your formal submission of your offer. You absolutely must make sure you enter this offer within the timeframe stated by the university - failure to do so can mean you lose your place. Universities set a time limit to avoid applicants holding their places for too long - remember that the universities will be keen to fill their course and offer the place to someone else.
When can I enter a clearing choice on track?
If you already have your exam results, you can enter a choice as soon as Clearing opens. If you have results to collect on Results Day, you won’t be able to enter a choice until 3pm that day. This gives you time to look at your options, call some universities and make a decision. You can only enter one choice in Track - so you need to make sure it’s the right one!
Will I need to attend an interview?
For most applicants, it’s unlikely. Most universities don’t have the capacity/facility to hold interviews during Clearing. There are, however, some exceptions to this.
For healthcare courses (Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine etc.), you may need to attend an interview which may be remote or in person. The Clearing admissions contact will advise you on this. Often universities are required to interview prospective students as part of the requirements of their professional regulatory body. You may also be required to attend for an Occupational Health appointment. This is worth bearing in mind if you are applying to a university a considerable distance away.
For Art and Design courses, you will usually be required to send over a web-based portfolio before being given an offer. It’s therefore really important that you’ve had a look at portfolio guidelines beforehand and have one prepared.
Performing arts courses may require provision of a video audition (usually pre-recorded). It’s a good idea to have a selection of monologues, music or choreography as appropriate prepared.
Do I need to contact universities I held a verbal offer for but didn't choose?
You aren't obligated to. Universities will hold your place for a specified amount of time, and then will release it and offer it to someone else. You should not prioritise contacting these universities - it is far more important that you have sorted and secured your own place.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
I’ve got a verbal offer - now what do I do?
Once you’ve secured a verbal offer, you can enter it into UCAS Track. This is your formal submission of your offer. You absolutely must make sure you enter this offer within the timeframe stated by the university - failure to do so can mean you lose your place. Universities set a time limit to avoid applicants holding their places for too long - remember that the universities will be keen to fill their course and offer the place to someone else.
When can I enter a clearing choice on track?
If you already have your exam results, you can enter a choice as soon as Clearing opens. If you have results to collect on Results Day, you won’t be able to enter a choice until 3pm that day. This gives you time to look at your options, call some universities and make a decision. You can only enter one choice in Track - so you need to make sure it’s the right one!
Will I need to attend an interview?
For most applicants, it’s unlikely. Most universities don’t have the capacity/facility to hold interviews during Clearing. There are, however, some exceptions to this.
For healthcare courses (Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine etc.), you may need to attend an interview which may be remote or in person. The Clearing admissions contact will advise you on this. Often universities are required to interview prospective students as part of the requirements of their professional regulatory body. You may also be required to attend for an Occupational Health appointment. This is worth bearing in mind if you are applying to a university a considerable distance away.
For Art and Design courses, you will usually be required to send over a web-based portfolio before being given an offer. It’s therefore really important that you’ve had a look at portfolio guidelines beforehand and have one prepared.
Performing arts courses may require provision of a video audition (usually pre-recorded). It’s a good idea to have a selection of monologues, music or choreography as appropriate prepared.
Do I need to contact universities I held a verbal offer for but didn't choose?
You aren't obligated to. Universities will hold your place for a specified amount of time, and then will release it and offer it to someone else. You should not prioritise contacting these universities - it is far more important that you have sorted and secured your own place.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Post in the thread and our UCAS trained Clearing and Applications Advisers will do their best to help!
Hello Ms.Charlotte
I have a specific question regarding clearing and my conditional offer.I really need some advice and being a new member I cant PM.
Could you please PM me?
Thank you
Original post by aaf2000
Hello Ms.Charlotte
I have a specific question regarding clearing and my conditional offer.I really need some advice and being a new member I cant PM.
Could you please PM me?
Thank you
I have a specific question regarding clearing and my conditional offer.I really need some advice and being a new member I cant PM.
Could you please PM me?
Thank you
If you can’t PM then receiving a PM isn’t going to help.
you need to describe your question on the public thread if you want help
Original post by aaf2000
Hello Ms.Charlotte
I have a specific question regarding clearing and my conditional offer.I really need some advice and being a new member I cant PM.
Could you please PM me?
Thank you
I have a specific question regarding clearing and my conditional offer.I really need some advice and being a new member I cant PM.
Could you please PM me?
Thank you
Sorry, I don't offer support via PM. It would be best to make a new thread with the details of your query. That way any advice given might also help others. You can just post it in response here, if you like. Don't share any personal information of course.
Hi! I have an unconditional offer from my insurance university (rejected from my firm due to not meeting the grade requirements) however I have been confirmed accommodation by my Insurance (I was trying to convince myself that I'd go), however there are courses that interest me in clearing. Does anyone know if I am able to be released from the accommodation contract with my insurance university (Exeter)? I have read up on their website but I'm still unsure.
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