I work on a Clearing Helpline, AMA!

Basically, I've missed my requirements by one grade (I needed AAA but got AAB) and when I called up the uni (because I still didn't get an answer from them) I was told they are considering my application and it may take a week to get back to me! I've called some places via clearing but obviously I need an answer from my firm before I can actually apply. I was just wondering how long clearing places normally last for? As a week seems an awfully long time to keep me waiting...

with AAB as a medicine "reject" you'd have no trouble finding a place even after a week. Some universities might not be advertising courses at that point but you could contact them now (explaining the situation and that it might take a week for your firm to decide) and they'll usually be very glad for your call.

With any other course I'd be telling you to get *****y with them and demand they decide now or reject you.....for medicine I'm afraid your best chance of a place is to wait it out. Keep contacting them regularly (at least daily). Ask for the name and job titles of the people you speak to and keep notes of what they say.

They might keep a place for you for a day but no longer than that normally, do you really want to risk waiting for your firm?

Alright, thank you! I've just been panicking a lot since I don't want to end up with no uni place if they end up rejecting me. I've got into contact with some uni's and told them my situation so hopefully all goes well.

If you're dealing with universities that also have medical schools they'll usually be a bit more understanding....but even those without know that they fill up with excellent candidates for life science courses in clearing.

If you're after something other than bio type degrees then it might be trickier...but basically you've got solid results - even if ucas course search looks like there's nothing left that doesn't stop universities admitting you through clearing. They can open a course temporarily for you to apply (and for someone with AAB then that will happen).

Can I still reject a clearing offer if my remark allows me to go to my original firm choice?

Is dentistry in clearing

How long does it normally take to get released from a university?

And do I need to tell both my firm and insurance choices to release me into clearing?

If you're unconditional with your firm choice then you only need to ask them (your insurance isn't technically valid once your firm is unconditional).

It can take a few hours, or a few days. On average you're looking at just over 24 hours but some universities will be quicker and some slower.

I'm in an awkward situation as my firm choice was changed to a different course but my insurance haven't responded yet. I don't want to do the course I was changed to but as my insurance were taking forever I called them up and told them to release me into clearing.

They will be able to do that right? Because as far as I can tell (I have -[Uni name] has offered you an unconditional place with substantial changes to your original choice.You are now waiting for confirmation from [uni name] (your other university or college. - On my application.), I had a free choice between my changed firm and my insurance, which means my insurance is still valid, right?

x

Hi
I missed my firm at Warwick by a grade and was rejected. Its now in clearing for the same offer i missed. Its quite a specialised course - so what happens if no one wants the place/s/ Does the requirement go down or do they not fill the course? Ive called but they are adamant they want AAA .

Hi, I have just received my result I didn't get into my firm which was Leicester. However I was accepted into my insurance Derby with a changed course. Can I apply for clearing too see if I can get into Leicester even though I have a derby offer as I really want to go to my firm.

*AMAs are more appropriate for chat, but since this one is about clearing, I think it is better placed in this forum*

So, from the title: I work at my uni's Clearing Helpline, which is actually really fun! So I thought I would make an AMA so people can ask questions about Clearing, and generally what it is like to deal with students and their queries, etc etc.

So ask away!

Edit: Disclaimer - I am not a god expert on UCAS matters (though I like to think that I have a good knowledge of such things). I am answering these questions based on my own experiences and my training. So, please, don't go quoting me. I don't want to mess up anyone's applications.

They might go for not filling the course if they feel an applicant needs AAA to succeed on the course.

sure but its a new course and its very differently structured from traditional courses so they wouldnt know what works best as its not been tried