I screwed up - UCL, clearing, help!!!
Hi. So, I know I am going to sound demonstrably stupid, but I’ve realised I’ve applied to all the wrong unis. I live in London and a few months ago I really thought I wanted to leave London for uni but I have recently really changed my mind. But, I applied to all non-London unis (all 5 choices).
For reference, I have already taken a gap year and I would rather go to one of the unis I have an offer from than take another one. This does mean I have grades in hand though (3 A* at A Level).
The only thing I can think to do is to call UCL on results day (15 August 2024) and see if they have any places on their course they can give me (Sociology Bsc is the aim but I would go for Social Sciences too). Or do you think it would be better to call them a week or so earlier when they have all the grades?? Or should I call/email them now even though they don’t have any slots left? Basically I want to be considered if people either don’t meet their grades or have UCL as insurance.
Please let me know if you think this is impossible for UCL!!
For reference, I have already taken a gap year and I would rather go to one of the unis I have an offer from than take another one. This does mean I have grades in hand though (3 A* at A Level).
The only thing I can think to do is to call UCL on results day (15 August 2024) and see if they have any places on their course they can give me (Sociology Bsc is the aim but I would go for Social Sciences too). Or do you think it would be better to call them a week or so earlier when they have all the grades?? Or should I call/email them now even though they don’t have any slots left? Basically I want to be considered if people either don’t meet their grades or have UCL as insurance.
Please let me know if you think this is impossible for UCL!!
You can't just call random unis on results day.
Unless they are participating in clearing and have a clearing hotline you can't do that.
Historically UCL has not participated in clearing and has so far only once I believe participated in clearing plus (where if eligible you would be automatically matched by UCAS and you would not call them up).
It is technically possible UCL will be in clearing but extremely unlikely all things considered. Most likely if you wish to apply to UCL you will need to do so in a gap year.
However other London unis like KCL and QMUL and SOAS are often in clearing.
Unless they are participating in clearing and have a clearing hotline you can't do that.
Historically UCL has not participated in clearing and has so far only once I believe participated in clearing plus (where if eligible you would be automatically matched by UCAS and you would not call them up).
It is technically possible UCL will be in clearing but extremely unlikely all things considered. Most likely if you wish to apply to UCL you will need to do so in a gap year.
However other London unis like KCL and QMUL and SOAS are often in clearing.
Reply 2
Original post by artful_lounger
You can't just call random unis on results day.
Unless they are participating in clearing and have a clearing hotline you can't do that.
Historically UCL has not participated in clearing and has so far only once I believe participated in clearing plus (where if eligible you would be automatically matched by UCAS and you would not call them up).
It is technically possible UCL will be in clearing but extremely unlikely all things considered. Most likely if you wish to apply to UCL you will need to do so in a gap year.
However other London unis like KCL and QMUL and SOAS are often in clearing.
Unless they are participating in clearing and have a clearing hotline you can't do that.
Historically UCL has not participated in clearing and has so far only once I believe participated in clearing plus (where if eligible you would be automatically matched by UCAS and you would not call them up).
It is technically possible UCL will be in clearing but extremely unlikely all things considered. Most likely if you wish to apply to UCL you will need to do so in a gap year.
However other London unis like KCL and QMUL and SOAS are often in clearing.
I see. So if I typed up an email right now and sent it to them, they’d ignore it?
Original post by Anonymous
I see. So if I typed up an email right now and sent it to them, they’d ignore it?
They would probably just tell you they aren't able to consider any applications currently and to wait and see if they enter clearing. Which I suspect they won't.
You can't contact unis until after they enter clearing and say they are in clearing. Clearing is not "call up random unis and beg for a place". It's a well defined process where universities advertise the places they still have available on results day and have a designated number to call to ask to be considered for one of those places. If they aren't in clearing you can't (and shouldn't) call them up to ask to be considered.
I would suggest reading through the UCAS pages on what clearing is and how it works: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/clearing-and-results-day
(edited 11 months ago)
Reply 4
Original post by artful_lounger
They would probably just tell you they aren't able to consider any applications currently and to wait and see if they enter clearing. Which I suspect they won't.
You can't contact unis until after they enter clearing and say they are in clearing. Clearing is not "call up random unis and beg for a place". It's a well defined process where universities advertise the places they still have available on results day and have a designated number to call to ask to be considered for one of those places. If they aren't in clearing you can't (and shouldn't) call them up to ask to be considered.
I would suggest reading through the UCAS pages on what clearing is and how it works: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/clearing-and-results-day
You can't contact unis until after they enter clearing and say they are in clearing. Clearing is not "call up random unis and beg for a place". It's a well defined process where universities advertise the places they still have available on results day and have a designated number to call to ask to be considered for one of those places. If they aren't in clearing you can't (and shouldn't) call them up to ask to be considered.
I would suggest reading through the UCAS pages on what clearing is and how it works: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/clearing-and-results-day
Thank you for your quick responses, this has been obviously disappointing (my fault) but helpful.
Original post by Anonymous
Thank you for your quick responses, this has been obviously disappointing (my fault) but helpful.
Well as I said other London unis are often in clearing. And although I think it's very unlikely UCL have been using ambiguous language about clearing in recent years so it's always possible, if improbable, they will be in it.
But I would not rely on that or assume it will be the case and make preparations that you may need to reapply in a gap year if you want to apply to UCL.
Also as an aside, it's important to note that you can't go through clearing if you are holding any offers, so to enter clearing you would need to reject all your held offers on results day. You can't have your cake and eat it too!
Reply 6
Original post by artful_lounger
Well as I said other London unis are often in clearing. And although I think it's very unlikely UCL have been using ambiguous language about clearing in recent years so it's always possible, if improbable, they will be in it.
But I would not rely on that or assume it will be the case and make preparations that you may need to reapply in a gap year if you want to apply to UCL.
Also as an aside, it's important to note that you can't go through clearing if you are holding any offers, so to enter clearing you would need to reject all your held offers on results day. You can't have your cake and eat it too!
But I would not rely on that or assume it will be the case and make preparations that you may need to reapply in a gap year if you want to apply to UCL.
Also as an aside, it's important to note that you can't go through clearing if you are holding any offers, so to enter clearing you would need to reject all your held offers on results day. You can't have your cake and eat it too!
Original post by Anonymous
Hi, quick question: Let's say on results day I receive good grades and get accepted into my firm university. If I wanted to attend another university, could I call them on results day for clearing to inquire if they have any available spaces in that course? If they do, could I then reject my 'firm' choice and proceed with the clearing process? Or do I need to already be in clearing and reject all my offers?
If university B is in clearing and has advertised vacancies for the course you're interested you can call them for a verbal offer if you have rejected all your offers and entered clearing. You can then go into UCAS and apply to that uni and then accept their offer once they respond.
They will advertise which courses have spaces - you don't need to ask this. If a course isn't listed then they won't have vacancies. Note also that places go quickly so you need to be ready from the time the lines open on results day first thing.
I'm not sure if unis can give a verbal offer if your profile isn't in clearing. You certainly need to be in clearing to add that choice and then confirm an offer being made. @Admit-One might know how that works from the uni side?
Original post by artful_lounger
I'm not sure if unis can give a verbal offer if your profile isn't in clearing. You certainly need to be in clearing to add that choice and then confirm an offer being made. @Admit-One might know how that works from the uni side?
A uni can give a verbal offer even if someone is placed elsewhere. It is just a committment to make a formal offer if the student refers themselves via UCAS. However, most unis won't want to do this, (because you are potentially wasting their time), and the first question most clearing lines will ask is "are you eligible for clearing / placed somewhere?".
The process isn't really designed for people to have their cake and eat it. IE hold an offer and shop around.
Original post by Anonymous
The only thing I can think to do is to call UCL on results day (15 August 2024) and see if they have any places on their course they can give me (Sociology Bsc is the aim but I would go for Social Sciences too). Or do you think it would be better to call them a week or so earlier when they have all the grades?? Or should I call/email them now even though they don’t have any slots left? Basically I want to be considered if people either don’t meet their grades or have UCL as insurance.
Have you checked whether they are considering Sociology applicants via UCAS Extra now? If not, they almost certainly won't be available in clearing.
If they are, ask you current preferred choice if you were to decline your current offer, would they reinstate it via Extra if needs be. Then you can use Extra to apply to UCL.
Original post by Admit-One
A uni can give a verbal offer even if someone is placed elsewhere. It is just a committment to make a formal offer if the student refers themselves via UCAS. However, most unis won't want to do this, (because you are potentially wasting their time), and the first question most clearing lines will ask is "are you eligible for clearing / placed somewhere?".
The process isn't really designed for people to have their cake and eat it. IE hold an offer and shop around.
Have you checked whether they are considering Sociology applicants via UCAS Extra now? If not, they almost certainly won't be available in clearing.
If they are, ask you current preferred choice if you were to decline your current offer, would they reinstate it via Extra if needs be. Then you can use Extra to apply to UCL.
The process isn't really designed for people to have their cake and eat it. IE hold an offer and shop around.
Have you checked whether they are considering Sociology applicants via UCAS Extra now? If not, they almost certainly won't be available in clearing.
If they are, ask you current preferred choice if you were to decline your current offer, would they reinstate it via Extra if needs be. Then you can use Extra to apply to UCL.
Thanks for confirming! PRSOM
Original post by Anonymous
Hi. So, I know I am going to sound demonstrably stupid, but I’ve realised I’ve applied to all the wrong unis. I live in London and a few months ago I really thought I wanted to leave London for uni but I have recently really changed my mind. But, I applied to all non-London unis (all 5 choices).
For reference, I have already taken a gap year and I would rather go to one of the unis I have an offer from than take another one. This does mean I have grades in hand though (3 A* at A Level).
The only thing I can think to do is to call UCL on results day (15 August 2024) and see if they have any places on their course they can give me (Sociology Bsc is the aim but I would go for Social Sciences too). Or do you think it would be better to call them a week or so earlier when they have all the grades?? Or should I call/email them now even though they don’t have any slots left? Basically I want to be considered if people either don’t meet their grades or have UCL as insurance.
Please let me know if you think this is impossible for UCL!!
For reference, I have already taken a gap year and I would rather go to one of the unis I have an offer from than take another one. This does mean I have grades in hand though (3 A* at A Level).
The only thing I can think to do is to call UCL on results day (15 August 2024) and see if they have any places on their course they can give me (Sociology Bsc is the aim but I would go for Social Sciences too). Or do you think it would be better to call them a week or so earlier when they have all the grades?? Or should I call/email them now even though they don’t have any slots left? Basically I want to be considered if people either don’t meet their grades or have UCL as insurance.
Please let me know if you think this is impossible for UCL!!
ucl participated in clearing last year for sociology bsc/social sciences; both. search up ucl clearing 2023 whatdotheyknow, first link n scroll. it'll always be different for this year tho tbf; but do check out kcl too!
Reply 11
Original post by artful_lounger
You can't just call random unis on results day.
Unless they are participating in clearing and have a clearing hotline you can't do that.
Historically UCL has not participated in clearing and has so far only once I believe participated in clearing plus (where if eligible you would be automatically matched by UCAS and you would not call them up).
It is technically possible UCL will be in clearing but extremely unlikely all things considered. Most likely if you wish to apply to UCL you will need to do so in a gap year.
However other London unis like KCL and QMUL and SOAS are often in clearing.
Unless they are participating in clearing and have a clearing hotline you can't do that.
Historically UCL has not participated in clearing and has so far only once I believe participated in clearing plus (where if eligible you would be automatically matched by UCAS and you would not call them up).
It is technically possible UCL will be in clearing but extremely unlikely all things considered. Most likely if you wish to apply to UCL you will need to do so in a gap year.
However other London unis like KCL and QMUL and SOAS are often in clearing.
they have last year via clearing plus.
Original post by hfufdub466
they have last year via clearing plus.
I literally stated they have only participated in clearing plus and not in the main clearing process, in the post that you quoted.
Reply 13
What is the difference between Clearing Plus and Clearing.
Original post by JVorJrose
ucl participated in clearing last year for sociology bsc/social sciences; both. search up ucl clearing 2023 whatdotheyknow, first link n scroll. it'll always be different for this year tho tbf; but do check out kcl too!
Hi, I also say on whatdotheyknow that UCL offered places through clearing to so many different courses. I assumed that this meant that, even though they don’t officially advertise clearing, the applicants just called them up anyway and asked for a space? Or was it clearing plus? Thank you for your response
Original post by Revdhdhe
Hi, I also say on whatdotheyknow that UCL offered places through clearing to so many different courses. I assumed that this meant that, even though they don’t officially advertise clearing, the applicants just called them up anyway and asked for a space? Or was it clearing plus? Thank you for your response
*saw on whatdotheyknow
Reply 16
Original post by Anonymous
Hi. So, I know I am going to sound demonstrably stupid, but I’ve realised I’ve applied to all the wrong unis. I live in London and a few months ago I really thought I wanted to leave London for uni but I have recently really changed my mind. But, I applied to all non-London unis (all 5 choices).
For reference, I have already taken a gap year and I would rather go to one of the unis I have an offer from than take another one. This does mean I have grades in hand though (3 A* at A Level).
The only thing I can think to do is to call UCL on results day (15 August 2024) and see if they have any places on their course they can give me (Sociology Bsc is the aim but I would go for Social Sciences too). Or do you think it would be better to call them a week or so earlier when they have all the grades?? Or should I call/email them now even though they don’t have any slots left? Basically I want to be considered if people either don’t meet their grades or have UCL as insurance.
Please let me know if you think this is impossible for UCL!!
For reference, I have already taken a gap year and I would rather go to one of the unis I have an offer from than take another one. This does mean I have grades in hand though (3 A* at A Level).
The only thing I can think to do is to call UCL on results day (15 August 2024) and see if they have any places on their course they can give me (Sociology Bsc is the aim but I would go for Social Sciences too). Or do you think it would be better to call them a week or so earlier when they have all the grades?? Or should I call/email them now even though they don’t have any slots left? Basically I want to be considered if people either don’t meet their grades or have UCL as insurance.
Please let me know if you think this is impossible for UCL!!
Reply 17
Always worth checking. It’s never as clear cut. There are grey areas- just call on the 15th and ask if they have space for clearing. All the best- I hope you get the uni of choice
Original post by Revdhdhe
*saw on whatdotheyknow
edit: oh s*** sorry man my bad man I didn't fully read what you said; it was a bit of both really; I myself personally know people who cleared into ucl last year for engineering (x2), and someone on reddit who has a friend who cleared for another course think it was business and econ w/ eastern european studies (x1); some were clearing plus, others were actual clearing.
(edited 8 months ago)
Reply 19
Original post by Anonymous
Hi. So, I know I am going to sound demonstrably stupid, but I’ve realised I’ve applied to all the wrong unis. I live in London and a few months ago I really thought I wanted to leave London for uni but I have recently really changed my mind. But, I applied to all non-London unis (all 5 choices).
For reference, I have already taken a gap year and I would rather go to one of the unis I have an offer from than take another one. This does mean I have grades in hand though (3 A* at A Level).
The only thing I can think to do is to call UCL on results day (15 August 2024) and see if they have any places on their course they can give me (Sociology Bsc is the aim but I would go for Social Sciences too). Or do you think it would be better to call them a week or so earlier when they have all the grades?? Or should I call/email them now even though they don’t have any slots left? Basically I want to be considered if people either don’t meet their grades or have UCL as insurance.
Please let me know if you think this is impossible for UCL!!
For reference, I have already taken a gap year and I would rather go to one of the unis I have an offer from than take another one. This does mean I have grades in hand though (3 A* at A Level).
The only thing I can think to do is to call UCL on results day (15 August 2024) and see if they have any places on their course they can give me (Sociology Bsc is the aim but I would go for Social Sciences too). Or do you think it would be better to call them a week or so earlier when they have all the grades?? Or should I call/email them now even though they don’t have any slots left? Basically I want to be considered if people either don’t meet their grades or have UCL as insurance.
Please let me know if you think this is impossible for UCL!!
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