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What happens if I don't get the grades I need : How to prepare for clearing

Hi everyone! I hope your a-level exams have been going good!
Today i thought id talk about how to prepare in case you don't get the grades you need.

When i applied to uni i found that having a plan helped me be less anxious and worried in-between my exams and results day. Knowing i was prepared for whatever would happen meant i could enjoy my long summer!

How to prepare:
Gather all the information clearing teams are going to need. This includes:

Your qualifications and grades

Your UCAS ID number if you have one.

Your date of birth, postal address, email address and phone number.

For some courses you’ll also need to have a link to an online portfolio. When you contact the unis they will give you more details about this

On results day you will also be given a Clearing number through UCAS


Take a look at some potential unis.
When you find some unis that you like, jot this info down along with their clearing number or website link .
A good idea would also be to think about and write down :

What do you like about the uni - the clearing team may ask you why you want to study at their uni so having a preplanned answer may be helpful!

Why you want to study the course- create a general answer and maybe find a specific module from the course to mention, that way you can show you have done your research.

How do you show evidence of interest- you can use your personal statement here! or if you have done any extra things since then.

Any questions you want to ask the uni - for example, questions about the modules, the city, can you apply for uni accom or will you have to go private, if you have a disability what support do they have, any financial support that you may be eligible for?


Just having this info would make results day so much easier. If you want to go the extra mile, I put all the info into a spreadsheet and printed it out, with space to add the information i didn't have yet, like my clearing number and my actual grades.

What to do in-between now and results day
Request a callback - Some universities have a system where you can request a callback from their clearing team. This is great if you already have your results or want to discuss your options.
Early clearing opens 5th july. This is when they are able to start making offers to applicants who already hold their qualification results. Main clearing opens 14th august (a level results day).

I hope this helps anyone! If any of you are curious about Brighton Clearing Info, check out this thread!
Blue-TSR Student Ambassador
(edited 10 months ago)

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