Does anyone have any questions about clearing?

Hello! I have a couple of questions, but I'll start with this. Since I have now submitted all my choices through ucas, and received some decisions, there is one (or 2) universities that I realised I really do not want to go to at all, even if offered a place. I was thinking about withdrawing my application from one or both of them, and apply to one of the Russel group more ambitious universities. My actual A level grades are pretty low which is why I didn't apply to any of those ambitious unis (BBB, with an A* in an irrelevant subject to the course), however I thought I might somehow have a chance at clearing, if they somehow still have space (Applying for pharmacy). My question is if I withdraw the 2 application i don't want anymore, can I then use clearing to try my luck with one of the Russel groups'? Or do I use ucas extra? And can I even use it if I have received some offers already? And when on results day does clearing open so I can make sure I call the universities early on. And do you think according to previous clearing patterns, that I have a shot with one of those Russel group unis? Another thing, does clearing just involve calling universities and asking if they have space, or does it require some sort of platform to call from (such as ucas) or so? Do I just dial the admissions team of the uni on the day?

Sorry for having lots of questions. Thanks in advance! 😊

I know it might feel a little early but just wanted to start a generic Q&A thread for any questions related to clearing.
People may use clearing because...
- They've changed their mind about their decision of where to go, what to study or both
- They have not yet made an application in the main cycle
- They did not receive any offers from their UCAS choices
Many universities take part in clearing each year and it can be very good way to find opportunities you wouldn't necessarily expect.
Any questions - post away
Official reps and others - please feel free to chip in too!

i applied to a uni and they declined my offer because of my predicted grades although ive been working much more lately and believe i can hit the target grades. if i get in through clearing can i still get a chosen accommodation? i have to get an accommodation as i wont be able to live with my parents when im in uni and im worried that if i get in through clearing i wont have a definite accommodation

Hi @iluv.maya
Great question! 😊
Many universities guarantee accommodation for their first-year students and will also often leave spaces open for clearing students too. Since this varies across universities, I recommend contacting the universities accommodation team to ask what will likely be available to you as a clearing student.
You may also find this article about Applying for accommodation after Clearing helpful.
I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Lancashire)

Hello! I have a couple of questions, but I'll start with this. Since I have now submitted all my choices through ucas, and received some decisions, there is one (or 2) universities that I realised I really do not want to go to at all, even if offered a place. I was thinking about withdrawing my application from one or both of them, and apply to one of the Russel group more ambitious universities. My actual A level grades are pretty low which is why I didn't apply to any of those ambitious unis (BBB, with an A* in an irrelevant subject to the course), however I thought I might somehow have a chance at clearing, if they somehow still have space (Applying for pharmacy). My question is if I withdraw the 2 application i don't want anymore, can I then use clearing to try my luck with one of the Russel groups'? Or do I use ucas extra? And can I even use it if I have received some offers already? And when on results day does clearing open so I can make sure I call the universities early on. And do you think according to previous clearing patterns, that I have a shot with one of those Russel group unis? Another thing, does clearing just involve calling universities and asking if they have space, or does it require some sort of platform to call from (such as ucas) or so? Do I just dial the admissions team of the uni on the day?

Sorry for having lots of questions. Thanks in advance! 😊

@iluv.maya -
Just to add to the above - whilst some unis use online forms, its still worth calling up the unis whose courses you'd like to ask about should you choose to use clearing. Just make sure you have your grades, your UCAS ID, your email address on a notebook before you call.
For Pharmacy, rather than the unis giving you a verbal offer over the phone (subject to you meeting the clearing grades) it will be an offer of an interview, which will change into an offer/place if you pass it.
Hoping this adds, best of luck whatever you decide to do 🙂

I know it might feel a little early but just wanted to start a generic Q&A thread for any questions related to clearing.
People may use clearing because...
- They've changed their mind about their decision of where to go, what to study or both
- They have not yet made an application in the main cycle
- They did not receive any offers from their UCAS choices
Many universities take part in clearing each year and it can be very good way to find opportunities you wouldn't necessarily expect.
Any questions - post away
Official reps and others - please feel free to chip in too!

Hi😊! Quick question does applying through clearing mean unis are more flexible with GCSEs? For example, I got a 5 in English but I’m doing A-level English now, and I’m resitting Maths (will probably get a 4–5). I’m hoping to do Marketing, so if a Marketing course came up in clearing, would unis be willing to consider my situation even if my GCSEs aren’t exactly what they usually ask for?

thank you, is it correct that i call them straight after i receive my results? and could they give me an offer right away? or do they wait until all the students with offers have accepted/declined, unless they already have free spaces? sorry for all these questions!!

Unis receive A-level results around six days before results day. They then firm places for those offer holders that have met their conditions and, if there are places left to fill, will likely consider near-miss offer holders (those who have dropped a grade or maybe two). A course will only go into Clearing if there are still places left once this process is complete. If a course is in Clearing, you can call on the morning of results day to see if you can get an offer. If you are made an offer, you can add a Clearing choice on UCAS after 1 pm.

Hi😊! Quick question does applying through clearing mean unis are more flexible with GCSEs? For example, I got a 5 in English but I’m doing A-level English now, and I’m resitting Maths (will probably get a 4–5). I’m hoping to do Marketing, so if a Marketing course came up in clearing, would unis be willing to consider my situation even if my GCSEs aren’t exactly what they usually ask for?