If you don’t get the results you need for your Firm or Insurance choices, miss the application deadline or just have a change of heart and want to attend a different university, then Clearing is for you!
Clearing shouldn’t be seen as the last resort, but rather a chance for you to rethink your choices, if you need to. Here are our top tips when it comes to applying to University through Clearing:
But first, how do you get in to Clearing?
- If you didn’t apply to university before 30th June, you’ll automatically be entered into Clearing once you apply.
- If you applied to university before 30th June but change your mind about either your Firm or Insurance choices, you can choose to enter Clearing and apply to a different course or university. You’ll need to call your Firm or Insurance choice university and ask them to release you into Clearing, which will then provide you with a unique Clearing number. This process can take time, so make sure you’re aware of this, and to speed things up, have your UCAS ID ready when phoning.
- Finally, if you missed the grades you needed for your Firm or Insurance choice university, you can enter into Clearing to find a new institution. Before you panic though, make sure you check the status of your application on UCAS Track. If your offer is still showing as conditional, contact the university concerned to find out why. If you applied for a place at Shrewsbury, but didn’t quite make the grades, contact us. We may be able to reconsider your place, or offer you an alternative place on a different course.
1) Do your research
Clearing happens very quickly and popular courses fill up fast, so it’s definitely a good idea to do some research before Results Day (A Level results are released on 15th August this year). Identify some universities and courses you may consider applying to through Clearing and have their contact details to hand. All vacancies are shown live on the UCAS website, or you can search for courses at University Centre Shrewsbury on our own Clearing pages.
2) Set your alarm
It may still be the summer holidays, but Results Day is worth waking up early for. You can check on UCAS track from 8:00am to see if your place has been confirmed. You should also collect your exam results from your school or college as soon as possible, as you’ll need them for when you start contacting universities.
3) Be prepared
The following is a list of what you’ll need on the day:
- Clearing number/ UCAS Personnel ID
- Exam results
- Phone
- Pen and paper
Make sure you’ve got access to the internet and have phone reception. Most importantly, make any phone calls yourself. The University wants to talk to you, not your parents.
4) Don’t panic
If you’re made an offer or offers through Clearing, take the time you have available to consider your options - don’t rush into anything or take the first offer you get. A verbal offer made to you over the phone usually stands for 48 hours. This gives you time to consider other options.
5) Visit the University
Visiting the University will help you in the decision making process. You might even find that you like the University more than either of your Firm or Insurance choices. At the University Centre Shrewsbury we hold regular Campus Tours and you can book your place on one of our tours now.
6) Don’t give up
If you don’t secure a place on Results Day or there are no vacancies on the course you want, don’t give up. Universities might be able to offer you a similar subject, or a combined degree. Once the dust settles on A-Level Results Day, universities may find they do have the odd space available so it’s worth staying in touch right up until the courses are due to start.
Want to Know More?
For more information on Clearing courses available at University Centre Shrewsbury, take a look at our Clearing pages where you'll find a step-by-step guide to applying through Clearing.
Don't miss our recent blog on surviving Results Day.
For general enquiries about studying at University Centre Shrewsbury, feel free to contact us:
E: enquiries@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk T: 01743 297185
