When applying to universities in the UK, Clearing can be a crucial part of the process, especially for students who didn’t receive the expected exam results or were not offered a place at their chosen institutions. Understanding Clearing can help ease the stress and increase your chances of securing a spot at a university. Here’s a guide to what Clearing is and how it works in the UK admissions process.
What is Clearing?
Clearing is a process that allows students who have not yet secured a place at a university, or those who want to change their course or university after receiving their exam results, to apply for courses that still have vacancies. It typically takes place during the summer after A-Level results are released in August, but there are specific windows when you can apply.
The main goal of Clearing is to match students with available university courses that meet their qualifications. It provides an opportunity for students who may have missed out on their preferred course or university to find alternative options.
When Does Clearing Take Place?
Clearing usually starts in July, once all students have received their exam results. The process then continues until late September, though the exact dates can vary depending on the university. If you are applying through Clearing, it’s important to keep track of when universities start listing available courses and make your decision quickly, as some programs may fill up fast.
Who Can Use Clearing?
Several types of students can use Clearing:
- Students who don’t receive any offers: If you applied to universities and didn’t receive any offers, or you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers, you can use Clearing to find alternative options.
- Students who want to change their course or university: If you’ve had a change of heart about your course or the university you applied to, Clearing offers the chance to switch to a different program at a different university.
- Students who missed the application deadline: If you missed the UCAS application deadline and still want to apply for university in the same year, Clearing can be used to apply for courses that have open places.
How Does Clearing Work?
Step 1: Get Your Results
Clearing typically starts once students have received their A-Level (or equivalent) results. You must have your results in hand before you can begin the Clearing process.
Step 2: Search for Available Courses
After receiving your results, you can begin searching for courses available through Clearing. Universities that still have places available will list their courses on UCAS or their individual websites. These listings will include the course name, entry requirements, and any specific subject or grade requirements.
Step 3: Contact Universities
Once you’ve found a course you’re interested in, you can contact the university to inquire if they will accept you. Be sure to have your exam results and UCAS ID ready when contacting the university. The university will assess your qualifications and may make you an offer over the phone or by email, depending on the situation.
Step 4: Accept Your Offer
If the university offers you a place, they will provide instructions on how to accept the offer through the UCAS system. You can accept the offer either as your first choice or as a backup option. Once accepted, the university will finalize your place, and you will officially be enrolled.
Step 5: Confirm Your Place
After accepting the offer, the university will confirm your place, and you will need to complete the final steps for your enrollment, including arranging accommodation, paying tuition fees, and sorting out student loans if applicable.
Key Tips for Using Clearing
- Be Prepared: Make sure to research your options in advance and have a list of universities and courses that interest you. This will help you act quickly once you receive your results.
- Act Fast: University courses can fill up quickly during Clearing, so it’s important to call universities and secure a place as soon as possible.
- Keep Your Options Open: Be open to considering universities or courses that you might not have initially thought about. This could be a great opportunity to find a course that aligns better with your interests.
- Check the Requirements: Make sure you meet the entry requirements for the courses you’re interested in. If you’re unsure, contact the university directly.
- Use the UCAS Clearing Helpline: UCAS provides a helpline during Clearing to offer guidance and help you with your application.
Conclusion
Clearing is a vital part of the UK university admissions process, providing students with a second chance to secure a place at university. Whether you didn’t meet your offer requirements, changed your mind about a course, or missed the deadline, Clearing allows you to explore available options and find a university that fits your goals. By understanding how Clearing works and staying proactive, you can increase your chances of finding the right university and course for your future.