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A-Level Results and Clearing: Your Ultimate Guide


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Clearing is a system that allows you to apply for a university place after you have received your A-level results. It is a great option if you have not met your offer for your firm or insurance choice, or if you have changed your mind about what you want to study.


Who can use Clearing?


You can use Clearing if:

  • you’re applying after 30 June

  • you didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept)

  • you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers

  • you've paid the multiple choice application fee of £27

  • you’ve declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ button in your application

(source: UCAS)

When is Clearing?


Clearing opens on July 5, 2023 and closes on October 17, 2023. However, most places are filled in the first few days after results day, so it is important to start your search early.


How does Clearing work?


To apply through Clearing, you will need to log in to your UCAS Hub account and add a Clearing choice. You can search for courses that are available in Clearing by subject, university, or location. Once you have found a course that you are interested in, you will need to contact the university directly to make an offer.


What should I do before Clearing?


There are a few things you can do to prepare for Clearing:

  • Check your UCAS Hub account to make sure your details are up-to-date. This includes your contact information, your personal statement, and your references.

  • Start researching courses that are available in Clearing. You can use the UCAS website, the Whatuni website, or the Unifrog website to find courses that match your interests.

  • Make a list of your top 5 choices. This will help you narrow down your options when you start making calls to universities.

  • Practice making phone calls. It can be daunting to call universities, but it is important to be confident and prepared. Practice making phone calls to friends or family members so that you feel comfortable when you start calling universities.

  • Have a backup plan. If you are not able to find a place through Clearing, you may want to consider applying to a foundation year or a postgraduate course.

What should I do on A-Level results day?


On results day, you should:

  • Log in to your UCAS Hub account to see if you have received any offers.

  • If you have not met your offer for your firm or insurance choice, start making phone calls to universities that offer courses that you are interested in.

  • Be prepared to answer questions about your grades, your interests, and your future plans.

  • Don't be afraid to negotiate with universities. If you are offered a place on a course that you are not sure about, you can try to negotiate a better grade offer.

  • Be persistent. Don't give up if you don't get the first few universities that you call. Keep calling until you find a place that you are happy with.

Additional tips:

  • Be flexible with your choices. If you are not able to find a place on your dream course, be prepared to consider other options. There are many great courses out there, and you may be surprised at what you find.

  • Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling with Clearing, there are many people who can help you. Your school or college should have a Clearing advisor who can provide you with support. You can also contact UCAS or the Whatuni website for help.

  • Remember that you are not alone. There are many other students who are going through Clearing each year. You are not the only one in this situation, and there is help available.

Conclusion


Clearing can be a daunting process, but it is a great way to find a university place if you have not met your offer or if you have changed your mind about what you want to study. By following the tips in this guide, you can increase your chances of getting a place through Clearing.


Remember, you are not alone in this process. There are many other students who are going through Clearing each year, and there is help available. So don't give up, and keep working hard to find the perfect university course for you.


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