The UCAS Clearing process in the UK emerges as a crucial lifeline for students after A-level results are unveiled. With hopes and aspirations hanging in the balance, Clearing offers an opportunity to secure university places that may have eluded students during the initial application phase.
The process offers a lifeline of hope and opportunity to students who find themselves grappling with disappointing A-level grades.
Post A-level results, the emotional rollercoaster can be intense, but Clearing offers a fresh chance. Students can explore courses and institutions with available vacancies, giving them the possibility of securing a place that aligns with their academic pursuits. Resilience takes centre stage as applicants adapt swiftly, researching options and contacting universities directly.
Missing out on a preferred university due to grades isn’t the end of the road; it’s a detour that can lead to unforeseen opportunities. Through the Clearing process, students can find programmes they might not have initially considered. With determination and flexibility, they can emerge from setbacks stronger, armed with a newfound perspective on charting their educational journey.
UCAS Clearing for 2023, opened on 5 July and will remain so till 17 October 2023.
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.
UCAS Chief Executive Clare Merchant said: “Results day is right around the corner and is a big step for students. We expect that the majority of students who wish to go to university or college will secure one of their preferred choices. Whether students have received their predicted, better, or lower grades, there will be lots of options for those who would like to start university in the Autumn, with around 28,000 courses on offer in Clearing this year.
“Clearing is a chance for any student to re-evaluate their choice and is used by students with all manner of grades, not just those who didn’t get the results they were expecting. With more pathways available including apprenticeships and greater competition for the most selective courses at the most selective institutions, we are advising students to plan ahead of results day. Every year we suggest that students do their research ahead of results day, so they are aware of all their options, across both undergraduate degrees and apprenticeships.
With Universities opening up for clearing, administrations all across have reached out to students, asking them not to panic.
The message from administration staff at University of Bradford is: ‘Don’t panic. Come and talk to us.’
Claire Pryke, Admissions Lead at the University, said: “Students may choose to apply for courses through Clearing for a variety of reasons. Some may not have received the grades they needed and may be looking for different options or want some advice on next steps. Others may have done better. Some may just want to change their minds about the university or course they want. The simple message is: if you are interested in applying through Clearing, just come and have a conversation with us on 0808 196 9129.”
Rubi Dinu Zamfir, who just completed her second year for LLB with Business Management, had joined Bradford University through a clearing process.
She said: “I applied for my course through Clearing and it was such a simple and quick process. It only took a couple of weeks from applying to starting the course, which was brilliant.
“I think Clearing is a great route for many, as it takes the pressure off and gives you more time to decide which course you want to study. My advice to anyone thinking of applying through Clearing is to take your time and really focus on the type of course you want to do.”
Sophia Milnes, Leeds Trinity University’s Head of Student Recruitment said: “When it comes to applying for a course, there are a few things you can do to make the Clearing process easier. The first is to be prepared by researching the courses available at your chosen university in advance of results day so you know what subject you want to study. Then, once you have your results, make sure you have your UCAS ID and qualifications to hand before calling, ideally in a nice, quiet spot, to discuss your application.
“While on that call, I encourage you to ask questions about the course you are applying for and life at the university you will be attending. Starting university is a significant, life-changing decision so it is important that you are making a choice that best suits you and will allow you to thrive.
“Once happy that you have found the right options and have received a verbal offer, the next step is to log in to UCAS, add your Clearing choice and wait for confirmation of your place. After that, your new university will be in touch to inform you of the next steps.”
