Clearing
Results not what you hoped for? Here's what you need to know about the clearing process.
Clearing
Clearing is the system of filling spare places on courses once the A-level/Higher results have been announced. If you don't make the grades required for the courses you applied for, or your application was late, you can still get into university through clearing.
Clearing works by universities publishing details of their available spaces, and you applying. They are published online and in national newspapers. You don't want to commit to an unsuitable course or university just because you are panicking, so stay calm and take your time. Do your research and ideally go and visit potential universities.
Although you can informally be offered places from more than one university, you can only select one choice. You submit your choice through the UCAS website, and the university will confirm that it accepts it. Once you get a letter from UCAS, this means you've officially got a place at that university.
Can I use clearing?
If you have applied to university this academic year you will be able to use clearing as long as you have not withdrawn your application and one of the following applies to you. You have:
If, for whatever reason you don't gain a university place this year, it doesn't have to mean the end of the world.
- No offers
- Not got the grades for your offer
- Declined your offers or not responded by the due date
- Applied after 30 June
- If you only made a single choice on your original application, you can pay a further £10 and apply to other universities and colleges through clearing.
Where do I start?
The first thing to do is check whether you have still scraped a place, despite getting lower grades. This information can be found in the 'Track' section of your UCAS account. If you haven't been accepted, you will be given a clearing number that helps identify you to universities. Once you have this information you can start applying for places.
Clearing this year - what's changed?
Most students who haven't met the required grades or haven't been accepted to a university can often gain a place through clearing. But, as with last year, this summer may be difficult for thousands of applicants.
Right now, the competition for vacancies is fiercer than ever. The global economic crisis has led to increased numbers of potential students keen to acquire new skills and improve their employability. The available government funding can't cover the demand and universities are wary of financial penalties for over-filling their courses.
If, for whatever reason, you don't gain a university place this year, it doesn't have to mean the end of the world. Options may include taking a gap year or doing some volunteering and going to university next year. You could also consider an alternative to university, such as distance learning.
What's the situation in Scotland?
Despite record numbers of students being accepted by their choice of university this year, record numbers of students also passed their Highers, meaning competition for places is likely to be fierce. Universities Scotland, which represents university principals, is encouraging people who don't yet have a place to contact universities as quickly as possible. You can also find information here.
