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How to cope with clearing

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You’ve finally got those much awaited results, but you’ve missed your university offers. You may want to cry or hide from everyone, but put these plans on hold, as you still have a strong chance of securing a place on a course you really want to do at an amazing university.

  1. Do your research

Results day can be stressful, especially if things don’t always go to plan. If you feel that you haven’t got the results you needed then don’t worry, clearing may be the answer for you. The more research you do, the easier it’ll be on the day. Research courses and universities that you might be interested in if you don’t get the results you expect to meet your offers.

Decide on courses and universities that you would not like to attend, as this is often easier. What was important to you when you chose your original five choices? This will provide focus for your clearing. Remember you will be studying there for three, four or possibly five years so you need to be sure that you’re making the right decision.

  1. Check the UCAS website

On the morning of A Level results check the UCAS website, as these are the most up-to-date listings, before making any phone calls. Universities also publish clearing listings on their websites so check these out too!

  1. Find a quiet place to call universities

Find a comfortable and relaxing place with easy access to the internet and phone. The most convenient place will be at home and it’ll be quieter where you’ll have easy access to everything you need. Use a landline to make calls to universities, but remember to give your mobile number as a contact number. This way the phone won’t be engaged if they call you back!

  1. Have your UCAS information

Have the following information when you call prospective universities:

  • Your contact details
  • UCAS clearing number
  • A-Level, GCSE or equivalent grades and module marks
  1. Ask questions

Clearing interviews are your opportunity to see whether the university is right for you. Do some research and avoid asking questions which have been answered on the website.

University is one of the most important decisions of your life so you need to be in possession of all the facts before you commit to a university. Asking questions illustrates your enthusiasm, motivation and inquisitiveness: characteristics which academic tutors look for.

  1. Be flexible

If a first you don’t succeed try, try and try again. There is a course out there for you. You’ll be more successful if you consider similar courses to those you originally applied for.

Be persistent. The situation during clearing can change very quickly, no university wants empty spaces.

  1. Add your course by the allocated time

You are only able to start entering clearing choices after 5pm on results day. Furthermore, universities will give you a time period for which their offers are valid. You need to ensure that you make contact with the university so they can offer you a provisional space prior to making your choice for clearing. If you do not discuss it with the university in question, they may take time to reject you, affecting the progress of your application and wasting valuable time. You can only add one clearing choice at a time so make sure you really want to accept the university’s offer.

Above all, if you are unsure maybe consider taking a gap year. Whether you travel or retake your A Levels, you’ll be in a better position the following year. There’s no point in accumulating of thousands of pounds worth of debt for a subject you don’t really want to study.

Do you have more advice on how to cope with clearing? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo: UniversityBlogSpot / Flickr

Baljeet PanesarHow to cope with clearing

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