UCAS

Clearing Up UCAS: Your Guide to Surviving A-Level Results Day!

Don't panic! Here's everything you need to know about UCAS Clearing this year, from dates to application tips!

UCAS Clearing is the lifebuoy for thousands of students who find themselves in a bit of a pickle on A-Level results day. As the sun rises on this eagerly anticipated day, many hopeful students are glued to their phone screens, praying for grades that unlock their dream university door. But if the results aren’t what you expected, fear not! Clearing is here to rescue you. It opens up spaces at various universities for courses that still have vacancies, giving you another shot at securing a spot in higher education. This service is available for anyone who applied via UCAS and doesn’t currently hold any offers. Essentially, if you didn’t quite hit the mark for your first-choice uni or if all of this has caught you unprepared, Clearing could be your best friend.

But how do you even start? Timings are crucial, as the Clearing process has specific opening and closing dates. This year, many students will find themselves entering Clearing right after they receive their A-Level results, so it’s important to be ready and vigilant! The first step is to keep an eye on your UCAS Track. After results day, the system updates allow you to see any available courses at universities desperate to fill spots. Get that phone charged and start dialling! Be prepared for some rapid-fire conversations because popular courses will get snapped up in the blink of an eye!

For those feeling a tad anxious about the results, it’s good to know that students in Wales and Northern Ireland are looking at grade predictions returning to 2019 levels this year. Education experts urge you to have a strategy in place; know what universities you’d be interested in, and don't hesitate to check out alternative courses within your field of interest. Clearing not only opens doors but also encourages students to consider universities and courses they may not have thought of originally, potentially leading to exciting new opportunities. Just remember, it’s not just about the name of the university—it’s about the experience!

In addition to planning ahead, checking UCAS’s official updates is key. They’re known for issuing vital warnings regarding this process. Missing the boat on Clearing can mean losing out on a university place altogether. Don't let that happen! The more informed you are, the better prepared you will be come results day. And remember, while every student hopes for the fairy-tale acceptance from their first choice university, UCAS Clearing is just one of many paths that can lead you to a fulfilling education and career.

Fun fact: Did you know that last year, more than 47,000 applicants found themselves places through the UCAS Clearing process? It’s a lifesaver for many and a chance for universities to attract new talent. And here’s another nugget—over 90% of students who enter clearing actually secure a university place! So rest easy! Clearing isn't the end of the world; in fact, it might just be the beginning of something spectacular!