7 Things You Might Not Know About Clearing

Clearing is an essential process for many students after receiving their A-level results, but there are a few details about it that even seasoned applicants might not realise. If you're unfamiliar with the Clearing process, be sure to check out our complete guide, but here are seven key things you might not know:

7 Things You Might Not Know About Clearing

1. You ust Inform Your Firm Choice University First If you decide you no longer want to accept your firm choice university, it’s important to call them ASAP. You cannot be released into Clearing until you’ve discussed your situation with them.

2. You Might Still Be Considered, Even If Your Results Are Below Expectations: If your results are lower than expected but you haven’t received a confirmed Clearing status on Track, it’s worth reaching out to the university. They may still be considering your application, despite your results being slightly lower than the entry requirements.

3. Thorough Research Is Key Before jumping into Clearing, take the time to research the universities you’re interested in. Websites like Whatuni offer impartial reviews from students, which can give you a deeper insight into the university beyond its official marketing materials.

4. Get Your Offer in Writing if a university offers you a verbal offer during your call, it’s best practice to request an email confirmation. This ensures clarity and prevents any potential confusion down the line.

5. Don’t Add a Clearing Choice Before Speaking to the University It’s important to speak with the university before adding them as a choice on UCAS Track. Adding them before having a conversation could delay the whole process.

6. You Can Access Your Acceptance Letter on Track Once you secure a place, you can view and print your acceptance letter through UCAS Track. This will be useful not only for your own peace of mind but also for opening a student bank account or booking your student accommodation.

7. UCAS Direct Contact Service Might Be the Key to Unexpected Opportunities UCAS has introduced a Direct Contact Service for Clearing, allowing universities and colleges to contact you directly with offers. Be prepared to answer calls at any moment, as this could present opportunities you may not have initially considered.

Clearing can seem overwhelming, but by keeping these tips in mind, you can navigate the process more effectively and increase your chances of finding the right course for you.