Clearing - the REAL guide
Getting into uni through clearing - the clearing process explained
What exactly is clearing?
If you have not got the grades for a university place at your first choice or insurance uni, you'll automatically be entered into clearing. It simply means you can apply for one of the thousands of university places still available, for various reasons - a different but perfectly valid way of getting a place at uni.
Am I eligible to get a university place through clearing?
If you have not got the grades for a university place at your first choice or insurance offer - yes.
If you did the get grades for your first choice or insurance offer but want to enter clearing and choose a different course - yes, but you'll have to contact the uni and wait for them to ‘free' you from their course. This can take quite a few days.
If you didn't accept any of the offers of a university place made to you when you first applied, or didn't get any offers - yes.
If you didn't originally apply to go to uni - yes, you'll be able to fill out a UCAS form for a university place through clearing. |
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How do I go about getting into uni through clearing?
Don't panic! Buy a newspaper to look at the clearing places available. The UCAS website will have information about getting into uni through clearing, but it may be a little slow because of the number of people using it. You might also find information about getting a place at uni through clearing on university websites.
Often, universities will ask you to contact them by phone, in which case you might want to have a couple of things written down or have a plan of what to say. (Like why you like the course and would do well on it.)
Clearing - what do I need?
In most cases, you'll automatically receive your clearing passport (a form you'll need to give to the university you decide to take a clearing place with), but you don't need to wait for it to arrive before you start contacting universities.
What's wrong with clearing places?
Nothing! Despite what people sometimes think, clearing places aren't the ones no one else wanted. They become available for several reasons - sometimes because there were less suitable applicants than available places, sometime because extra places were added to the courses halfway through the year and sometimes because it's a new course.
Clearing - can I still take a gap year?
If you originally wanted to defer your place and take a gap year, ask if your clearing place can be a deferred one. The chances are the university will say yes, as long as you've got an idea of why you want to take a gap year, what you're going to do and how it'll benefit you.
Clearing and gap years
Although universities are likely to agree to you deferring your clearing place, it might be worth waiting until the following year and reapplying from scratch. Why? Because you'll be able to choose from the full range of places, not just the clearing ones, and you'll know your grades. Plus, you might have firmed up your gap year plans by then and will be able to make your personal statement sound really impressive. How does this sound: ‘I'm currently working in a local supermarket to fund a 4-month placement in Ghana, where I'll take part in a programme to improve standards of education. My tasks there will include planning and giving English lessons and arranging extra curricular activities for children. I anticipate the placement will allow me to develop my leadership and communication skills, as well as doing something worthwhile and experiencing a new culture'?
By the end of your gap year, you could be a whole new person!
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