As A-level results day approaches, hundreds of thousands of students are eagerly awaiting the outcome of their hard work over the past two years. For those who have applied to university, these results will determine whether they have secured their preferred choice, an insurance choice, or if they need to explore other options.
One of the key options available to students who may not have received the grades they were hoping for is clearing. This process allows students to secure a place on a university course that still has vacancies, even if they did not meet the conditions of their initial offer or did not receive any offers at all. With over 30,000 courses available through clearing, there are plenty of opportunities for students to find a suitable option that aligns with their interests and goals.
A-level results day for this year is set for Thursday, August 15th. Results can be picked up from schools and further education colleges starting at 8am, although specific times may vary. If students find themselves with grades that were not what they expected, there are several options available to them. Speaking to a teacher or adviser is recommended to explore next steps, but students can also consider appealing their grades, applying through clearing, exploring apprenticeships, or taking a gap year.
Clearing, which runs from July 8th to October 18th, is a process that matches applicants to university spots that have not been filled yet. It is available to anyone who has applied through the Ucas Undergraduate application and does not have any offers. Courses available through clearing are not just leftover options, but rather opportunities for students who may have missed their conditions or had a change of heart about their chosen course or university.
To use clearing, students can start by checking for vacancies on the Ucas website and contacting universities directly to inquire about available spots and entry requirements. If offered a place, students can add the clearing choice to their application and potentially add more choices if needed. It is important to have all necessary information on hand when contacting universities, including Ucas ID number, course preferences, and grades achieved.
Guidance from universities like the University of Sussex advises students to prepare in advance, check entry requirements, have important information ready, take notes during conversations, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. By following these steps and being proactive in their approach, students can increase their chances of securing a place through clearing and continuing their educational journey.