Where can you get help if you need assistance with Clearing?
There are a few places you can reach out to for support:
- Ucas Helpline: You can call Ucas at 0371 468 0 468. They are really busy during this time of the year. While they won’t give advice on which courses to choose, they are excellent at answering questions about the technical aspects of Clearing or if you’re having any problems using Hub.
- Exam Results Helpline (ERH): If you want a neutral and knowledgeable helpline, you can call the Exam Results Helpline at 0808 100 8000. They are non-judgmental and offer assistance with your exam results. The helpline is open from 8am on results day.
If you have already applied to Ucas and have a question about your application, it’s best to contact the Ucas helpline. However, if you’re reconsidering your options based on the results you have received or haven’t achieved, it’s recommended to first reach out to the Exam Results Helpline.
Social media can also be a helpful resource:
- Twitter: You can follow the Ucas Twitter page (@Ucas_Online) to get the latest official updates and read posts from other students who are going through the same situation as you. The information is presented in short and concise messages.
- Facebook: Another option is to visit the Ucas Facebook page, where you can either post your question or send a private message for assistance.
What Is The Process?
On results day, the Clearing process can be quite busy. Here’s what you should expect and what you need to do:
- Check your Ucas Hub early in the morning to see the status of your applications. If you’re eligible for Clearing, it will indicate that and give you a Clearing number. You’ll need to provide this number when you contact universities.
- You can see on Ucas Hub if you’ve been accepted into your preferred universities or not, but it won’t show your grades. You’ll have to collect your grades separately.
- Stay calm and believe that things will work out. There are always alternative ways to achieve your goals in life.
- If you’re eligible for Clearing, you can start calling universities through their special Clearing phone lines. You can speak to an adviser or someone from the department of the course you’re interested in.
- You can also use the Ucas Clearing Plus tool on your Hub. It will suggest courses that match your profile. Simply log into Ucas Hub and click the “see matches” button on your application.
- Some universities may only ask for your grades and make a decision based on those. Others may ask a few questions about why you’re interested in the course, similar to a mini-interview. Read our complete guide on calling universities during Clearing, including what to do before, during, and after the call.
- This is also an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, such as checking the accommodation policy for Clearing applicants.
- If you’re in Clearing because you decided not to accept your firm place at a university, you’ll need to release that place using the “decline your place” button on your Hub. However, don’t do this until you’ve been offered an alternative place through Clearing. If you’re switching courses at the same university, avoid using the “decline your place” button as it will also cancel any accommodation or scholarship arrangements you’ve made.
How many universities can I apply to?
You can apply to as many universities as you want and get multiple offers over the phone. However, when it comes to adding a university as your final choice on your application portal, you can only select one through Clearing.
This means that you don’t have to stop applying after receiving your first offer. You can continue contacting other universities you’re interested in and try to get offers from them as well. Later on, you can decide which offer you want to accept.
But remember, don’t add a university as your final choice on the application portal until they make you an offer either by phone or email. If you end up getting rejected, you won’t be able to apply to other universities until the rejection is confirmed by Ucas.
Can universities accept lower grades during Clearing?
Some universities may accept lower grades, but not all of them. It depends on the subjects they offer, the availability of places, and whether there are specific requirements for a particular course.
Since getting into universities is very competitive, you should still aim to meet the entry requirements listed on the university’s website and prospectus. The only way to be certain is by contacting the university directly and asking them.
If you show enthusiasm for the course or have relevant work experience, they might be willing to accept you with lower grades. So, when talking to the admissions tutor, make sure to highlight your strengths and qualities.
Try not to compare yourself to others, and be open to the possibility of adapting and exploring other options through Clearing.
