Going through the university clearing process can be a daunting and stressful prospect.
Each year, UCAS is inundated with thousands of university hopefuls who either did not get the grades they were predicted or who were not offered a place. But don’t panic. Our clearing flow chart guides you through the steps you need to take to secure a place to study.
This, together with our top tips, will ensure you have the best chance of becoming a student at the university which most suits you.
1. If you only marginally missed getting the grades, check UCAS Track before ringing. Your university may still accept you, meaning you won't have to go through clearing.
2. Always ring yourself. Universities will not be impressed if someone else rings on your behalf (unless there is a reasonable excuse).
3. Don't give up if you can’t get through at first. Universities will be dealing with large amounts of calls so keep trying and send an email instead so you increase your chance of getting a reply.
4. Some universities may have spaces even if they are not advertised on the internet. It is always worth ringing up speculatively to ask. Remember places fill up very quickly, often within hours of results being released, so it is important to contact the university as soon as possible.
5. Don’t feel obligated or pressurised into accepting an offer. Think carefully before making your choice. Universities won’t expect you to give them a decision straight away.
6. Ask if you can look round the university before accepting your offer. This is where you will be spending at least three years of your life. You need to make sure this is the right place for you. The majority of universities are happy to hold the offer open until you have visited the university, as long as this is within a reasonable time frame.
7 Don't be afraid to ask if they can defer your place if you decide to take a gap year.
8. Make sure you have all the relevant paperwork to hand before making the call.
9. Don't be embarrassed to keep asking for advice. Talk to your parents, teachers or careers advisor; they will probably be able to help.
10. Consider your options. Don't just go for the sake of it. If you didn't get into your top choice, think about taking a year out to resit your A-levels.