Every year tens of thousands of students go through clearing on A-level results day to find a place at university, but there is still widespread confusion about how the process actually works.
Research shows almost 50% of students do not know how to gain a place at university through clearing, while nearly 90% are unaware you can use clearing to apply to a different university if you get better grades than predicted.
A mere 3% of students knew universities can accept an unlimited number of students with A-level grades of AAB or higher, after the application process was altered last year.
For more information visit our dedicated clearing section or head over to ucas.com
The survey, conducted by London South Bank University (LSBU) and The Student Room (TSR), also found 12% of students believe they should only start planning for clearing on results day - meaning many will be left unprepared.
Lynn Grimes, director of student recruitment at London South Bank University, says: “Clearing can be a very nerve-wracking process, and the myths and confusion that surround it only add to this anxiety.
"It’s ok to change your mind about your career choices because we do it throughout our lives and plan B (or C, or D…) is no bad thing.
"Clearing gives you the opportunity to change your mind about what you thought you wanted – and also presents a positive opportunity if changing your mind is forced upon you i.e. you don’t get the grades for your first or perhaps your insurance choice."