Clearing has grown exponentially in the last few years. Each year, clearing generally runs from the beginning of July to the end of October.  A-level results (England & Wales) are released around mid-August, which is when students using clearing need to be ready.

Clearing is for you if:

• You are applying for university for this year late on
• You didn’t receive any offers (or ones you wanted to accept)
• You don’t get the results you need to get into your choice of course

If you changed your mind, you can use Adjustment or decline your place.

It is vital that YOU ARE PREPARED. Get yourself organised in advance of the A-level results by following our handy clearing tips.

How Use Clearing To Your Advantage

1. If you haven’t already, you need to register to make an application. UCAS will then send you an email and access to Track and your Clearing number.
2. Solicit advice. Ask around for advice at home and from your school/college advisor who should be able to give you some ideas about courses/subjects.
3. Don’t wait for results day. Be prepared by searching UCAS to find other courses. Some students prepare a hierarchy of choices based on possible results. For example, if their first choice required A*AA, they might list courses that require AAA, AAB and ABB. In other words, they’ve done a lot of the thinking before they get their results. Remember, you don’t necessarily have to go with your first idea, you might like to explore alternative subjects or joint honours courses so you can study a mix of subjects.
4. Keep checking universities. Universities may update their course information before or after results day. Some might get vacancies later on in the clearing process.
5. Refresh your personal statement. Dig out your personal statement. You might want to finesse it to make sure it’s relevant if you need to submit it to another course during clearing.
6. On results day, breathe. If you didn’t get the results you wanted, it’s disappointing but it’s really not the end of the world. Get your head clear. Plan your phone calls and settle in for a busy day.
7. Be prepared for a mini telephone interview. Have your Clearing Number and ID to hand. Be polite and able to discuss your reasons for choosing the course and importantly why you are interested and committed to the course. Your personal statement can be really useful as a prompt when you contact universities to enquire about applying for your chosen course.
8. Get multiple offers. You don’t have to restrict yourself to only one offer. Look for several informal offers and choose from these.
9. Add your choice to Track. This counts as you definitely accepting the offer. If the university checks, it will show as an acceptance on your Choices page. You can only add one choice at a time but if the university doesn’t confirm you will be able to add another.
10. Find your accommodation. If you have already booked accommodation and have to change it, make sure you are aware of the terms and conditions. Abodus is fresher-friendly and we offer a 72-hour period when you can stop your booking if you send us the required documentation. Likewise, if you like the look of, say, one of our student flats in Leeds, Newcastle, or Brighton, get in touch with us to check if there are still rooms available.

Be prepared for some busy days in August. By pre-empting what you want to achieve and prioritising your choices, you’ll significantly increase your chances of having a successful clearing.