Universities run Clearing hotlines on results day and for some time afterwards – you’ll find the telephone numbers on their websites.
They’ll ask for your grades and your Ucas number when you call, so have them handy. If they think there might be a place for you they will usually put you through to a tutor so you can find out more, or offer to ring you back.
The helplines are manned by students – some of whom will have been through Clearing themselves – and staff who are trained to be kind and helpful.
“We understand it might seem daunting to phone up a university, but remember we are here to help,” says Jo Ladwa, Keele University’s head of planning.
Sometimes you will be offered a place on the spot. If you want time to decide, they will usually give you 12 or 24 hours to think it through. At other times, they may be still juggling numbers and will let you know by phone or email. That’s why it’s a good idea to have two telephones on the day, so you can keep one line clear for for people to phone you back.
Make notes on conversations you have and make sure you write down the names of the universities and the people you speak to.
You have to move fast, as vacancies get snapped up but, on the other hand, you need to give yourself time to think. Pamela Miller, assistant principal of Prior Pursglove, a sixth-form college in Guisborough, north-east England, says Clearing has changed. “Four or five years ago students were finding it quite difficult if they missed the grades. Now we have a number of universities actively chasing them – and not just those with very high grades,” she says.
“When you phone a Clearing helpline you may get put through to the admissions tutor for the course and be asked all sorts of questions, so think about what you might get asked and how you would respond,” she adds. Remember to re-read your personal statement, as you may be asked about it.
Making a Clearing call – your questions answered
What should I do before I phone?
Search Ucas for specific courses vacancies, and look at university websites.
“Check the university’s Clearing page for up-to-date information on spaces, which may change throughout the day,” says Erin McLeod, assistant registrar, business faculty, the University of Surrey.
Print out your personal statement and re-read it several times to make sure you’re happy with it. Have pen and paper, your GCSE and A-level results, Ucas tariff, and Ucas number handy. “It’s amazing how many students don’t,” says one admissions tutor.
Can my mum or teacher ring?
No, it must be you.
Will I get straight through?
Lines are often busy – call back rather than holding to save time.
Will they interview me?
Maybe. Some students are offered a place on the spot, others have an informal interview. Jot down in advance what you like about the subject and why you want to study it at university; academics want to know you’re interested and committed.
What should I ask?
You can ask how a particular course is taught, and how you’ll be tested – and you can also ask about what life at the university is like. “Ask about halls of residence, student life, clubs and societies and so on,” says Carys Roberts, head of student recruitment at Bangor University. “We’re happy to answer, because this could be the most influential factor for you.”
What if I cry?
Staff are gentle and used to dealing with emotional students. They will be able to advise you and steer you in the right direction.
And if I need more help?
Take a look at the question-and-answer session with experts which runs live on Guardian Students on results day from 1-3pm.
What next?
Make sure you’re clear what you need to do if offered a place, and get ready to visit if you can before you accept it. Then start finding out about accommodation and your student loan.
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