The wait of thousands of hopeful teens is almost over as A-Level Results Day 2022 is upon us.
Everyone wants to get the grades they were expecting, that will get them into the course or university that's their first choice.
While some will be celebrating at getting exactly what they were hoping for, others may be disappointed with their results.
If you don't get the grades needed to get into the course you want straight away, you still have the option of going through UCAS clearing.
Here's everything you need to know about UCAS clearing including how it works and how you can apply.
What is Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is a way for universities to fill any places that might still be empty.
Clearing will run from July 5 to October 18 this year, and is available to anyone who has made a UCAS Undergraduate application and doesn’t hold any offers yet.
Courses in Clearing aren't just ones that nobody wants or at a lower ranking university.
There are many reasons these courses still have places and it's an opportunity for anyone who missed conditions or made a last minute change to their choice of university or course.
How clearing works
Students are able to go through Clearing if they missed out on a university place if:
- you’re applying after 30 June
- you didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept)
- you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers
- you've paid the multiple choice application fee of £26
- you’ve declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ button in Track
Hopefuls who didn't get a university place can search for a course against the subject they are interested in, or university they want to go to.
It means applicants have a second chance at getting into a university, while the universities can fill up empty spaces.
What is Clearing Plus?
Clearing Plus is designed in order to help you find the perfect option for you.
It is only available if you're unsuccessful with your application or are applying for the first time for a place in Clearing.
UCAS takes what they know about you, and the types of students various universities are looking for, and then suggest some courses you might like.
If you express interest in one of these courses, the university can contact you.
If you are unplaced or have started a new application, a button will appear in Track under "My Matches".
This will take you to your top 50 course matches, allowing you to indicate that you are "interested".
How to apply through Clearing
Before applying for a course through Clearing, you can ask an advisor at your school or college. They can chat you through the alternative subjects that may work for you.
Alternatively, you can use the UCAS search tool to look through the courses that have vacancies.
Remember, universities update their course information regularly, so it might be a good idea to check later if you can't find anything you like the sound of.
Before adding in a Clearing choice through the UCAS Track website, you need to call up the University and give them your Clearing number.
You can find this in Track. This is so they can look up your application.
You should then talk to the person about the course and ask if they will accept you.
Only add a Clearing choice once you have permission from the University or college.
To do this click Add Clearing Choice, and fill in the course details by the date the university gave you over the phone.
You can only add in one offer at a time, but if they aren't confirmed by the university you'll be able to add more.
Once your offer is accepted it will show as an acceptable on your "Choices" page in Track.
