Achieving your goal grades to get your place on the course and at the University of your choice is stressful in any year but with the added chaos and confusion of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, many may have found it even harder to achieve the grades that they needed. Luckily, it is often possible to secure a place on a suitable course through universities’ clearing process. So, how does this work?
What is Clearing?
Clearing is the process that universities and colleges use to fill any spaces that they may still have on their courses following the initial offers stage. The process allows students that – for whatever reason – have not secured a place on the course of their choice. This may be because you haven’t achieved the necessary grades for your conditional offers, you haven’t received any offers, or you are applying after 30 June.
Prospective students can apply through the clearing process for any courses between 5 July and 19 October.
How do you apply through clearing?
If you are thinking of applying for a course through clearing, you should be able to get some advice from staff at your school or college. Alternatively, you can contact your chosen university directly or find out more about the process at ucas.com.
For many students, applying for courses through the clearing process can open up a number of other options that they may not have originally considered. For example, you are not restricted to applying for the same course as your original option. It is even possible to be accepted onto the course you originally applied for. It is a good idea to get in touch with your chosen university to let them know your clearing number so they can easily find your application for reconsideration!
If you have your set on a particular course at a specific university, but it is full – keep checking! While the course may be full now, this can – and often does – change before application deadlines.
So, if you are feeling down because you haven’t been offered a place on the course you want – don’t! Clearing offers a whole world of possibilities, whether you end up on the course you originally wanted or find something completely different!
