How Clearing works - officially
Clearing isn’t the only option. Consider taking a year out and reapplying. The plus side of this is a chance to get some work and life experience – and chances are your first choice might take you next year on the grades you do have.
However, if it’s important to get a place this year, the minute you think you might need to go through Clearing, it’s time to get active.
A list of what places are left where appears on Ceefax, in The Independent and on the UCAS website. The Guardian also has an unofficial list.
Before getting in touch, check out everything you can about any universities that have got any interesting-looking vacancies. There may be a good reason why they haven’t been able to fill their courses. Get advice from anyone and everyone.
Pretty soon, UCAS will send you a bit of paper called a Clearing Passport. Once filled in and returned to UCAS, this form will let them know you’ve got a place through Clearing. However, it’s not an application form. Nor will it allow you to leave the country.
Check they haven’t arsed up your details and scribble down the Clearing Number (CN), as well as your original UCAS application number.
Start pestering the people at the courses you want in the universities you like, either on the phone or by email. Have those numbers (CN and UCAS number) to hand. They’ll ask for them.
Supposedly, candidates should meet the minimum requirements for their chosen course – or can at least claim that they don’t apply to them.
If you’re away on holiday when the results are published, you’re going to be late to the party – and this is the kind of party that gets dull once the twiglets are gone.
Don’t jump at the first place you’re offered. When an offer is made, make sure you write down who made it. Then send the Clearing Passport by registered post or drop it in personally. (Take a look at How to make Clearing work for you for more tips on handing over the Clearing Passport).
Even during Clearing, some courses still expect you to come for an interview, but not many. If you do go, take the Clearing Passport (and some home-baked cakes for the interviewer – be sure to avoid slipping anything subversive into the recipe).
Last updated on: 11 August 2008