Expert Opinion

Clearing 2014: Stay calm and make good decisions

As thousands of A-level students await their results tomorrow, Stewart Harper, Head of Student Admissions at Leeds Metropolitan University, offers advice to students who find themselves without a university place and will be looking to enter Clearing.
Published on 04 Aug 2014
Man in a suit smiling

If you find yourself without a university place when you receive your exam results don’t worry, you can choose to enter Clearing. Clearing (managed by UCAS) is the process of matching applicants without a university place to one of the university places still available.



Clearing is also available to those who already have their results, but who haven’t yet applied to university. In 2013 over 100,000 students entered Clearing so don’t worry, you are not alone.

Clearing can be a stressful and daunting process for both you as a student and for your parents.  It can seem like they are trying to interfere with your decision, however it’s important to remember that they are trying to offer advice and help you make the best decision for your future.  Due to Data Protection laws we can’t discuss your application with your parents, so it’s important for you to communicate clearly with them about your options.

Each year some applicants pass their exams with better results than expected. UCAS have introduced a scheme called ‘Adjustment’ for this purpose which you can access via your UCAS Track account. It provides an opportunity for you to reconsider where and what to study. At Leeds Metropolitan, we always have places available for exceptional candidates and would welcome your application so we’d always recommend talking to us.

Accommodation is guaranteed for all our new full-time undergraduate students and this year we are offering the chance for students and their parents to come and look around our University on Friday 15 & Saturday 16 August. Staff and Student Ambassadors will be on hand to show you around our campus, talk to you about Accommodation and Student Finance and answer questions about life at Leeds Metropolitan University.