How to secure a place at university through Clearing

Clearing is a lifeline for students who didn't quite hit their A-level targets or, like me, had a change of heart about their university choices. It's basically a process where universities fill their remaining course places. If you're without an offer and places are still up for grabs, you can dive into Clearing . Trust me, it's a brilliant chance to land a spot on a course that suits you, even after the main application rush.

How to prep like a pro

Do your homework:

Before Results Day, I made a list of unis and courses I fancied. I gathered all my important documents - test scores, personal statement, and reference letters. I even pre-registered for Clearing support to get a head start on info and help.

Learn from others:

My own experience taught me a lot. I was after a course that valued coursework over exams. A friend suggested Beckett, and it quickly became my top pick. Initially, I had my heart set on London, but after some digging on UCAS, I realised Leeds Beckett was a better fit. The course modules were right up my street and matched my academic goals perfectly. Despite falling short of the required points, they took me on as a mature student.

Surviving Results Day

Keep your cool:

Staying calm on Results Day is key. I managed my stress by surrounding myself with positive people and staying focused. Even though I had offers from my top five UCAS choices, I felt a strong pull towards Leeds Beckett. I prepared for all outcomes and rang Beckett about a place in Clearing as soon as I got my results.

Making the most of uni resources

Chat it up:

I used university hotlines, websites, and went to Open Days to get all the information I needed to help me with my decision making. I asked about courses, accommodation, and student support. Clear communication with university staff is crucial; be direct and go prepared with questions. As someone once told me, "If you don't ask, you don't get." I took the initiative to contact unis to make sure I was making the right choice and even chatted with current students for their take.

Keeping your options open

Be flexible:

Being open to different courses and universities is important during Clearing. I initially planned to study in London, but after exploring options on UCAS, I discovered that Leeds Beckett offered a course that better suited my goals. While London was my first choice, Leeds offered a welcoming community and resources that were a better fit for me – if I hadn’t been open minded, I would have never considered it.

Making the big decision

Act fast, but don’t rush:

Quick decision-making is crucial, courses can fill up with people . But you don’t need to make hasty decisions – after getting multiple offers and meeting their requirements, I compared each one carefully. My positive experience at a Leeds Beckett Open Day sealed the deal for me. Once you've made your choice, confirm your place quickly on UCAS Hub and start sorting out things like accommodation and preparing for the term ahead.

Wrapping up