Clearing is a process that takes place in August on results day when thousands of A level students scramble for spare clearing places on courses at universities and colleges. Students can be trying to get a place through clearing for a number of reasons;

More than 30,000 people gain a place clearing courses every year, so it's a seriously useful option for getting to university.

When it comes to clearing though, it helps to be prepared. Know which courses and which uni's you're aiming for so you can get on the phone early and get that clearing place before someone else snaps it up. Also if you haven't found out whether you'll be happy with that course and that uni then you could be wasting precious clearing time that you could've spent calling up somewhere more suitable. When clearing starts you need to have a good knowledge of the clearing courses and clearing universities that you'll ultimately be happy with and those clearing places that just aren't for you.

Whatuni is a great place to start drawing up your clearing courses and clearing universities list and could well make the difference between a great clearing day and a disappointing one.